🎙️ From Colombia to Coaching in Maine (via a Bike Ride Across Continents!)

On this week's Gill Connections podcast, we sit down with Pablo Espitia, assistant track & field coach at the University of Maine, whose story is anything but typical.

In this episode, we dive into:

🌎 Pablo’s multicultural upbringing and how sports differ in Colombia vs. the U.S.

👟 How he went from shy high school freshman to standout collegiate jumper at FIU

💬 The power of a coach learning your name — even when you're one of 200

🧠 Coaching style vs. training content: Why how you coach matters as much as what you coach

🛠️ His passion for developing career readiness programs for athletes

❄️ Adjusting from sunny Miami to snowy Maine (spoiler: he likes the snow)

💥 And yes, we talk about his year-long solo bicycle ride from Portugal to China.

Want the full adventure? Check out Pablo's guest episode on Bikepack Adventures:

👉 Pablo Espitia – Cycling the Silk Road

“What you put out there is what you get back.”

— Pablo Espitia

Tap in for a wild, inspiring ride — on two wheels and two legs.

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

Trying something new, as we bring you REAL TIME on the field (and track) interviews from the Nike Outdoor National HS Championships. Gill Athletics and Beynon Sports Surfacing is proud to sponsor Saturday's Coaches Social at NON. Coaches were able to have a free lunch on us and grab a few door prizes (neck fans, gateboards, wristbands, sunglasses, and more!)

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

Trying something new, as we bring you REAL TIME on the field (and track) interviews from the Nike Outdoor National HS Championships. Gill Athletics and Beynon Sports Surfacing is proud to sponsor Saturday's Coaches Social at NON. Coaches were able to have a free lunch on us and grab a few door prizes (neck fans, gateboards, wristbands, sunglasses, and more!)

Check back tomorrow for Day 4!

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