Advertise on podcast: Corner Media Co

Before they were Virginia Cavaliers, Maddox Marcellus and Jason Hammond were just two kids playing peewee football together in South Florida. Back then, Maddox was the quarterback and Jason was blocking for him. Now, years later, they've reunited at UVA, and their journey has come full circle.On this episode of The 5th Side, Jason Hammond sits down with Virginia football linebacker Maddox Marcellus to revisit their earliest football memories, the experiences that shaped Maddox's career, and the decision that ultimately brought him to Charlottesville after his time at Eastern Kentucky.Maddox also reflects on stepping up when fellow Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson suffered an injury during the 2025 season. He discusses embracing his opportunity, growing as a player, and how his younger self might react to seeing everything he's accomplished on the football field today.From childhood teammates to college football teammates, this conversation offers UVA fans a personal look at the friendships, decisions, and defining moments behind the jersey. Subscribe for more exclusive Virginia Cavaliers interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and player conversations on The 5th Side.Presented by Sling TV: https://www.sling.com/

Why did Jurian Dixon choose Virginia basketball, and what makes this UVA team so dangerous? The newest Cavaliers guard joins Elijah Gertrude on Good Ol' Hoops to discuss his journey from UC Irvine to Charlottesville, the mentality behind his defensive game, and why Virginia's depth, size, and versatility could create serious problems for opponents during the 2026–27 college basketball season.Dixon opens up about his decision to transfer to UVA, revealing the three priorities that led him to Charlottesville: winning, accountability, and the freedom to play his game. He also explains how his time at UC Irvine transformed his approach to defense and why he's determined to contribute on both ends of the floor. From his first experience playing at John Paul Jones Arena to the confidence Ryan Odom's coaching staff instills in its players, Dixon shares what has made his transition to Virginia special.The conversation gets personal as Dixon reflects on his friendship with former Good Ol' Hoops host Devin Tillis, including how Tillis helped him find his confidence and adjust to a starting role at UC Irvine. Dixon and Gertrude also break down the Cavaliers' team chemistry, competitive practices, and the incredible number of players capable of making an impact. Plus, Dixon shares the story behind his memorable play against Vanderbilt, when he dropped a defender before knocking down a three-pointer without initially realizing what had happened.And there's plenty more! Dixon weighs in on LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, his favorite basketball shoes, the greatest high school mixtape, and what UVA fans can expect from him this season. How far can this Virginia basketball team go?Presented by Sling TV: https://www.sling.com/

Why did Emilie Brzoňovà change her college basketball plans from Florida to Virginia? The Czech Republic standout joins Hoos on the Mic to reveal why she followed Kelly Rae Finley to UVA, what attracted her to head coach Aaron Roussell's program, and how she's preparing for her first season of ACC basketball.In this episode, Virginia women's basketball newcomer Emilie Brzoňovà sits down with Olivia McGhee and Lyla Coogen to share her journey from Prague to Charlottesville. She discusses growing up in a basketball family, gaining experience playing professionally in Italy, adjusting to life at UVA, and building confidence as she prepares to compete in front of the Wahoo faithful at John Paul Jones Arena.Emilie also shares the story behind her first American football game, introduces us to her twin sister, explains how her mother became her first basketball coach, and reveals why LEGO would be her dream NIL partnership.Plus, don't miss Fast Break, where Emilie answers rapid-fire questions about her favorite basketball players, toughest opponents, teammates, pregame music, and the NBA legend she'd love to challenge one-on-one.Presented by Sling TV: https://www.sling.com/

Meet Sintija Aukstikalnyte, one of the newest members of Virginia women’s basketball, as she joins Olivia McGhee and Lyla Coogen on Hoos on the Mic.After playing professionally in Lithuania alongside older, experienced players, Sintija made the move to the United States for the first time and began a completely new chapter at UVA. She talks about why Virginia felt like the right fit, adjusting to American basketball and college life, her first college football game, and what Cavaliers fans can expect from her on the court.Sintija also shares the story of growing up around roughly 20 horses, her interest in sports psychology, her dream brand partnership, and goes through a rapid-fire round revealing everything from the toughest players she’s faced to the Virginia teammate most likely to go viral.Presented by Sling TV: https://www.sling.com/

