In this episode of Little Giants Radio, head tennis coach Leah Hale discusses the upcoming 2025 season, highlighting the impressive turnout at tryouts and the importance of off-season training. She emphasizes the mental aspects of tennis, the significance of building trust and inclusivity within the team, and her coaching philosophy that prioritizes life skills alongside athletic development. The conversation also touches on the energy dynamics within the team and the benefits of a no-cut program, ultimately fostering a supportive and competitive environment for all players.

Follow all things Waynesboro High School Little Giants Girl's Tennis on social media by following @GiantsTennis on Instagram

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: ⁠⁠⁠smoothathletics.com⁠⁠⁠
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In this episode, we sit down with Megan Collier—coach, mom of four, and the heart behind the Augusta Wolves Lacrosse Club. From her days as a D1 athlete at The Ohio State University to building a community-first lacrosse program in the Augusta County area, Megan shares her passion for creating opportunities where none existed.

We dive into how the Wolves are opening doors for homeschoolers, private school students, and young athletes of all backgrounds—while breaking down barriers like Virginia’s controversial Tim Tebow Law. Plus, find out why lacrosse might just be the perfect sport for kids of every size, skill level, and competitive spirit. 🥍💚

If you’re a parent, coach, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play and get inspired by the power of community, sports, and the people making it happen right here in the Shenandoah Valley.

Take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more listeners discover these powerful stories!

Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley? Interested in advertising on Shenandoah Valley Sports Network's Little Giants Radio? Email us at: ⁠⁠advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com⁠⁠.

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: ⁠⁠smoothathletics.com⁠⁠
• NKD Towing: ⁠⁠nkdtowing.com

Cesar Ruiz joins Little Giants Radio Host, John Fairbanks, for Part 2 of their conversation. On this episode, we explore the incredible journey that led him from college football dreams to military service and finally to becoming a restaurant owner and entrepreneur.

Hear about his battles with self-doubt, the lessons he learned from his military training, and how cooking became both his therapy and his purpose. This is a story about resilience, finding one’s identity, and chasing dreams with unrelenting passion. Plus, learn how family, community, and sheer determination can fuel a small business to extraordinary heights.

📍 China's Cocina: 2284 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, VA
🌮 Try the best Birria in the state and hear the story behind it!

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more listeners discover these powerful stories!

Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley? Interested in advertising on Little Giants Radio? Email us at: ⁠advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com⁠.

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: ⁠smoothathletics.com⁠
• NKD Towing: ⁠nkdtowing.com

Building Strength and Spirit: Waynesboro High School Cross-Country’s Journey to States

In this episode, host John Fairbanks sits down with Coach Julie Stevens and several state-bound athletes from the Waynesboro High School cross-country team to explore how they’ve built a foundation of success this season. From introducing strength training to fostering mental resilience and team camaraderie, Coach Stevens shares the strategies that propelled the girls’ team to the state championship.

The athletes share their own perspectives on overcoming injuries, adapting to new training regimens, and finding inspiration through friendly competition and mutual support. This episode is a celebration of hard work, teamwork, and the determination to chase big goals—on and off the course.

With the state meet around the corner, the team reflects on their journey and looks ahead to the future of Waynesboro High School cross-country.

Takeaways:

• Weightlifting builds both strength and confidence, reducing injuries and boosting performance.
• Team bonding and accountability are just as important as physical preparation.
• Mental toughness is critical for handling the challenges of competitive running.
• Support from teammates can push individuals to achieve their best.
• Success is built one step at a time, starting with small but significant changes.

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support⁠⁠⁠⁠

Take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more listeners discover these powerful stories!

Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley? Interested in advertising on Little Giants Radio? Email us at: ⁠advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com⁠.

Be sure to subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next episode!

Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: smoothathletics.com
• NKD Towing: nkdtowing.com

Building Champions On and Off the Field: Cesar Ruiz’s Journey - Part 1

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Cesar Ruiz, a former Waynesboro High School football player and alumni whose athletic dreams took him from high school to college sports. Cesar shares how the lessons of resilience, teamwork, and learning from mistakes helped him shape his life as he continues on his journey as a small business owner.

Cesar has a desire to use his experience to inspire the next generation of young athletes, proving that success isn’t just about winning on game day—it’s about building a future with purpose and community.

There are so many incredible athletes and mentors doing inspiring work in Waynesboro and the surrounding areas. It’s time to come together to support local talent and keep building a stronger Shenandoah Valley.

