The Winning Edge Podcast .
A student-run podcast that delves into the lives and experiences of elite high school/collegiate athletes from various sports disciplines across the U.S. Here, we go beyond the headlines and statistics and explore the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of student-athletes as they balance the rigor of their athletic, academic, and social life. Tune in for our weekly talks!
Latest Episodes
College Atmosphere and Staying Local with Volleyball Player Patrick Kane
Nov 17 · Episode 23
In this edition of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by volleyball player Patrick Kane. Pat is a college sophomore playing Division 1 volleyball at UC Santa Barbara, and was previously a 2X Captain of his high school's volleyball team. In this discussion, Nathan and Patrick talk about how high school performances affect your recruiting stock, the hype of college volleyball environments, and the the value of staying local and close to home.
Perfecting Fundamentals and Competing Worldwide with Table Tennis Player Isha Bajpai
Nov 10 · Episode 22
In this edition of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by Isha Bajpai, a junior in high school and internationally ranked table tennis player. In 2022 Isha represented Team USA in the World Youth Contender held at Darwin, Australia, and won a silver medal in 2021 US Open for the U15 Girls Team event. Additionally, Isha was a quarterfinalist in U17 Girls draw for the US Nationals in Texas in 2023. In today's discussion, Eshaan and Isha talk about why it's so important to build one's basics correctly, and also the experience of competing in international level table tennis events.
Building Team Culture and Ignoring External Influences with Volleyball Player Devyn Nguyen
Nov 10 · Episode 21
For today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by volleyball player Devyn Nguyen. Devyn is currently a freshman entering his first season at New York University, a Division 3 volleyball program. Prior to college, Devyn was a setter for the highly ranked MVVC Boys Volleyball club in the California Bay Area. In this conversation, Nathan and Devyn discuss the dynamics of building great team chemistry, the hard work required to maintain stellar academics, and the sometimes challenging stresses that come with outside influences.
Challenges of Switching Sports and Believing in Yourself with Football Player Chinedu Onyeagoro
Nov 3 · Episode 20
Hello and welcome everyone to the 20th episode of The Winning Edge Podcast. Today and here with us we are joined by football player Chinedu Onyeagoro, a 4 star recruit Defensive End from Southern California. In the past, Chinedu has been named an ESPN Top 300 football player for his recruiting class, and is currently listed as the #2 Defensive End in California. In today's discussion, Eshaan and Chinedu talk about the challenges of switching competitive sports as a teenager, the support necessary from one's family, and the unwavering belief one must have in their athletic capabilities to succeed.
Patience, Mental Fortitude, and Sharpening Skills with Fencer Sanil Sharma
Oct 20 · Episode 19
Hello everyone, and welcome to today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast. Today we are joined by fencer Sanil Sharma. Sanil is a Division 1 fencer at UC San Diego, and was previously a 4X 1st team All American and currently ranked 93rd fencer in the world for senior (professional) fencing. In today's episode, Eshaan and Sanil talk about the role mentorship plays in junior fencing, the importance of having strong mental resilience for an individual sport, and the different training routines of fencers as they improve their level.
Confidence, Drive, and Thriving in the Spotlight with Tennis Player Mitchell Lee
Oct 13 · Episode 18
In today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are accompanied by tennis player Mitchell Lee. Mitchell is a Top 5 recruit for boys in the country as well as having held the number 1 rank in California for every age division. Additionally, Mitchell has won 2 gold balls on the USTA circuit, and has committed to playing Division 1 tennis at Harvard University for the 2024 season. In today's discussion, Eshaan and Mitchell talk about the importance of confidence in an individual sport like tennis, the drive needed to beat the everyday fatigue of athletics, and how to handle attention and spotlight at the national level.
Captaincy, Adaptability, and Representing the International Stage with Cricket Player Anika Kolan
Oct 6 · Episode 17
For today’s edition of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by by cricket player Anika Kolan. Anika is the current Vice Captain of Team USA’s U19 cricket team and was the youngest selected player for the USA International Womens Team. Additionally, Anika participated in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2022 and was part of the winning squad in the ICC America’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in 2021. In this discussion, Eshaan and Anika talk about the adaptability and consistency needed in a game like cricket, the responsibility of being a captain, and the honor of representing one’s country at the global level.
Perseverance, Improvement, and Post-Collegiate Goals with Runner Justin Pretre
Sep 29 · Episode 16
For this edition of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by Justin Pretre, a Division 1 track athlete at UC Berkeley specializing in long distance events such as the 10k and the 800m race. Additionally, as a highschooler, Justin was a Nike All American and 2x California State Silver Medalist. In this conversation, Eshaan and Justin speak on the mental perseverance needed to achieve one's college athletics goals, the joy in seeing oneself improve substantially, and the potential post-collegiate goals Justin has as a track athlete.