Virginia defensive back Jacobe Henderson joins The 5th Side for a candid conversation about the mentality driving a new era of UVA football.Henderson opens up about why he chose Virginia despite interest from bigger-name programs, embracing the underdog mentality, UVA’s confidence in its defensive backs and the goal of becoming one of the best secondaries in college football.He also breaks down what it takes mentally to play defensive back, his preparation before game day, improving as a tackler, competing one-on-one and why the Cavaliers aren’t backing down from anybody.Beyond football, Henderson discusses family, adversity, staying connected with teammates, uplifting the people around him, his clothing brand Moola, and his advice for young players taking the long road toward their dreams.“This ain’t the old UVA. This is a new generation.”Presented by @slingtv - https://www.sling.com/

Meet Caterina Piatti.Caterina joins Hoos on the Mic to talk about her journey from Italy to Virginia Basketball, adjusting to life in the United States, the differences between European and college basketball, and what she's most excited about as she begins her time in Charlottesville.She opens up about growing up in a basketball family, adapting to the physicality of the college game, her personality away from basketball and the relationships she's already building with her Virginia teammates.And then things get interesting. Caterina reveals her dream NIL deal, gives her VERY honest opinion on American Italian food, talks about her love for Lululemon, reveals what sport she'd play if basketball didn't exist and even names the basketball legend she'd like to face one-on-one.Plus, stay for a rapid-fire round covering the funniest teammates, best dressed, road-trip partners, dream travel destinations, pregame music and much more.Presented by  @SlingTV  : https://www.sling.com/

Why did four-star basketball prospect Erica Gribble choose Virginia? The UVA women's basketball freshman joins Hoos on the Mic to share her journey from all-time leading scorer at Greensburg Central Catholic to the Virginia Cavaliers!Originally committed to Richmond, Erica explains why she followed her coach to Charlottesville, how she's adjusting to college basketball, and what Virginia fans can expect from her on the court.Join Olivia and Laya as they get to know Erica beyond the game, from growing up in a competitive basketball family and developing her confidence as a shooter to her future nursing aspirations and dream NIL deal.Get to know one of the newest Virginia women's basketball players as she prepares for her first season in Charlottesville.Subscribe for more exclusive UVA women's basketball interviews, player stories, and behind-the-scenes content from the Virginia Cavaliers.Presented by @slingtv - https://www.sling.com/

What makes Virginia Basketball different this season? Sam Lewis joins Elijah Gertrude on Good Ol' Hoops to reveal why the Cavaliers' size, returning talent, and championship mindset could make this a special year in Charlottesville.Lewis opens up about his journey from Chicago to Toledo to UVA, the defensive demands of playing for head coach Ryan Odom, and his unforgettable performance against Notre Dame.The Virginia guard also discusses his offseason development, becoming a more complete player, stepping into a leadership role, and his personal goals of earning All-ACC honors and preparing for the next level.Let us know what you're most excited to see from Sam Lewis and UVA Basketball this season!Presented by  @SlingTV  - https://www.sling.com/

Virginia women's basketball forward Breona Hurd joins Olivia McGhee and Laya Fogan on Who’s on the Mic for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey to Charlottesville, her comeback from injury and what she wants to prove this season.Before becoming a Cavalier, Hurd was a five-sport athlete in Missouri — including playing football as a kicker and punter. She shares the wild story of getting leveled during football practice, once forgetting to punt and turning it into a first down, and how competing across multiple sports helped shape the player she is today.Breona also opens up about scoring 18 points in her college debut, the difficult recovery that interrupted her sophomore season, returning to the floor, and why she believes she has something to prove entering Year 3.Plus, Hurd explains why she stayed at Virginia following the coaching change, her first experience in Aaron Roussell's fast-paced system, why “a three is better than a two,” her love of Sonic, her dream NIL deal and some hilarious Virginia women's basketball team superlatives.Presented by Sling: https://www.sling.com/

Virginia basketball’s Johann Grunloh sits down with Elijah Gertrude on Hoos on the Mic to talk about his journey from Germany to Charlottesville, his freshman season at UVA and why he says ACC basketball is a “different beast.”Grunloh opens up about adding size and strength ahead of Year 2, reaching 252 pounds, developing into more of a playmaker and recovering from the wrist injury that limited him late last season.He also explains why Virginia’s returning core believes there’s unfinished business, the importance of chemistry and shared experiences, his friendship with teammates, life in Charlottesville and what makes basketball atmospheres in Europe so different from the ACC.Plus: soccer, golf, gaming, rapid-fire teammate questions and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from the Cavaliers.Subscribe for more Virginia Athletics interviews, features and behind-the-scenes access.

