New Student Radio Show Features GW Coaches

WRGW’s Coaches Corner gives the GW community an inside look at the leaders behind Colonials varsity teams.

October 2, 2012

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GW students Nkwa Asonye and Ben Silverstein interview varsity coaches for their new show on WRGW.

When George Washington’s student-athletes hit the field or court, all eyes are on them. But the team behind WRGW Sports believes its time to pay a little more attention to the sidelines. 

Coaches Corner, a new radio show from the GW student-run station, highlights the coaches of the university’s varsity teams. It will run bi-weekly from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays.

“We wanted to create the show because we felt like there was a side of GW athletics that not many people get to see,” said Nkwa Asonye, executive director of WRGW Sports. “It goes deeper than the strategic Xs and Os; it’s about the person behind the program.”

Coaches selected for Coaches Corner are asked to share their season outlook, their approach to recruiting and their coaching philosophies, said Mr. Asonye.

“This show provides a glimpse of what [coaches] have to offer their teams, their fans and their community,” he said.

Yesterday’s premiere featured women’s soccer head coach Sarah Barnes, volleyball head coach Amanda Ault and men’s soccer head coach Craig Jones, as well as a special guest interview with Chris Monroe, B.A. ’03, GW’s all-time leading scorer in men’s basketball, and a teaser for an upcoming spot with head women’s basketball coach Jonathan Tsipis.

Mr. Asonye, a senior, handles show production and serves as an occasional host along with junior Ben Silverstein. Each program takes up to four hours to write, edit and produce.

Broadcasting has always been a dream career for Mr. Asonye, who grew up playing baseball and listening to famed sportscaster John Sterling call New York Yankees games.

“It always seemed like something that would be fun to try,” he said. “The very first time I stepped into the Smith Center and called my first basketball game, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do.”

“In my three years here at WRGW Sports, I've been in places that I never thought I would have before,” he added. “From going to games across the country to covering the Olympic men’s basketball practice at the Smith Center, this experience has really prepared me for going into the field once I graduate.”