Takeaways:

• Building depth in a team isn’t just about skill; it’s about heart and readiness to step up.
• College sports are a challenge that can quickly become a reality check; it takes passion and grit to compete at the next level.
• Transitioning out of sports is tough, but the lessons learned on the field—discipline, teamwork, resilience—apply to life beyond the game.
• The value of community: from Waynesboro to Fishersville, giving back can be as fulfilling as any athletic achievement.
• Embracing new challenges, like running a business, means relying on the same principles that drive success in sports.

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more listeners discover these powerful stories!

Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley? Interested in advertising on Little Giants Radio? Email us at: advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com.

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: smoothathletics.com
• NKD Towing: nkdtowing.com

Building a Stronger Community: How Salute of Virginia is Changing the Lives of Veterans in the Valley

In this episode, we explore the incredible work being done by Salute of Virginia, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and their families transition from military to civilian life. Leah Hale, the visionary behind the organization, shares how it all began with a simple veterans’ brunch that has since evolved into a vital community hub. From creating a space for veterans to connect and share their stories to offering essential resources, Salute of Virginia is empowering those who have served our country to find purpose and belonging.

There are so many people doing amazing things for veterans in Waynesboro and the surrounding areas. It’s time to come together and continue building a stronger community that honors the service and sacrifices of our military families.

Takeaways:

• Veterans in the Shenandoah Valley need more community support as they transition to civilian life.
• Salute of Virginia provides essential resources like job support, mental health services, and social connections.
• The organization's mission is built on collaboration and fostering a sense of belonging for veterans.
• Salute started with a small brunch and has grown into a thriving network of veterans and service organizations.
• The key to success is bringing together local resources to meet the unique needs of veterans in the region.
• Volunteers and donors are crucial to continuing Salute’s mission.

Stay Connected with Salute of Virginia:

Follow Salute of Virginia online to stay updated on their latest events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support veterans in the Shenandoah Valley.

• Instagram: @SaluteofVA
• Facebook: Salute of Virginia
• LinkedIn: Salute of Virginia

Be sure to check out their pages and spread the word about their incredible work in our community!

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more listeners discover these powerful stories!

Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley? Interested in advertising on Little Giants Radio? Email us at: advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com.

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: smoothathletics.com
• NKD Towing: nkdtowing.com

The conversation explores the current state of youth sports in Waynesboro, discussing challenges such as participation rates, the impact of travel sports, the importance of coaching, and the need for improved facilities.

There are so many people doing amazing things in Waynesboro, it's time to come together to build a better and stronger community of athletes and people for the future here in the Shenandoah Valley.

Takeaways

• Youth sports in Waynesboro face significant challenges in participation.
• Travel sports are impacting local youth sports leagues.
• Coaching quality is crucial for developing young athletes.
• Community involvement is essential for the success of youth sports.
• Facilities need improvement to attract and retain participants.
• Weight limits in youth football can hinder skill development.
• There is a need for better training and support for coaches.
• Building relationships through sports is vital for youth development.
• Parents should engage positively with youth sports organizations.
• Change in youth sports requires collective community effort.

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! The show is made possible by monthly supporters just like you and help us continue to bring weekly episodes right to your ears! Just tap the link and choose your level of monthly support:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley and want to advertise on Little Giants Radio WHS? Email advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com for details.

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Special Thanks To This Episode's sponsors:

Smooth Athletics - https://www.smoothathletics.com/

NKD Towing - https://nkdtowing.com/

Coach Bell, Goodnough, and Fairbanks sit down to discuss the transformation of the WHS football team so far this season, focusing on the changes in team dynamics, the identification of players who are committed versus those who are not, and the importance of building trust and accountability within the team.

They emphasize the need for players to have the desire to play and the role of competition in fostering a successful team culture. The coaches also reflect on their long-term goals for the players, aiming to develop not just athletes but responsible members of the community.

Takeaways

• The team has undergone significant changes in dynamics and culture.
• Identifying 'deadwood' players is crucial for team success.
• Execution is key in football; players must be held accountable.
• Desire and commitment from players are essential for improvement.
• Building trust between coaches and players takes time and effort.
• Competition within the team fosters growth and accountability.
• Long-term goals include developing players as community members.
• Coaches must adapt to the needs and expectations of their players.
• Positive communication with families enhances team support.
• The journey of transformation is ongoing and requires patience.

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! The show is made possible by monthly supporters just like you and help us continue to bring weekly episodes right to your ears! Just tap the link and choose your level of monthly support:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley and want to advertise on Little Giants Radio WHS? Email advertise@shenvalleysportsnetwork.com for details.

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