Beyond the Game: New Podcast Explores the Evolving World of College Athletics

In today's rapidly changing collegiate athletics landscape, the student-athlete experience extends far beyond practices, competitions and championship pursuits. Issues such as academic success, leadership development, mental health, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), career preparation and student well-being have become central topics in conversations taking place across college campuses nationwide.

To help shed light on these important issues, Seton Hall University's Office of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes has launched Beyond the Game, a new podcast designed to explore the many facets of college athletics and their profound impact on student-athletes both at Seton Hall and across the country.

Hosted by the office's full-time professional staff - Matt Geibel, director; Amanda DiDonato, senior associate director; and Carissa Leoni, associate director - Beyond the Game provides listeners with meaningful conversations and unique perspectives from leaders throughout the collegiate athletics community.

"College athletics is experiencing unprecedented change," said Geibel. "We wanted to create a platform where we could have thoughtful discussions about the issues affecting student-athletes, while also highlighting the people and partnerships that support their success."

As part of the Division of Student Services, the Office of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes serves a critical role in helping more than 250 Seton Hall student-athletes balance the demands of academics and athletics. Through the podcast, the hosts aim to bring those support systems to life by exploring the experiences, challenges and opportunities facing student-athletes today.

Future episodes will feature a diverse lineup of guests, including coaches, student-athletes, athletics administrators and campus partners. Discussions will focus on topics ranging from academic achievement and personal growth to leadership, campus resources and the evolving business of college sports.

The podcast began by introducing listeners to its hosts through a special "getting-to-know-you" series that explored their professional backgrounds, career paths and passion for supporting student-athlete success. The show's first featured guest was Tatum Colitz, Seton Hall's Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator, who discussed her career journey, the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics and her recent selection to the NCAA Pathway Program, one of the nation's premier leadership development initiatives for senior-level athletics administrators.

While the topics may vary from episode to episode, the mission remains the same: to offer authentic conversations that help listeners better understand the student-athlete experience and the network of professionals dedicated to supporting it.

"Student-athletes are often known for what they accomplish in competition," said DiDonato. "This podcast gives us an opportunity to showcase everything that happens beyond the game itself and the people working behind the scenes to help them thrive."

As college athletics continues to evolve, Beyond the Game will serve as a forum for education, discussion and connection, offering valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of student-athletes at Seton Hall and beyond.

Listeners can access Beyond the Game through the Seton Hall YouTube channel and all major podcast platforms and follow along as new episodes are released throughout the academic year.

Categories: Athletics