Inside The Play Call With Orange Arrow

Dr. Rich Milner is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development. In this role, he is not only a teacher, but also a researcher and leader in the fields of urban education and teacher education. Tune in to hear more about his journey to Vanderbilt, his time at Pitt - where he served as the director of the Center for Urban Education - and how he ended up rejoining the faculty at Vanderbilt in 2018.

Matthew Goncalves is a former Pitt football athlete and Orange Arrow intern now playing professionally with the Indianapolis Colts. Tune in to hear about his experiences at Pitt and how he balanced his sport and extracurriculars. As always, stick around to the end to hear his advice for young student-athletes and why he supports the work of Orange Arrow.

Go Inside the Play Call with Shawn and one of the longest tenured members of the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, E.J. Borghetti! A Pitt man through and through, Borghetti has been at Pitt for nearly 30 years. Tune in as he discusses his own start in sports and how he always strived to both play and one day work at Pitt. He also reminisces on some of the most memorable players to come through the football program and provides advice to young athletes for pursuing a career after sports.

Today, Shawn sits down with DJ Moyer, a student-athlete and former OA intern, who shares his journey through college sports and academics. A first-generation college student, DJ opens up about balancing life as a student-athlete, offering tips for staying ahead of schoolwork and shedding light on the transfer portal experience. Our first football intern to manage his internship during the season, DJ also discusses his time with Orange Arrow, from the benefits he received from mentoring youth to his favorite activities to do with the kids.

Pitt offensive lineman Ryan Baer shares his journey from Eastlake, OH, to college football, including a unique COVID-era recruiting process and why he ultimately chose Pitt. He reflects on finding a sense of home in Pittsburgh, interning with Orange Arrow, and why success beyond the field matters.

We’re continuing our inside look at the making of OASIS! In this episode, hear from several of our dynamic day one speakers, including Lousaka Polite and Doug Whaley, plus the can't-miss keynote conversation between OA Founder Shawn Robinson and legendary coach Jim Tressel.

In this episode of Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow, host Shawn Robinson shares highlights from OASIS, the Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports.

Revisit the first episode of Inside the Play Call! This episode will take you on a journey of the development of Orange Arrow through the eyes of our founder, Shawn Robinson, starting with a city that draws 10,000 people for each high school football game to understanding why an NFL dream was not realized.

In this episode, host Shawn Robinson reflects on the power of relationships and how many dynamic OASIS speakers joined the lineup through meaningful connections. From shared values to mutual respect, Shawn shares stories that prove the best plays are drawn from genuine relationships. Tune in to hear how the dots connect behind the scenes of Orange Arrow. #TakeAim

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Tune in for a firsthand look at the making of OASIS! Don’t miss out — register today at orangearrow.org/oasis

Shawn sits down with Chris Curd, a Youngstown native, former Pitt student-athlete, and president of the Pittsburgh Flag Football League. They dive into a lively debate of "Off the Wall" vs. "Thriller," discuss the impact of NIL in college sports, and explore the growing presence of girls in flag football. Chris also shares personal insights on the vital role his spouse plays in his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with engaging stories and reflections on sports, music, and life!

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Join us at OASIS in June: orangearrow.org/oasis

In this episode, Dr. Rosie Cheng — Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Wellness and Belonging and NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee at Carnegie Mellon — shares how growing up in a sports-filled household sparked a lifelong connection to athletics. After high school sports injuries introduced her to athletic training, she found her calling at the intersection of sports and healthcare. From rotations with Pitt Football — where she first met Shawn — to leadership roles in higher ed, Rosie’s journey includes advocating for student-athlete wellness and addressing tough topics like eating disorders in athletics. Her recent doctoral research explored the barriers Division III athletes face when accessing mental health resources, highlighting time constraints, lack of awareness, and the self-imposed stigma many still navigate. As both a planning committee member and speaker for OASIS, Dr. Cheng is helping bridge gaps across education and athletics, in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Join Shawn and Keye Thompson, a former linebacker at Pitt! After a transfer from Ohio University, Thompson delves into how he became involved with Orange Arrow and shares some of his favorite memories. They also discuss the impact of relationships, both among family and professionally.

In this episode, Bella Perkins, a recent Orange Arrow alum, shares her journey through sports, identity, and growth. From battling early injuries to playing in a national championship televised on ESPN and earning Gatorade State High School Player of the Year, Bella's path has been shaped by determination. She opens up about the college recruiting process, why she first chose USC, and how transferring to Pitt turned out to be a smooth transition — aside from leaving the California weather behind. Bella also reflects on her time as an OA intern, from sending her first work email to speaking during a meeting with the Steelers, and shares how the experience helped her grow professionally and personally. Most of all, she reminds us that while being an athlete shapes who you are, it’s only part of the story.

On this episode of Inside the Play Call, Shawn is joined by Tommy — a runner, golfer, hunter, and recent Orange Arrow intern — who takes us through his unique journey on and off the track. A Pittsburgh native, Tommy shares how the pandemic disrupted his senior year of high school and shaped his path forward. From picking up golf during COVID to navigating college decisions after a lost application, Tommy’s story is not one to miss. He opens up about starting at community college, making the leap to Pitt, and the grind of life as a student-athlete — early flights, long days, little sleep, and everything in-between. He also reflects on his time as an OA intern and what he’s carrying forward from his experience.

In this episode, host Shawn Robinson chats with Sam Novelli, who first joined Orange Arrow as a middle schooler through the OA12 program. Now a college student, Sam reflects on his journey, sharing his "superpowers," fondest OA memories, and his passion for music and education. This heartfelt episode offers a glimpse into their relationship over the years and highlights the lasting impact Orange Arrow has had on Sam's life and growth.

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Tune in for a firsthand look at the making of OASIS!

Shawn dives into the behind-the-scenes journey of securing the opening keynote speaker for the Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports (OASIS). Don’t miss this inside look at bringing the vision of OASIS to life! Register to join us with Coach Jim Tressel this June at Pitt: oasis2025.eventbrite.com

In this episode of Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow, Shawn Robinson shares the realities of building a nonprofit from the ground up. From the challenges of growth and sustainability to the complexities of relationships and support, he reflects on lessons learned, the weight of leadership, and the unwavering mission to serve.