DePaul University Athletics
Podcasts
Episode 26: Family, Family and the Finish Line: Mohammed Abdullahi's Journey
Players
Published on 9/30/2025
Players
Published on 9/30/2025
In this episode, we sit down with Mohammed Abdullahi, a runner, content creator, and storyteller whose journey is deeply rooted in faith, family, and resilience. Mohammed opens up about his upbringing in Chicago, the values instilled in him by his family, and how his faith has served as a guiding compass throughout his life. From formative travels to Kenya and back to the U.S., to discovering his passion for running, Mohammed shares how these experiences shaped his identity and purpose. He also gives insight into how he balances athletic performance with spiritual commitment, especially during Ramadan, and what drives his creative work today.
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Don't forget, episodes are available every other Tuesday 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