Virginia running back Jekail Middlebrook joins The 5th Side to talk about why he chose UVA, his goals of 1,000+ rushing yards and 10+ touchdowns, Virginia’s College Football Playoff aspirations and why he believes the Cavaliers can make another run at the ACC Championship.Middlebrook also breaks down what makes quarterback Beau Pribula so dangerous, running behind Virginia’s veteran offensive line, the competition inside the Cavaliers’ running back room and the culture he immediately noticed after transferring from Middle Tennessee.Away from football, Jekail opens up about growing up in Atlanta, his love of 2K, bowling and fishing, his dream NIL deals, the box-truck business he owns with help from his family and what he hopes to accomplish after football.Get to know one of the newest playmakers in Virginia football on this episode of The 5th Side.Subscribe for more exclusive Virginia Cavaliers football interviews, behind-the-scenes access and UVA Athletics content.

Kymora Johnson is back at Virginia with unfinished business — and an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Charlottesville.On the new era of Hoos on the Mic, Kymora sits down to talk about Virginia’s unforgettable Sweet 16 run, the emotions of Selection Sunday, taking down Iowa on its home court and why she ultimately decided to return to UVA.Kymora also shares an incredible story from her decision-making process: after exploring the transfer portal and visiting South Carolina, Dawn Staley called her and told her she thought Kymora should stay at Virginia.She opens up about Coach Aaron Roussell’s vision for the program, growing up in Charlottesville, wanting to put Virginia women’s basketball back on the map and what “Same Place, Same Purpose” means entering her final season.Plus, get to know Kymora away from basketball as she talks sports broadcasting, Pilates, her dream NIL deal and takes on the Hoos on the Mic Fast Break.Subscribe and follow for more Hoos on the Mic throughout the season.

Hoos On The Mic is back for Season Two. Cohosts Lyla Coogan and Olivia McGhee are here to bring fans an inside look at UVA Women's Basketball this season.Coogan and McGhee both talk about their basketball journeys and some of the key memories they've had in their career up to this point. McGhee shares how she doesn't want to take anything for granted this year and points out some UVA teammates that she's learned from over the years. Coogan also discusses her high school basketball journey and how UVA and college life has been so far. The two share why they chose UVA, with Coogan diving into her recruiting story and why she chose to follow Coach Roussell to UVA while McGhee reflects back on what makes UVA feel like her second home.Subscribe for more Virginia basketball stories, player interviews and exclusive access throughout the season.Learn more about our partnership with UVA Athletics: https://www.collegesportsco.com/news/college-sports-co-and-uva-athletics-launch-corner-media-co

Elijah Gertrude is back at Virginia — and he believes the Cavaliers still have another level to reach.The UVA guard joins Good Ol’ Hoops to explain why he chose to stay in Charlottesville, how Ryan Odom helped instill confidence in his game, what being healthy changes for him, and why last season’s 30-win team still feels like it left wins on the table.Gertrude also goes inside the Virginia locker room, breaking down the growth of Thijs De Ridder, Chance Mallory’s toughness and athleticism, Johann Grünloh’s potential, UVA’s incoming talent and the culture Ryan Odom is building in Charlottesville.Plus, Elijah tells the story of his first in-game dunk, looks back at his unforgettable poster at JPJ, explains why the Duke and Tennessee losses still fuel this team and talks about taking over as host of Good Ol’ Hoops to give Virginia fans a different look at the personalities behind the program.Subscribe for more Virginia basketball stories, player interviews and exclusive access throughout the season.

Get to know Virginia women’s soccer goalkeeper Wicki Dunlap as she sits down with Virginia volleyball’s Caroline Lang at Klöckner Stadium.Wicki shares how she found soccer at just three years old, why she eventually committed to goalkeeper, what drew her to UVA and the pressure that comes with being the last line of defense.She also opens up about adjusting to college soccer, staying patient when she wasn’t playing, the advice to “keep going,” and learning to find the fun in the game again while remembering there’s more to life than soccer.Plus, Wicki talks UVA team culture, ACC competition, game-day traditions at Klöckner, her dream NIL deal, favorite Charlottesville spots, Princess Diana and much more.Subscribe for more Virginia Cavaliers athlete stories, interviews and behind-the-scenes access.