DePaul University Athletics
Podcasts
Episode 32: Building More Than a Team: Culture, Connection & Coaching with Marisa Arce
Coaches
Published on 1/6/2026
Coaches
Published on 1/6/2026
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.
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Women's tennis student-athlete Helin Alvarez joins the Blue Demon Room this week for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from Venezuela to Chicago, her adjustment to life at DePaul and how she battled back from a season-ending injury. Alvarez also breaks down her dramatic victory in the BIG EAST semifinals that sent the Blue Demons back to the title match and shares her goals for the future of the program.
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 week and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 6/2/2026
This week on Blue Demon Room, DePaul Athletics celebrates Student Employment Appreciation Week by highlighting marketing and fan engagement student intern Anna Sprenger.
After making the move from Germany to Chicago, Sprenger wasted little time becoming involved on campus while helping elevate the fan experience at DePaul Athletics events. Anna discusses her transition to life in the United States, the lessons she has learned along the way and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into engaging Blue Demon fans.
Listen through the end for Anna's favorite Chicago sports team and a dream game-day promotion fans may someday see in action.
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 week and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 5/13/2026
Sophomore sprinter Sade Miller joins the Blue Demon Room to talk record-breaking performances, the power of positive self-talk, and the confidence she brings to the track. She reflects on her growth from freshman to sophomore year, how her mindset fuels her speed, and what's ahead for the 2026 outdoor season.
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 week and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 4/22/2026
On this episode of the Blue Demon Room, Hall of Famer Lenae Williams Fergerson takes us back through her DePaul journey. From her playing days under Doug Bruno to the memories made in Alumni Hall, including time spent in the Blue Demon Room, she reflects on the moments that shaped her career. Williams Fergerson also discusses her path playing overseas and how the game has stayed with her through her work coaching at the youth and high school levels.
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 week and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DePaulBlueDemons.com, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Published on 4/14/2026