Game On! Liberty Swift & Frank Miceli

Episode 16 * November 25, 2024 * 40:40

Liberty Swift and Frank Miceli, San Antonio Spurs Executives, join Game On! to talk about how the Spurs are leading innovation in technology that is changing our city, how AI is changing the way the Spurs do business and more!

Frank Miceli Bio

Frank Miceli just celebrated his 17th season with Spurs Sports and Entertainment as chief revenue officer. In his current role, he oversees franchise revenue operations for the San Antonio Spurs and San Antonio FC, including–ticket sales and service, member services, corporate sales and retention and global partnerships. Going into the 2021-22 season, Frank has led global partnerships to its highest-grossing new sales year.

Frank has been recognized throughout his career with the James C. Hendy Award, which is presented to the American Hockey League’s outstanding executive. Frank has been awarded on two occasions–once during his tenure as COO of the Philadelphia Wings (NLL) in the 1997-98 Season and most recently for his work with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) during the 2019-20 Season. Additionally, Frank was recognized with the Thomas Ebright Award in 2006-07, which is presented annually for outstanding career contributions to the American Hockey League.

Frank is an active member on several boards, including visit San Antonio, the San Antonio Fiesta Commission, the Baylor University Sports Administration and, until recently, San Antonio Sports. He is an active community member and has participated in the Big Brother, Big Sister Program via the SS&E’s Inspire U Program.

Liberty Swift Bio

Liberty Swift is entering her fourth year as senior director of corporate communications for Spurs Sports and Entertainment. A San Antonio native, graduate of Edison High School and lifelong Spurs fan, Liberty returns to the Alamo City after 15 years in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area.

Liberty got her bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and her masters in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri. She has more than a decade of experience in corporate communications with several organizations.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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Game On! Judge Peter Sakai

Episode 15 * November 12, 2024 * 31:02

From holding down the offensive line in high school to serving Bexar County as County Judge, Peter Sakai has long been an advocate for sports and for children and families. Now, he's on the driving side of the San Antonio Mission's proposed new baseball stadium. Tune in to hear about this and so much more!

Peter Sakai Bio

Peter Sakai’s dad, Pete, a high school student in California during the outbreak of World War II, and the entire family were victims of Executive Order 9066 - the Japanese Internment Camps. He often told Peter about his experiences growing up and going to high school in these camps. So many people wrongly lost their property, their businesses, and their homes because of this abhorrent violation of their civil rights. The stories Pete told Peter have compelled him to defend the Constitution and the Rule of Law –so, that no one else would have to go through what his family, and so many other Asian Americans, had to endure. Driven by his family and his passion for justice, Peter graduated from the prestigious University of Texas in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree and the University of Texas School of Law in 1979.

True to his character, Peter used his new law degree to serve others. Starting as an Appellate Assistant D.A. in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office where he quickly became a rising legal star. In 1983, opened his successful solo law practice. In 1995, he was unanimously appointed by the civil court judges as the Associate Judge of the Children's Court, where he created revolutionary new programs that protected children and put struggling families back together. Under Judge Sakai’s leadership, adoptions in Bexar County of foster children increased by 1000%. Encouraged by his colleagues at the courthouse, community leaders, and long-time supporters, he ran for the 225th State District Court and pulled off a resounding victory. In the General Election, he prevailed again and became Judge of that bench. During his judicial career, Judge Sakai has implemented several cost-saving protocols, and innovative programs, and brought together key stakeholders to find viable solutions to countless programs. The Family Drug Court, Early Childhood Court, and the College Bound Docket are all proven examples of his visionary leadership. All the programs and initiatives have empowered parents and improved the justice system, becoming nationally recognized and awarded models across the United States.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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Game On! Jesse James Leija

Episode 14 * October 21, 2024 * 25:43

Boxing legend Jesse James Leija joins Game On! to tell the exciting stories behind his illustrious career. The 1994 WBC Super Featherweight title holder shares how he went from jail to the boxing ring, the mentality behind his success, his time training with the Spurs, his boxing gym and more!

Jesse James Leija Bio

Jesse James Leija, the Texas Tornado, is a former professional boxer and a San Antonio native. A graduate of Harlandale High School, Leija made his pro debut in 1988 with a win at Freeman Coliseum. Leija held the WBC super featherweight title in 1994, the IBF lightweight title in 1998 and was a three-time NABF title holder. He held a record of 47-7 as a professional and made the U.S. Olympic Trials twice.

Today, Leija owns Leija Boxing & Fitness in San Antonio, a staple of the San Antonio boxing community. He has also been the San Antonio Spurs’ boxing trainer for 21 years and has trained such stars as Tim Duncan and Victor Wembanyama.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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Game On! Tim Derk

Episode 13 * September 24, 2024 * 36:40

The Spurs Coyote is a San Antonio staple, all thanks to Tim Derk, the original Coyote! Tim put NBA mascots into the limelight and today he's here to tell us his many stories, from coming up with the Coyote idea to helping invent the t-shirt cannon and much more!

Tim Derk Bio

Tim Derk created the Spurs Coyote mascot in 1983. For 21 years, he entertained San Antonio fans with his stunts and tricks, even inventing the t-shirt cannon. He appeared in over 1,100 games and made over 200 yearly community appearances. In 2004, Derk suffered a massive stroke, and his time in the coyote suit came to an abrupt end. Luckily, he was able to recover and still works with Spurs Sports & Entertainment as the associate manager of service innovation. In 2006, he published his book titled, “Hi Mom, Send Sheep: My Life as the Coyote and After.”

