Episode #127: Nkosi Tafari has layers to peel. Besides his unique style and look, this New Yorker is embracing life in Texas and soaking in the international culture from his teammates. In this episode, we talk with Tafari about his place on the FC Dallas first team. We also learn about his other sports interests when he was – basketball, track and lacrosse. Enjoy this Hustle and Pro conversation with FC Dallas defender Nkosi Tafari. Photo courtesy of FC Dallas FC Dallas | Website Nkosi Tafari | FCD Bio TRANSCRIPT – Automated by AI, please excuse typos and errors. Kelly WalkerWelcome to Hustle and Pro, I’m your host Kelly Walker. Our guest today is FC Dallas defender in Nkosi Tafari. Did I say your name close to correct? Nkosi TafariYeah, no, definitely better than 94% of population. Kelly WalkerI’ll take it. A plus. Okay, I’ll take it. Well, for those of our listeners who don’t know your name yet. You are a defender for FC Dallas. And just so you know, these are some of my favorite interviews, I think you’re my eighth FC Dallas player, so you’re in good company, Reggie, Edwin, Eddie, Ryan. Tanner, I’m going blank now and some of the others but I love talking to you guys and I’m a longtime FCD fan also so that helps make it fun, so thank you welcome and thanks for taking time to talk to me today. Of course, yeah. Thank you. So I want to just sort of start with where we are right now in your career, we’re recording this in early October and in the middle of this season, but you came to FC Dallas let’s see January 2020 I think was your when you got drafted and MLS SuperDraft. You were at with NTSC for six or so games, right, and then we started seeing you here, first Team in Frisco. And the way I see it is, there were, you know all these all these pieces of the backline were moved with Reggie leaving and then early in this season with an injury with Matt hedges and some things just sort of sit shifted and change and we started seeing you more and more. So, tell me from your perspective how did this play out for you to get to this point. Nkosi TafariThat all came together very quickly, but I, I’m more or less saw it coming together actually you could ask some of the staff members and a few guys on the team. I kept just like I was injured, maybe three separate occasions actually in pre season, I just wasn’t playing. And I was just like, yeah, Just wait till June like June is gonna be the start of my progression just I’m just waiting until June at this point, because I knew like in May, we only had one game a week at this point we were the first six games or one game a week, and I knew once we started getting into maybe two games a week. Hectic more busier schedule that other things were probably starting to change rotations would happen. So I was like, I’ll just wait till June for my progression. So then

Hustle and Pro - Lifestyle Frisco's Sports Podcast

FC Dallas' Nkosi Tafari: Individuality & Naming Rights

Episode #126: Hannah Epperly talks to Hustle and Pro about her summer track training, the Junior Olympics, and how her mindset has shifted to get where she wants to be. Hannah runs track for Memorial High School in Frisco, TX as well as club track outside of school athletics. Hannah’s coach, former H&P guest, Mariele Landrom, works with Hannah on changes to make off the track to step up her game and grow as a young woman. Check out Coach’s Landrom on Hustle and Pro in January 2021 Running Track and Finding Superpowers Shout out to Jamar Landrom and your affirmations that keep us all pushing forward. Here’s a flashback to Jamar’s episode on Hustle and Pro in 2020: Fitness, Focus, and Let’s Goooo with Former NFL Player LG Academy: Website: https://www.lglifestyle.org/training Coach Landrom and Hannah Epperly 

Hannah Epperly: Track, Mindset & Role Models

Episode #126: Hannah Epperly talks to Hustle and Pro about her summer track training, the Junior Olympics, and how her mindset has shifted to get where she wants to be. Hannah runs track for Memorial High School in Frisco, TX as well as club track outside of school athletics. Hannah’s coach, former H&P guest, Mariele Landrom, works with Hannah on changes to make off the track to step up her game and grow as a young woman. Check out Coach’s Landrom on Hustle and Pro in January 2021 Running Track and Finding Superpowers Shout out to Jamar Landrom and your affirmations that keep us all pushing forward. Here’s a flashback to Jamar’s episode on Hustle and Pro in 2020: Fitness, Focus, and Let’s Goooo with Former NFL Player LG Academy: Website: https://www.lglifestyle.org/training Coach Landrom and Hannah Epperly  

Episode #125: Argentina to France, our guest this week gives us a peek into sports life way outside of Frisco. Lucas Caneda and Kelly talk about growing up in Argentina, the high expectations of soccer and the bonds of his rugby family. We also look at how to grow a sports club whether it’s brand new or 100+ year old. The parallels and the global opportunities of sports are consistent when you leverage digital strategies that can bring your audience to you with just a few clicks. Enjoy our chat with Lucas and, yes, the Cowboys are America’s team. Lucas Caneda | Instagram @lukicaneda SARLAT RUGBY | Website: https://sarlatrugby.com Uniqorn Incubator | Website: https://uniqornincubator.com Lucas Caneda