Memories, Recruiting, and Growing in College with Tennis Player Avantika Willy
Sep 22 · Episode 15
Hello and welcome to the 15th episode of The Winning Edge Podcast! Today we are joined by tennis player Avantika Willy. Avantika is a senior who plays Division 1 tennis at Georgetown University down in Washington D.C., earning notable honors such as All Big East Year End Team and CSC All Academic District. Additionally, prior to her college career, Avantika won awards such as 4th Place in the 18s Fed Cup, Silver medalist 16s Zonal Champions in Zuhai, China, and 1st place in NorCal Sectionals for 14s. In today's discussion, Eshaan and Avantika discuss the strong memories made from junior tennis, important factors when navigate recruiting, and how tennis has helped foster maturity and intellect within professional environments.
Establishing Team Relationships and Traveling Abroad with Water Polo Player Andrew Reed
Sep 15 · Episode 14
Hello and welcome to the 14th episode of The Winning Edge Podcast. In this episode we are accompanied by water polo player Andrew Reed. Andrew is a freshman currently playing division 3 water polo for the University of Toronto. In this discussion, Nathan and Andrew talk about why chemistry is so important for water polo, the multi-faceted skills involved in the sport, the occasional discomfort of swimming, and the decision to travel abroad to further his water polo pursuits in college.
Nature, Novelty, and Career Inspirations Through Sports with Sailor Maaya Prasad
Sep 8 · Episode 13
For today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by Maaya Prasad. Maaya is a current graduate student at MIT and former competitive sailor who competed for MIT’s Varsity Sailing team. During her sailing tenure, Maaya earned impressive honors such as First Team New England Sailing Association and an honorable mention for All American Crew 2023 by the Intercollegiate Sailing Association. In this conversation, Eshaan and Maaya talk about the beauty of open nature, the initial challenges with picking up a new sport, and how its influenced Maaya's career passions as she works towards receiving her Master's Degree.
Specializing in Events, Fighting Fatigue, and Demanding Practices with Gymnast Brandon Dang
Sep 1 · Episode 12
In today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by gymnast Brandon Dang. Brandon has had a highly successful junior career, including being a 5x national pommel horse champion, 9 top 5 national gymnastics placements, and 5x member of the USA Gymnastics All Star-Team to name a few. Furthermore, Brandon is an incoming freshman competing in Division 1 gymnastics at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. For today's discussion, Eshaan and Brandon talk about the determination one should have to reach the Olympic level, the fatigue of constant practices, and the mental taxation that comes with competitive sports.
Leadership, Toughness, and Physicality in Football with Linebacker Kamar Mothudi
Aug 25 · Episode 11
For today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by football player Kamar Mothudi, a 4-star linebacker out of California and an incoming recruit for the Oregon Ducks for the 2024-2025 college season. In the past, Kamar has racked up significant honors such as being an Adidas All American, All CIF Southern Section, and featured on the ESPN Top 300 football players in the nation for his recruiting class. Today, Eshaan and Kamar discuss the leadership required out of star players, as well as the toughness required out of a sport like football.
Traditions, Pressure, and the Duality of Baseball with Pitcher Dylan Chan
Aug 18 · Episode 10
Welcome to the 10th episode of The Winning Edge Podcast! Today, we are accompanied by Dylan Chan. Dylan was a standout player on his high school’s varsity baseball team, where he played pitcher and outfielder. Now, Dylan is an incoming freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Division 3 school in Troy, New York where he plans to play as a full-time pitcher. In today's discussion, Nathan and Dylan talk about how baseball has evolved as a sport through the years, the multitude of baseball's positional requirements, and the potential pressure of being a focal player within a team.
Coaching, Chemistry, and Companionship in Sports with Soccer Player Chelyn Ackerman
Aug 11 · Episode 9
Hello, and welcome to the 9th episode of The Winning Edge Podcast! Today and here with us we are joined by Chelyn Ackerman, a rising senior who currently plays forward for the Placer United ECNL soccer club. Additionally, Chelyn is a 3x All League Nominee as well as a former League MVP for her high school’s varsity soccer division. In this episode, Nathan and Chelyn discuss how significant chemistry is within team sports, how valuable connections with coaches are for athletes, and the lasting camaraderie of competitive and collegiate sports.
The Importance of Routine, Time Management, and Academics with Figure Skater Himagowri Prasad
Aug 4 · Episode 8
In this installment of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are accompanied by Himagowri Prasad, a Preliminary Excel and Low Team Maneuver Figure Skater for Boston University's Intercollegiate Figure Skating Team. An Intercollegiate National Champion as part of BU's team, Hima talks about how she got into the sport and trained as a child, the artistic self-expression of the sport, and how she prioritizes her academics as a busy student-athlete.
