Be Valiant

Ep. 10 Episode 6 - College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff (Audio)


Todd talks with Bob Dranoff, longtime commissioner of the East Coast Conference (NCAA Division II), about the sweeping changes in college athletics and what they mean for families. From NIL and transfer rules to the viability of smaller colleges, Bob offers a commissioner’s view on where college sports are headed. The conversation also explores the intersection of college and youth sports — how recruiting, commercialization, and the pressure to specialize trickle down to kids. Together, Todd and Bob discuss the need for balance, the role of education, and how parents can prepare their young athletes for both the opportunities and the challenges ahead.

All Episodes

12/03/2025

Ep. 15 Episode 8 - Taking Back the Game: A Conversation with Linda Flanagan

12/03/2025

Ep. 14 Episode 8 - Taking Back the Game: A Conversation with Linda Flanagan (Audio)

11/26/2025

Ep. 13 Episode 7 - High School Sports, Culture, and Community with Kevin McCabe the “Dean of AZ High School Sports

11/26/2025

Ep. 12 Episode 7 - High School Sports, Culture, and Community with Kevin McCabe the “Dean of AZ High School Sports (Audio)

11/19/2025

Ep. 11 Episode 6 - College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff

11/19/2025

Ep. 10 Episode 6 - College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff (Audio)

11/12/2025

Ep. 9 Episode 5 - Travel Sports, Pressure, and Perspective with Steve Borelli, USA Today

11/12/2025

Ep. 8 Episode 5 - Travel Sports, Pressure, and Perspective with Steve Borelli, USA Today (Audio)

11/05/2025

Ep. 7 Episode 4 - Coaching, Culture, and Sports Parenting: A Conversation with Mike Strati

11/05/2025

Ep. 6 Episode 4 - Coaching, Culture, and Sports Parenting: A Conversation with Mike Strati (Audio)

10/29/2025

Ep. 5 Episode 3 - From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow

10/29/2025

Ep. 4 Episode 3 - From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow (Audio)

10/21/2025

Ep. 3 Episode 2 - From the Stands to the Sand: A Dad–Daughter Sports Journey Conversation with Madison Merkow

10/21/2025

Ep. 2 Episode 2 - From the Stands to the Sand: A Dad–Daughter Sports Journey Conversation with Madison Merkow (Audio)

10/14/2025

Ep. 1 Episode 1 - Why Be Valiant? The Parent’s Journey Through Youth Sports - Monologue by Todd Merkow (Host of Be Valiant and founder of Valiant Sports Society) - Audio