HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

Heavy Hitter Sports entertains, educates & inspires by spotlighting sports game-changers. Athletes & sports business leaders share their stories of resilience & provide valuable advice on how to tackle challenges on & off the field of play. Host Mark Hochgesang's commentary is shaped by his deep love & knowledge of sports & 30 years of management experience at Nike, adidas & Easton.

Recent Episodes

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Charley Stobbs: The Natural
March 31, 2026

Charley Stobbs: The Natural

Charley Stobbs, the sports marketing leader of baseball & softball at adidas, delivers more than just baseball insight. He shares a championship mindset built upon hard work, authenticity, trust, and relationships. Charley re...
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Ellen Bain: Adventure Seeker
March 16, 2026

Ellen Bain: Adventure Seeker

Guest Ellen Bain shares how she pivoted from a successful Nike career to a life built around yoga, adventure, and community - and the lessons that team sports teaches us about resilience, teamwork & leadership. And yes, she d...
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Gary Patterson: To the Rescue
Jan. 30, 2026

Gary Patterson: To the Rescue

Host Mark Hochgesang provides his take on the recent hiring of USC's new defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson. Mark also shares his thoughts on the upcoming Trojan season. Patterson's Introductory Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy2psH39BWQ Listeners, please subscribe to Heavy Hi…
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Danny van Leeuwen: Resilient Athlete
Jan. 14, 2026

Danny van Leeuwen: Resilient Athlete

Host Mark Hochgesang huddles with the inspiring and relentlessly optimistic Danny van Leeuwen—athlete, nurse, storyteller, and champion for living fully with a chronic illness. Danny doesn’t just talk about resilience; he liv...
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ADHD & Sports
July 29, 2025

ADHD & Sports

John Gassner & host Mark Hochgesang trade thoughts on how parents & coaches can best support young athletes with ADHD. John is an ADHD Life Coach, former DI athlete, sports industry veteran and has ADHD himself. Mark has rece...
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Spiro Psaltis: Baseball Savant & Storyteller
June 4, 2025

Spiro Psaltis: Baseball Savant & Storyteller

Guest Spiro Psaltis shares his deep love for baseball & engaging stories re his USC national title team, five pro ball career, Pete Rose relationship & a successful 40-year tenure as both a coach & announcer with host Mark Ho...
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About the Host

Mark Hochgesang Profile Photo
Mark Hochgesang

Host of Heavy Hitter Sports

Mark's goal is to educate, entertain and inspire by bringing compelling sports stories to life. He is a 30-year sporting goods industry veteran, having worked at Nike, adidas and Easton. Mark is now transferring his storytelling skills to the podcast airways. This venue and show focus is a great fit for Mark given his love of sports, industry experience and interest in psychology & personal growth.

Mark's love of sports is broad ranging...baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse and all things Olympics. Yes, you might detect a slight bias toward the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, the Portland Trailblazers and the Trojans since he was born in San Francisco, raised in Portland and educated at USC.

Mark also invests in sports related startups via Oregon Sports Angels. Mark, his wife Barbara and their son Chris have lived in Portland for the last 25 years.