Thoughtful conversations about youth sports in Loudoun County and around the country, today and into the future, with guests ranging from student athletes to professional athletes and and hall-of-famers. With host Kurt Aschermann.
Loudoun Now Sports Talk: A Conversation with Kris Rhim
What does it take to go from a track runner in Northeast Philadelphia to an ESPN beat reporter covering the Los Angeles Chargers? Host Kurt Aschermann sits down with Kris Rhim to discuss his journey into sports journalism and the power of telling stories that go beyond wins and losses.
Kris shares how his experiences as a student-athlete shaped his career, the importance of purposeful reporting, and the personal stories that have influenced his work. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at covering the NFL for ESPN and reflects on race, activism, student leadership, and the mentors who helped shape his path.
This episode is a thoughtful look at sports media, impactful storytelling, and the people behind the headlines.
25 Aug 2026
Loudoun Now Sports: High School Football -- Smarter, Safer & More Competitive
Loudoun County football is getting smarter, safer, and more competitive - and three of the county's top coaches reveal why the game looks so different now. If you care about high school football, coaching, concussions, or how winning programs are built from the youth level up, this conversation is a must-listen.
Kurt Aschermann sits down with Matt Reidenbaugh of Loudoun County High School, Bobby Eavenson Jr. of Lightridge, and David Bishop of Loudoun Valley for a rare inside look at how elite county programs operate. From 9-10 scheduling and shrinking enrollment to three-level rosters, coaching depth, and the realities of preparing kids for varsity football, the discussion shows what it really takes to keep programs strong.
Perfect for football parents, coaches, players, and anyone who wants to understand what high school football really looks like behind the scenes today. If you've ever wondered how programs stay competitive while keeping kids safer, this episode delivers the answer.
21 Jul 2026
Loudoun Now Sports: Nancy Lieberman (Part 2)
Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman returns for Part 2 of her conversation with Loudoun Now Sports host Kurt Aschermann to discuss what came after her historic playing career.
Nancy reflects on coaching in the NBA and WNBA, mentoring the next generation of athletes, and the leadership lessons she's learned throughout her career. She also shares her perspective on the evolution of women's sports, the importance of resilience, and why character, preparation, and giving back remain at the heart of lasting success.
9 Jul 2026
Loudoun Now Sports: Nancy Lieberman (Part 1)
Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman joins Loudoun Now Sports to share the remarkable story of her journey from a challenging childhood in Brooklyn to becoming one of the most influential figures in basketball history. She talks about competing against the boys, earning her place at the legendary Rucker Park, making history with Team USA in the first women's Olympic basketball competition, and leading Old Dominion University to national championships.
Nancy also reflects on breaking barriers at every level of the game, practicing with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the determination, resilience, and confidence that helped shape her legendary career. This inspiring first installment is filled with unforgettable stories and lessons from one of basketball's true pioneers.
Tune in now, and don't miss Part 2 coming soon!
7 Jul 2026
Loudoun Now Sports: Frank Kolarek
Most companies miss their biggest growth opportunities because they overlook the power of community-driven initiatives—just like Frank Kolarek’s League of Dreams, a groundbreaking program transforming lives through sports.
From humble beginnings as a neighborhood kid in Baltimore to chasing his dream in professional baseball, Frank's journey is a masterclass in resilience, passion, and how sport can serve as a force for extraordinary social change. In this episode, Frank shares how he turned his love for baseball into a national movement that impacts nearly 31,000 children and adults with disabilities—creating inclusive fields from Baltimore to California.This episode invites you to see the game through a different lens—where every pitch, catch, and cheerboxes more than just a win. Frank’s insights inspire us all to build a more inclusive, compassionate world—one game at a time
18 Jun 2026
Loudoun Now Sports: A Conversation with Steve Salem of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation
Kurt Ashermann talks with Steve Salem, CEO and president of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, about the organization's efforts to continue his legacy of providing guidance and support to children, rooted in his own experiences as a youth without a father and his subsequent practice of mentoring kids at local parks.
5 Mar 2026
Education-based athletics, booster clubs, and Loudoun high schools
Sometimes high school sports programs are facing a perfect storm—ranging from funding struggles and facility challenges to recruiting qualified coaches. But behind the scenes, athletic directors in Loudoun County are pioneering innovative solutions that keep student-athletes thriving. Discover how booster clubs are filling the funding gaps with creative fundraisers like mulch sales and concession stands, and learn about strategic investments in turf fields that boost field time and safety.
You’ll hear firsthand accounts from Freedom High School Athletic Director Kevin Weeren, Loudoun County High Athletic Director Kate Cassidy, and Stone Bridge High Athletic Director Joan Windows as they discuss balancing resource limitations with the desire to serve every student. They break down the evolving landscape of district realignments—highlighting how Loudoun’s rapid growth impacts sports offerings—and reveal how new sports like flag football and girls wrestling are transforming opportunities for young athletes.
We also dig into the critical distinction between high school sports and travel teams, emphasizing how education-based athletics foster responsibility, teamwork, and lifelong skills. Weeren, Cassidy and Windows share the real challenges, victories, and impacts behind hiring and retaining passionate educators, battling the difficulties of volunteer shortages, pay disparities, and parent involvement.
Most importantly, these leaders stress that high school sports aren’t just about wins—they’re about building confident, well-rounded individuals ready for life beyond the game. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or student, this episode offers invaluable insights into the future of sports in your community and the lasting impact they have beyond the field.
3 Feb 2026
Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Mike Bordick: failure, resiliency, and sports
Most young athletes never realize that the key to longevity in sports isn’t just talent—it’s resilience, smart routines, and the willingness to learn from setbacks. Baltimore Orioles legend Mike Bordick uncovers how facing rejection, injuries, and obstacles early in his career built the foundation for his professional journey—and how anyone can leverage failure to fuel future success. If you believe greatness is only about natural talent, think again. Bordick’s story of pushing through injuries, overcommitting, and embracing discipline offers invaluable lessons for coaches, parents, and players alike.
Discover how a childhood spent moving between homes and bouncing around the country shaped a mindset of perseverance and adaptability. Bordick shares how he balanced playing multiple sports with the demands of baseball, emphasizing the vital role diverse athletic experiences play in preventing overuse injuries and burnout—topics more relevant than ever in youth sports today.
Bordick discusses his current work with League of Dreams, an organization transforming lives through sport for kids with special needs, and why fostering inclusion and confidence in young people is his greatest legacy. Bordick’s insights show that success isn’t just about how hard you hit or throw—it’s about how you handle setbacks, stay disciplined, and keep honing your craft with purpose. Whether you’re in the dugout or in the bleachers, this episode will change how you see failure—and find meaning in every challenge.
6 Jan 2026
"Division III baseball is what mid-major used to be"
Former major league baseball player and Stars Showcase Baseball Club owner Mike Colangelo talks about the evolution of youth baseball, the role of travel teams, and the importance of coaching and training in developing young athletes. Mike and Loudoun Now Sports host Kurt Aschermann explore the differences between travel and showcase teams, the significance of Little League, and the future of high school baseball in the context of growing private academies. The conversation highlights the advancements in athlete training and the impact of technology on the sport.
16 Dec 2025
Loudoun County High School Principal Dr. Michelle Luttrell
Loudoun County High School Principal Dr. Michelle Luttrell joins Kurt Aschermann to talk about the landscape of high school sports in Loudoun County. They discuss Michelle's extensive athletic background, the variety of sports offered at the school, funding challenges, the role of parental pressure, and the importance of enjoying sports for personal development. The conversation also touches on the future of high school athletics and the role of media in promoting positive narratives around youth sports.
11 Nov 2025
Derek Farrey on the state of Loudoun County Public Schools sports
Host Kurt Aschermann speaks with Derek Farrey, the head of athletics for Loudoun County Public Schools. They discuss the current state of high school athletics in Loudoun County, the impact of youth sports, challenges in officiating and coaching, the rise of emerging sports like flag football and eSports, and the implications of NIL (name, image, likeness) deals for high school athletes. The conversation highlights the growth and success of sports in the area, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by schools and athletic programs.
11 Nov 2025
Joe Theismann on the pressures on young athletes
Legendary NFL player and sports announcer Joe Theismann joins host Kurt Aschermann for the first-ever episode of Loudoun Now Sports!
Aschermann and Theismann explore the pressures faced by young athletes, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the importance of education. Theismann shares personal anecdotes about his career, the impact of injuries, and the lessons learned from them. He emphasizes the need for communication, respect, and the importance of defining oneself beyond others' opinions. The discussion also touches on the challenges of parenting in today's sports environment and the significance of commitment and hard work in achieving success.
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