DePaul University Athletics
Podcasts
Episode 13.2: Missy Fraser & Karen Loiacono, 2024 Hall of Famers
Published on 1/22/2025
Published on 1/22/2025
In our second part of the Hall of Fame series, guest host Paul Pabst (The Dan Patrick Show) welcomes track and field athlete, Missy Fraser and Dr. Robert Hamilton Special Service Award recipient, Karen Loiacono!
Missy Fraser was a four time BIG EAST Champion and second team All-American in the Javelin throw. She explains to Pabst how track and field was her "accessory sport" and was more of a softball player before she got recruited to DePaul. She tells us of how it was to leave Canada for school and how she found an identity beyond being the red haired Canadian girl once everyone saw how far she could throw!
Karen Loiacono not only was a softball and basketball student-athlete at DePaul, but continued to work for Athletics for 35 years, being a constant source of spirit and enthusiasm. She tells us of the days playing basketball games at Alumni Hall and McGrath-Phillips Arena, sharing uniforms with the other DePaul women's teams and being coached by Doug Bruno early on in his career.
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Don't forget, episodes are available every other Wednesday and are available on Apple, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Kicking off the first episode of the New Year, DePaul track & field thrower Jaiden Gary joins the Blue Demon Room to give an inside look at the sport of throwing.
Now in his second season with the Blue Demons and coming off a freshman year that earned him Co–Male Freshman of the Year at The Billy's, Jaiden explains how he introduces his sport to newcomers, why staying calm is critical in an event that lasts just 12 seconds, and how mindset separates competitors. Jaiden also shares what it was like meeting Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser, growing up with 15 siblings, and how playing multiple sports led him to the throwing circle. He reflects on coaching himself in high school, building trust with his college coach, and embracing the tight-knit nature of the throwing community.
From the meaning behind "Da Truth" to his goals for 2026, Jaiden offers an honest look at the journey of a collegiate thrower.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePaulAthletics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Episodes drop every other Tuesday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 1/20/2026
In this episode, we sit down with head women's tennis coach Marisa Arce, a leader known for building more than just competitive teams, she's built a true family. Coach Arce shares how intentional culture, daily habits, and personal connection shape her program, and how those values show up in the way her teams train, travel, and support one another.
We revisit her own collegiate career at the University of Illinois, where she left her mark as one of the program's all-time greats, and explore how those formative experiences influence the way she coaches today. From redefining what winning really means to offering lessons on leadership that extend far beyond sports, this conversation is a powerful look at what it takes to build trust, unity, and sustained success.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePaulAthletics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Episodes drop every other Tuesday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 1/6/2026
DePaul men's golf head coach Ryan Jamison sits down for an in-depth conversation about the experiences that shaped him, from his early years as a caddie to the lessons that continue to guide his coaching today. He discusses the importance of the mental game, how he builds a sustainable team culture, and why long-term development matters as much as immediate results. Jamison also reflects on vulnerability, growth, and his vision for elevating the program in the years ahead.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePaulAthletics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Episodes drop every other Tuesday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 12/10/2025
Coach Chris Holtmann is back in the Blue Demon Room for season two. He dives into finding balance between the grind of the season and life away from the court, the importance of practicing gratitude, and the meaningful steps forward DePaul took in 2024-25. Holtmann also gives an early look at the 2025-26 outlook, with a little Taylor Swift talk sprinkled in.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePaulAthletics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Episodes drop every other Tuesday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 11/25/2025