Center for Sports Studies Podcast

About Center for Sports Studies Podcast

The Center for Sports Studies podcast is a monthly show dedicated to teaching its listeners about the business-side of sports. Hosted by Trine University professor Zander Atwood, the CSS podcast will interview sports professionals and discuss current research in sports studies.

Publisher

Zander Atwood, Josh Hornbacher

Category

education · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Jan 2020

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

95 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   CSS Podcast Ep. 95 - David Retan, Account Executive - Group Sales, Detroit Pistons

   In this special episode, Trine Center for Sports Studies Director, Zander Atwood, talks with David Retan, Trine alumnus of 2024 and Account Executive of Group Sales at the Detroit Pistons, as part of the “Trine Trailblazers” series. David’s passion for sports and entertainment has allowed him to grow and excel in his young career, which she credits his education at Trine as a leading factor in his career success. His education and background have allowed him to achieve greatness and success with the Detroit Pistons organization. David discusses his role with the Pistons, his connection and attachment to Trine University, how his education at Trine has impacted his growth and career advancement, the importance of group sales and building strong relationships with clients and how to measure success effectively in this role, how evolving fan expectations impact the direction an organization will take in fan relationships efforts, and his favorite memories of working in sports.

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   CSS Podcast Ep. 94 - Ben Nichols, Founder/CEO of The 22

   In this episode, Trine Center for Sports Studies Director, Zander Atwood, talks with Ben Nichols, founder and CEO of The 22. Known as “Mr. Padel,” Ben has helped elevate the sport’s profile internationally over the past four years, taking “brand padel” from a relatively unknown concept in the UK to audiences through Forbes, the Financial Times, The New York Times, CNN International, and the BBC. Ben founded the world’s first padel agency, co-founded the Anglo American Padel Cup (also known as the “Ryder Cup of Padel”), developed Insider 22, a leading community for padel entrepreneurs, and serves as an on-screen contributor and executive producer for Travel Racket, a mainstream production focused on the sport. His work has earned him the Padel Ambassador Award at the inaugural British Padel Awards and recognition as a finalist for the Sport Industry Awards. Before entering the world of padel, Ben led global media relations for the World Anti-Doping Agency during the Russian Doping Crisis, considered one of the biggest sporting scandals of the 21st century, and was featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary Icarus in 2018. Now relocating to the United States, Ben is focused on helping build the American padel market while exploring what makes the sport—and the culture surrounding it—so unique. Ben discusses his role with The 22, a summary of the sport of padel, its history and the growth of a lesser-known sport, the challenges of building a sport from a business perspective, how padel fits within modern consumer and sports industry trends, the development of padel in the U.S. market, and his favorite memories of working in international sports.

3. 

   9 Sept 2026

   CSS Podcast Ep. 93 - Andy Rang, Director of Athletics & Head Women's Basketball Coach, Trine Univ. Athletics

   In this episode, Trine Center for Sports Studies Director, Zander Atwood, talks with Andy Rang, Director of Athletics and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Trine University Athletics. Andy’s career has centered around the advancement and development of basketball players through coaching at many different levels, from high school athletics to college athletics. With over 20 years of coaching and administrative experience, Andy’s passion, grit and determination for success have allowed him to hone his skills and provide the best learning experience for many different athletes. Andy discusses his new role as Director of Athletics in addition to his coaching duties, the ability to function effectively in multiple administrative roles within the athletic department, how his coaching philosophy has changed over time, his perspective on recent trends in the college athletic landscape, the impact of new athletic facilities on a college campus, and his favorite memories of working in sports.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.