Unrivaled Excellence: A Chat with Ivy League Commissioner Robin Harris

In this episode of the Mixed Doubles podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe-Macaulay sit down with Robin Harris, the executive director of the Ivy League. With backgrounds as former Division I Ivy League student-athletes and employees in professional sports, Maggie and Josh explore Robin's career, impact, and vision for the Ivy League. The conversation delves into the unique characteristics and values of the Ivy League, including the focus on balancing academics with athletics, health and safety initiatives, and the implications of recent developments such as NIL and the House vs. NCAA settlement. The episode also highlights the Ivy League's media rights deal with ESPN and the ongoing commitment to providing a holistic student-athlete experience. Robin shares her insights on the evolution of the league, her career journey, and the broader landscape of college athletics. The episode closes with reflections from Maggie and Josh on their personal experiences as Ivy League athletes. 02:42 Robin Harris' Career Journey 10:13 Balancing Academics and Athletics in the Ivy League 15:20 Football in the Ivy League and FCS Playoffs 21:38 NIL and the Ivy League's Stance 28:36 Media Rights and Future of Ivy League Broadcasting 35:08 Columbia Football and Ivy League Success 36:47 Ivy League's Commitment to Social Issues 38:06 Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic 40:06 Core Values of the Ivy League 41:31 The Unrivaled Ivy League Experience 46:58 The Debrief 55:29 Upcoming Episode Teaser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices