Miles Parker’s journey from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to East Carolina University football is what “trust the process” actually looks like in real life.
This isn’t a highlight reel — it’s the work behind it.

In this episode of Home Grown, Miles breaks down what it takes to earn your way at the Division I level, from late recruiting exposure to grinding on the scout team and building trust inside a college football program.

If you’re a high school athlete, parent, or coach trying to understand college football recruiting, player development, and mindset, this is a must-watch.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• The reality of college football recruiting (and why it starts earlier than you think)
• How being a multi-sport athlete long-term development
• Why the weight room became a turning point in his career
• What it’s really like going from high school star to “back at the bottom” in college
• How Miles turned scout team into an opportunity — and earned “scout team champion”
• The challenge of switching positions (defense ➡️ tight end)
• The importance of special teams in earning playing time
• Lessons from competing in bowl games and high-pressure moments
• Why staying connected to your hometown still matters

From Local to D1
From packed Friday night lights in Cardinal Stadium in Jacksonville, NC, to Saturdays at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Miles Parker’s story is about consistency, patience, and doing the work when nobody is watching.

Who This Episode Is For:
✔️ High school football players
✔️ Multi-sport athletes
✔️ Parents navigating recruiting
✔️ Coaches building development programs
✔️ Anyone chasing the next level

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What If Your Biggest Advantage Is Starting Late

She didn’t grow up in a volleyball town. She didn’t start early. And she didn’t take the easy path.

In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., we sit down with Lovina Teel, a Jacksonville High School ('24) athlete who found volleyball in eighth grade—and turned a late start into a Division I opportunity.

Now, after a breakout junior college career, Lovina has officially signed to play Division I volleyball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Her journey is built on adaptability, resilience, and doing the work when no one’s watching.

We dive into:
🏐 Starting volleyball late and catching up fast
🏐 Training through COVID and staying consistent
🏐 Switching positions and becoming a complete hitter
🏐 The difference between high school and club volleyball
🏐 Junior college success at Richard Bland & St. Johns River
🏐 Visualization, film study, and mental toughness
🏐 Competing at nationals and handling pressure
🏐 Why JUCO volleyball is underrated
🏐 Signing Division I and what comes next

Lovina’s story proves: It’s not when you start. It’s how you respond.

Presented by Humphrey Heating & Air Conditioning

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Small Battles. Big Results

A lot of athletes talk about “the grind.” Anthony Cooper can point to the exact reps that changed his life.

In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams, we sit down with Jacksonville, North Carolina native Anthony Cooper, a midfielder who built his game from the ground up—starting lacrosse in eighth grade, expanding his skillset at Northside High School, and earning his way to play college lacrosse at Coker University.

His story is about more than highlights—it’s about the small battles most people overlook.

We dive into:
🥍 Starting lacrosse late and catching up through work
🥍 How ground balls and takeaways build real impact
🥍 The mindset shift from sophomore to junior year
🥍 Using football to bring physicality and confidence
🥍 Leading a growing program at Northside High School
🥍 Staying motivated when wins aren’t coming
🥍 College recruiting strategies that actually work
🥍 Why highlight film (especially the first minute) matters most
🥍 Using platforms like FieldLevel and social media to get noticed
🥍 Choosing Coker University and what success looks like now

Anthony’s message is clear: Progress isn’t hype—it’s reps, stacked daily.

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👉 Share with a player chasing the next level
👉 Comment: What’s one small habit that could change your season?