Welcome to another powerful episode of the RUStrong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define what it means to lead with grit, heart, and resilience, on and off the field.

Today, we tee it up with Oliver Whatley, a former college golfer whose journey proves that talent alone doesn't earn the win, discipline, mindset, and the will to outwork everyone around you does.

Oliver grew up with a passion for the game and the belief that golf would naturally take care of his college future. But he quickly realized that without intentional effort, consistent practice, and total commitment to the process, the path gets rocky. With incredibly supportive parents by his side, Oliver learned to put in the work, every day, and push himself to make a lasting impact. Not by chasing outcomes, but by focusing on what he could control: his mindset, hishabits, and his growth.

He talks about learning how to learn before you learn to win, and why appreciating the small victories, staying coachable, and being vulnerable enough to receive feedback werethe keys to unlocking his full potential. Oliver reminds us that mistakes are part of the game, and that acknowledging your weaknesses can make you stronger.

This episode is about the discipline to say no, the willpower to stay focused, and the presence to love the game, even through the struggles. Because showing up isn’t enough. You must grind. You must grow. And above all, you must put in the work.

Let’s dive in. This is Oliver Whatley. This is RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, the show where resilience meets purpose, and athletes share the real, raw stories behind their strength.

I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest isproof that mental grit and belief in yourself can overcome any obstacle, even in the quiet, high-pressure world of college golf.

Joining us is Morgan Smith, a standout college golfer whose journey wasn’t always smooth. Recruited out of high school in a sport where leaderboards can define your worth, Morgan battled comparison, self-doubt, andthe pressure to measure up. But instead of folding, she chose to trust her game, ride the wave, and remind herself that confidence is a choice.

Morgan is the kind of athlete who embraces the grind,who does the hard things every single day, even when no one’s watching. From mastering time management and setting a structured routine, to staying groundedin family and focused on the future she wants to build, Morgan shows us that pressure is a privilege, and greatnessis found in showing up and doing what others won’t.

She’s not just a golfer. She’s a fighter. Aleader. A gritty example of what it means to be who you are, love what you do, and believe in yourself,because if you don’t, who will?

Get ready for a conversation that will inspireyou to take control of your destiny, trust your work, and never doubt your abilities.

This is the story of Morgan Smith and this is RU Strong.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we highlight the incredible journeys of athletes who have faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger.

I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today we’re joined by Gavin Stellpflug, a former Rutgers University Baseball player, whose story embodies the power of resilience, humility, and intentional growth.

Gavin’s message is all about staying groundedand embracing the journey, don’t obsess over perfection, don’t stray from the process, and be okay withwhere your feet are. He’s learned that failure is part of the experience, and that’s where true growth happens. It’s not about trying to be perfect; it’s about being intentional in everything you do.

From respecting others and learning from those who’ve walked the path before you, to helping those who are down, Gavin understands the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and finding value in others. Hereminds us to prepare for the moment, to set ourselves up to be the best version of who we are, and to enjoythe ride.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Gavin’s perspective on leadership, empathy, and self-improvement has shaped his journey as an athlete and as a person. He’ll share how he’s learned to embrace failure, stay humble, and be a leader and role model in every aspect of his life.

It’s time to get inspired, stay tuned, because this episode of the RU Strong Podcast is one you won’t wantto miss.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of elite athletes who redefine resilience, discipline, and purpose, on and off the field.

I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we’re joined by a truewarrior in the world of lacrosse, Joe Nardella. A proud Rutgers University alum and current professional lacrosse standout, Joe’s story is about more than just athletic talent, it’s about relentless discipline, a drive to do things right, and the mindset to treat his sport like a full-time job.

Joe believes in a world where nothing is given, and everything is earned. From early mornings to late nights, from injuries to victories, he’s learned to manage time, prepare like a pro, and outworked everyone next to him. He’s not just a player, he’s a difference maker, someone who sets the tone, resets his mind, and commits daily to mastering his craft.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Joe fights through the pain, finds purpose bigger than himself, and never forgets to appreciate the little things, have fun, and surrounds himself with good people. Whether it’s extra reps, trusting the process, or finding a way to get it done when the odds are stacked against him, Joe lives the words: “Earn your spot every day, because the best do that every day.”

If you’re looking for motivation, a blueprint for success, or just a reminder to challenge yourself and take care of what matters most, this one’s for you.

Let’s go, this is the RU Strong Podcast!

https://youtu.be/zx_wR6kWPR8

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where grit meets growth, and life’s toughest plays become the foundation for something greater. I’m your host, Jeff Durr.

Today’s episode features a man who embodies perseverance, preparation, and purpose Justin “JB” Brashear. JB is a walking example of what it means to lock in, hone your craft, and become the best version of yourself, no matter the circumstance. From the moment he stepped onto a college campus as a freshman, he was thrown into the fire and instead of backing down, he learned how to be a man, how to help the team win, and how to prepare for life beyond the game.