Work Ethic, Popularity, and Inspirations with Basketball Player Aaron Powell
Jul 28 · Episode 7
For this episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are accompanied by basketball star Aaron Powell. Aaron is currently playing for Team WhyNot of the Nike EYBL circuit, having in the past won honors such as First Team all Gold Coast and an invitee to the NBPA Top 100 Camp USA. Additionally, Aaron has committed to playing Division 1 basketball at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for the 2024-2025 school year. In today's episode, Eshaan and Aaron talk about what some of Aaron's greatest strengths as a basketball player are, what his training regime looks like, how he successfully handled the recruiting process, and who his biggest inspirations are in the basketball world.
Balancing Rigor, Training for Fitness, and Creating Friendships with Badminton Player Kyle Wang
Jul 21 · Episode 6
In the 6th episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by badminton player Kyle Wang. Kyle holds a current US Badminton National ranking of top 10 for boys Under 19, has previously placed top 4 in several National Level events, and even qualified for the Pan American Games as part of the US Junior Badminton Team. In today's talk, Nathan and Kyle explore topics such as trying to balance an extremely rigorous training schedule, the value of building up one's fitness at an early age, and the everlasting friendships one creates from playing competitive sports.
Family Passions, Sibling Motivation, and Veganism with Triathletes Abhimanyu and Ananya Iyengar
Jul 14 · Episode 5
In todays episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by siblings Abhimanyu and Ananya Iyengar. Abhimanyu and Ananya are exceptional triathletes having both won several regional triathlon events as well as qualifying to compete in elite junior national triathlon competitions. Inside this conversation, Eshaan, Abhimanyu, and Ananya discuss how their parent's passion for triathlon helped sparked theirs, the sibling support and rivalries that keep them motivated, and other topics such as the importance of academics, rest + recovery, and veganism.
Discipline, Commitment, and Maximizing Your Potential with Track Athlete Alex Althouse
Jul 7 · Episode 4
In today's episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we welcome Alex Althouse, a Division 1 track athlete at the University of Portland competing in events such as the 3200-meter race and 1-mile race. In this episode, Eshaan and Alex elaborate on the extreme discipline and determination athletes need to succeed at the highest levels, the meticulous process necessary to prevent and recover from injuries, as well as attributes outside of sports such as a colorful personality and humility one should have when trying to get recruited by coaches.
Sports Communities and Gender Correspondency with Volleyball Player Nate Clinton
Jun 30 · Episode 3
For this episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by Nate Clinton. Nate is one of the nation's finest volleyball players having been featured in the 2023 Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 and recruited to play Division 1 volleyball at Stanford University. In this conversation, Nathan and Nate dive into topics such as what makes the volleyball community so unique, the importance of having strong chemistry between teammates and coaches, and the disparity between boys vs girls volleyball along with the recent increase in popularity on the men's side.
Player Development and The Recruiting Process with Tennis Player Parashar Bharadwaj
Jun 30 · Episode 2
In this episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by Parashar Bharadwaj. Parashar is a top 50 U.S. Nationally Ranked Tennis Player, and is committed to playing Division 1 tennis at the University of Pennsylvania as a freshman for their upcoming season. In today's discussion, Eshaan and Parashar talk about the challenges and obstacles one needs to overcome to reach the national stage in sports, as well as the ups and downs of the sports recruiting process and what it takes to play for prestigious academic universities such as the Ivy League.
Individuality, Competition, and Mentorship in Solo Sports with Golfer Advaiith Pathi
Jun 30 · Episode 1
In the first episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, we are joined by Advaiith Pathi, a former high school Varsity Golf Team Captain and current Division 3 golfer at Hamilton College in New York. In this discussion, Eshaan and Advaiith delve into how individualism and relationships within non-mainstream solo sports such as golf help create a stronger routine of discipline and an overall competitive mentality.
About Us
Hi! Our names are Eshaan Kaipa (right) and Nathan Ma (left), both high schoolers from the California Bay Area, and we are the creators of The Winning Edge Podcast.
Ever since we were little, sports and competition have been a shared passion of ours. Eshaan is an avid tennis player who competes often on the USTA circuit, and Nathan is a talented volleyball player who plays for one of the premier junior volleyball clubs in California.
We decided to create this podcast because similar to our own journey, we appreciate the hard work and commitment athletes put in to achieve an elite level in their sport while trying to balance their academics and social priorities. We are excited to bring the challenges, triumphs, and mindsets of these successful individuals to our audience.
We want this podcast to be a platform for athletes to share their stories and opinions on their personal sports journeys, along with an opportunity for us and listeners alike to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of these skilled individuals. Tune in for our Weekly Talks!
