McLean County Times

Titan Table Talk has returned for its third season as Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) athletics begins the fall schedule. The first episode, hosted by Emma Thorman, features head football coach Jared Williamson and team co-captains Joey DeMaio and Dermot Smyth. Also appearing are women's volleyball head coach Kim Nelson-Brown and players Kannyn Boyd and Alex Bardouniotis, who were named to the All-IWU Tournament team.

The podcast is available weekly on iwusports.com, with additional access through the podcasts page and YouTube.

Coach Williamson discussed leadership from his captains, the impact of a new coaching staff, and preparations for facing Central College. He reflected on replacing a large senior class and what this year's seniors mean to him.

Football players Dermot Smyth and Joey DeMaio talked about adapting to their first head coaching change in nearly four decades, moving forward after graduating one of the program's largest senior classes, and how the team is coming together during this period.

Women's volleyball coach Kim Nelson-Brown reviewed a successful opening weekend that included a sweep of No. 20 Chicago. She spoke about newcomers making an immediate contribution, her motivation entering her 30th year at IWU, and coaching alongside her daughter Tyler White.

Players Alex Bardouniotis and Kannyn Boyd shared their excitement about the team's strong start—the best since 2021—and described the energy surrounding women's volleyball early in the season.