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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Game On! Trivia Corrales

Episode 11 * September 9, 2024 * 27:09

Tune in to hear Triva Corrales talk about her journey from basketball player to coach to administrator. After winning San Antonio’s first girls basketball state championship, Triva is now at the helm of Judson ISD's athletics department and she's here to tell us what it took to get there.

Trivia Corrales Bio

Triva Corrales has spent 27 years in education. 19 of those years in JISD. She is a 1993 graduate of Burbank HS in San Antonio. She played basketball collegiately at Huron University in South Dakota and was part of the NAIA National Runner-up team in 1992.

Corrales spent one year at Northside ISD at Pat Neff MS and then became the head coach at her high school alma mater for six years. She then moved on as an assistant at Wagner HS when the school opened in 2005. She was on the staff when the Thunderbirds advanced to the state tournament in 2008. In 2010 she continued her journey in JISD moving on as the Head Basketball Coach/Coordinator at Judson HS. She holds a record at Judson HS of 295-91 and an overall career record of 373-182. She led the Judson Rockets to the playoffs in all eleven seasons with 8 district championships and acquired five straight regional championships and five straight UIL State Tournament appearances, winning the Class 6A State Championship in 2019. She has been named as one of the UIL Top 100 Coaches, SA Express News Sport Woman of the Year in 2019 and has been the Coach of the Year for TGCA, TABC and for the SA Express News in 2017, 2019. Corrales also received the prestigious honor of USA Today Coach of the year for Texas.

In May of 2021, Corrales stepped away from coaching, continuing her career with JISD as she became the Executive Director of Athletics.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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Game On! JoAn Scott

Episode 11 *29:33*

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes of the NCAA Final Four? Hear JoAn Scott, NCAA vice president, share her experiences putting on one of the world’s biggest sporting events, being with USA Basketball for the Dream Team and more!

JoAn Scott Bio

JoAn Scott has spent time working with USA Basketball and the Dream Team, Nike and the NCAA. She is currently the vice president of the NCAA, where she previously held the position of managing director of men’s basketball championships.

Scott served as assistant to the executive director of USA Basketball from 1987-90 before becoming the organization’s senior administrative assistant from 1990-92 and the director of basketball operations from 1992-96. She was an integral part of the USA Basketball administration that managed the original Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics, as well as the 1996 Olympic team. She also oversaw Nike’s sports marketing efforts at the 2010 and 2012 Olympic Games. While working for Nike, Scott served as the venue manager for the 2002 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Indianapolis.

In 2013, Scott became the managing director of men’s basketball championships for the NCAA, where she leads March Madness and the Final Four. In 2024 she became the vice president of the NCAA. Scott will be back in San Antonio in 2025 when the men’s Final Four returns to the Alamodome.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

SanAntonioSports.org

Game On! Henry Cisneros

Episode 10 * August 12, 2024 * 37:54

Few people have been more involved in sports in San Antonio than Henry Cisneros. The former mayor of San Antonio joins Game On! to talk about the fight to bring the Alamodome to the 210 and the future of sports in the city. Listen now to hear what Henry thinks about the proposed downtown sports district and more.

Henry Cisneros Bio

Henry Cisneros is an integral figure in San Antonio history. In 1981, he became the second Hispanic mayor of a major U.S. city when he became mayor of San Antonio. He served four terms through 1989, during which time he created major change in the city’s economy and was a voice for the city’s Hispanic community.

In 1993, Cisneros became the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton. During his tenure, the nation experienced the highest ever rate of home ownership. Even after leaving office, he continued to be a voice for the underserved, moving back to San Antonio in 2000 to establish a firm to create more affordable housing.

Cisneros is currently the founder and senior advisor at American Triple I, an investment firm. A San Antonio boy through and through, he still lives in his home on the West Side.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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Game On! Elena Wells & Wendy Brand

Episode 9 * July 29, 2024 * 32:47

Excited about the Men’s Final Four coming to San Antonio in 2025? So are we! Hear the experiences and insight from the women who’ve run the game in years past. Between Jenny and guests Elena Wells and Wendy Brand, this episode has led the charge on four NCAA Final Fours. From Elena trying to figure out how to take down a blimp, to the emotional 2002 Women’s Final Four after 9/11, don’t miss these incredible stories.

Elena Wells Bio

Elena Wells first joined San Antonio Sports in 2001 as an intern, eventually working her way up to become assistant executive director. In 2006, she became the associate executive director of NCAA Championship events, helping put on the 2008 NCAA Men’s Final Four and the 2010 NCAA Women’s Final Four.

Elena left San Antonio Sports in 2010 to take on marketing and management roles with other San Antonio companies. In 2017, she returned to San Antonio Sports as managing director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee, where she helped put on the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four. In 2022, Elena became executive director of SALOC, and she will lead the hosting of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Wendy Brand Bio

Wendy Brand first joined San Antonio Sports in 1997 as the marketing coordinator for the 1998 NCAA Men’s Final Four. After leaving for a short time, she returned as the executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee, where she led the 2002 NCAA Women’s Final Four and the 2004 Men’s Final Four. In 2005, she became the first Vice President of Operations for the WNBA’s Houston Comets.

Transitioning into non-profit, Wendy served as chief executive officer for the former Palmer Drug Abuse program, now RISE Recovery. Her last decade in the corporate world was spent in Human Resources where she received a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership and worked for Rackspace Technology and Whataburger, two large San Antonio-based companies.

Today, Wendy is a speaker and culture consultant working with organizations to build and execute talent strategies that increase productivity, profits, and employee engagement. She is also the creator and host of her podcast, The Culture Coach.

Check out the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four website:

https://www.finalfoursanantonio.com/

To learn more about The Culture Coach:

https://culturecoachwendy.com/

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

SanAntonioSports.org