He didn’t rely on luck though he’ll be the first to say he was grateful for great coaches. He relied on discipline, accountability, and the mindset that you get to choose your hard. He didn’t run from adversity he embraced it, letting it shape his patience, resilience, and drive.

In this conversation, JB dives deep into the parable between sports and life, how being mentally locked in, staying ready, and never forgetting how you got here can help you stay on course, even when the path is uncertain. He’ll remind us that the grass is greener where you water it, and that to win, you can’t transfer blame you must own your effort, your standard, and your outcome.

Whether it’s game day or a day in real life, JB lives by a powerful equation: Trust equals time equals effort. You must show up. You must do what you said you were going to do. And when the opportunity comes, you better be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So, tune in as we uncover the mindset of a man who hates to lose, refuses to be outworked, and is building a legacy rooted in value, purpose, and preparation.

This is more than a story, it’s a blueprint.
This is the RU Strong Podcast. Let’s get into it.

https://youtu.be/feZYVLTKU5o

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the mindset, heart, and hustle of athletes who live with purpose, push past adversity, and pursue greatness in everything they do. I’m your host, Jeff Durr and today’s guest is the embodiment of what it means to build from the groundup.

On this episode, we’re joined by Xavier Marcoux a competitor whose journey is fueled by a relentless work ethic, unshakable focus, and the kind of discipline that only comes from knowing exactly what you want in the future.With the unwavering support of his parents and a mindset grounded in humility, Xavier didn’t just talk about the grind—he lived it. From starting at the bottom to climbing to the top, he committed to getting better every single day.

He’s the type of guy who throws himself into the deep end and finds a way to swim. He understands that confidence isn’t given, it’s earned by doing the work when no one’s watching. Xavier’s story reminds us that success is about consistency, structure, and being willing to say no to distractions and yes to your priorities.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of being coachable, staying within your routines, taking care of your mental health, and accepting that being human doesn’t make you weak, it makes you real. Xavier shares how good people skills, surrounding yourself with the right teammates, and focusing on the details can make all the difference.

Whether you're in the middle of your career or approaching your final round, Xavier’s perspective will help you appreciate every chapter of life and remind you that there’s always light at the end of the round. Because at the end of the day, a winner is just a loser that never quits.

So, let’s jump in, talk about staying locked in on your North Star, and learn how to make your mindset stronger through practice.

This is one you don’t want to miss.

https://youtu.be/HUYPxr1JXW0

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr , where resilience meets opportunity and strength is forged through adversity.

Today’s guest is the definition of reinvention and resilience — former standout college football player turned rising sports media entrepreneur, Adam Breneman.

Adam’s journey reminds us that in life, you’re going to face adversity. It’s not about avoiding the tough moments; it’s about how you handle them. It’s about learning who you truly are and maybe even more importantly,who you don’t want to be.

Adam has redefined himself, invested in his team, and built an ecosystem centered around transparency, communication, and showing people, you care. He’slearned not to get intoxicated with the college football recruiting process, not to listen to the noise, and to take ownership, telling people what they needto hear, not just what they want to hear.

On today’s episode, we dive deep into the power of your content, the importance of surrounding yourself with great people, and why no one is thinking about you as much as you think they are so you might as well take chances, get at-bats, have fun, and stay consistent.

From turning negatives into positives to overcoming adversity with pride, Adam’s story is a masterclass in building a life of purpose beyond the spotlight.

Get ready, this conversation will challenge you to invest in yourself, believe in your vision, and most of all, stay

RU Strong.

https://youtu.be/fztMeVDnIyY

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the mindset, discipline, and heart it takes to succeed, not just in sports, but in life.

Today, I’m excited to welcome a special guest, former Florida State standout quarterback, first-round NFL draft pick, and lifelong student of the game, Christian Ponder.

Football is in Christian’s DNA. Following in the footsteps of his father, who also played at Florida State, Christian learned early on that success isn’t just about talent, it's about how you respond when things get tough.

In this episode, Christian shares powerful lessons about watching what’s correctible, owning your mental mistakes, and playing every down with confidence. He reminds us that in sports, and in life, you have to control what you can control, put in the work, and be honest with yourself.

Christian talks about the importance of targeted effort, preparation, and finding mentors who push you to be better. He'll tell you straight: great work ethic, a great attitude, coachability, grit, and a relentless drive are non-negotiables if you want to overcome adversity and avoid the trap of playing small.

We’ll dive into self-reflection, self-accountability, andthe critical question: What is your purpose after sports?
Christian’s insights on identity, structure, routine, community, and taking initiative will challenge you to raise your standards and find fulfillment and enjoyment beyond the field.

He reminds us that you are a product of your environment, but you also have the power to create the impact you want to make.

No artificial ceilings. No excuses. Just a relentless pursuit of the life you're meant to live.

Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and motivated to own your journey, because RU Strong is more than a slogan.

It’s a way of life.