Lucas Caneda: Sports Common Ground from France to Frisco

Episode #124: Kurt Thomas’ legacy continues on through his gym, his gymnasts, his family, and his foundation. In this episode of Hustle and Pro, we talk with Beckie Thomas about her husband’s epic gymnastics career and larger-than-life persona. We talk about Beckie’s background in dance, Kurt’s outstanding career, how she and Kurt met, the gym culture they built together and the difficult pain of losing Kurt in 2020. This episode is personal to me. It hits home in many ways. Gymnastics was my first sport. It was my family’s business. It was my life as a young gymnast. It created my icons and shaped my body and work ethic. I understand Beckie’s loss, but from a different perspective entirely. I hope you’ll listen and enjoy the story of Beckie and Kurt Thomas. KURT THOMAS GYMNASTICS | WEBSITE

Beckie Thomas on Gymnastics & Legacy of Kurt Thomas

EPISODE #123: Gavin Class suffered a heat stroke on the football field. His life forever changed in the moments, hours, and days after. His story is incredible and his positivity is powerful. Listen and enjoy episode #123 of Hustle and Pro as Gavin and his fiancé give us an idea of what he went through, how preventative measures can help save lives, and how he and his YOLT Foundation are helping others. YOLT Foundation: Website | Instagram @yoltfoundation 

You Only Live Twice: Gavin Class' Story

Episode #122: Jordan Viars was drafted straight from Frisco’s own Reedy High School. July 12, 2021, the Philadelphia Phillies drafted the Outfielder/ DH as a 17-year-old. In this episode we talk to Jordan about what that experience was like and how he’s settling in in Florida training with the Phillies. You’ll hear the love of baseball in his voice, and the love of teaching it to the next generation, too. He learned that from his parents. Enjoy this episode of Hustle and Pro. Jordan Viars and Kelly Walker Jordan Viars: Twitter @JLV_Slugger Reedy High School Twitter | Reedy Baseball on Twitter Philadelphia Phillies: Twitter | Episode Sponsored by North Texas Devils, Aussie Rules Football Follow on social to support your new favorite footy club Instagram: @ntxdevils | Facebook @ntxdevils | Twitter @ntxdevils 

Reedy's Jordan Viars to the Phillies

Episode #121: Cowboys season is here. With a little pre-season action, it’s time to do a quick overview of the off-season updates, injuries and what the schedule looks like come week 1. What’s your prediction for what Dallas can do this year? Sponsored by Beachbody Ready for On Demand Workouts, Yoga, and more? Learn more at these links or email kelly@hustleandpro.com Team Hustle | Shop Beachbody On Demand | Shop Shakeology 

Cowboys Season Preview

Episode #120: Justin Wickard talks to Hustle and Pro about his experience coaching at the Air Force Academy, TCU, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech and now in the private sector at the youth level. Is sports specialization a good thing? What age is the right age? How do you help steer a young athlete down the right path? Justin shares his thoughts as we discuss the opportunity and responsibility coaches have when it comes to advocating and protecting young athletes. Find Justin on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tier1athlete_/ Sponsored by Beachbody Craving a protein shake? Learn more about Shakeology at the links below or email kelly@hustleandpro.com Team Hustle | Shop Beachbody On Demand | Shop Shakeology 

Coaching Notes From Collegiate to Youth

Episode #120: Justin Wickard talks to Hustle and Pro about his experience coaching at the Air Force Academy, TCU, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech and now in the private sector at the youth level. Is sports specialization a good thing? What age is the right age? How do you help steer a young athlete down the right path? Justin shares his thoughts as we discuss the opportunity and responsibility coaches have when it comes to advocating and protecting young athletes. Find Justin on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tier1athlete_/     Sponsored by Beachbody Craving a protein shake? Learn more about Shakeology at the links below or email kelly@hustleandpro.com Team Hustle | Shop Beachbody On Demand | Shop Shakeology  

Episode #119: Frisco RoughRiders outfielder and DH, Steele Walker, chats with Hustle and Pro about the minor league AA season so far, hitting adjustments, and getting ready to fail. That’s right – learning how to fail. You’ll have to listen to learn more.   Sponsored by Beachbody Learn more at these links or email kelly@hustleandpro.com Team Hustle | Shop Beachbody On Demand | Shop Shakeology

Steele Walker Mid-season Checkin

Guest: Michael Barham What are 5 characteristics coaches love that don’t require skill? Find out in episode 118 of Hustle and Pro. Get your free e-book about these characteristics at: https://www.michaelbarhamelevates.com

5 Things Coaches Love

Guest: Jay ThooftDirector of Mental Performance at Performance Excellence and Recovery Consulting

Olympic Mental Gymnastics

Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed   Besides working at one of our nonprofits partners, Vogel Alcove, Sammy Gonzalez and Greg Brinkley also have the love of sports in common. Many of the themes and guests featured on their project, The Pursuit of Growth, have a sports tie. Enjoy episode #116 as […]

The Crossover of Personal Growth and Sports

Besides working at one of our nonprofits partners, Vogel Alcove, Sammy Gonzalez and Greg Brinkley also have the love of sports in common. Many of the themes and guests featured on their project, The Pursuit of Growth, have a sports tie. Enjoy episode #116 as […]

From pee-wee league to pro, this is a podcast for those who love sports in Frisco, TX.

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Hustle and Pro - Lifestyle Frisco's Sports Podcast

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