WNZR’s Josiah Pletcher talked with 2006 MVNU graduate and Cougar Wall of Fame inductee Heather Clark Hebrank!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Hebrank shared how an unexpected campus visit led her to MVNU, where she played softball, earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, strengthened her faith, and met her future husband. She also discussed her career in education, where she is now serving as assistant principal at Stephen Bell Elementary in Bellbrook, Ohio. She is currently in her twentieth year working in education.
Hebrank reflected on her softball career and the friendships, team experiences, and spiritual growth that made her time with the Lady Cougars so meaningful. She described her Cougar Wall of Fame induction as a humbling, full-circle moment, especially sharing the honor with former teammate Stephanie Johnson Smith. Hebrank also encouraged MVNU alumni to stay connected, invest in current students, and help provide future generations with the same life-changing experiences they received.
Click HERE for more info on MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!
Here is a look at Heather’s career:
Hebrank played for the softball team from 2003-2006 as a pitcher.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with former MVNU softball standout Stephanie Johnson Smith, who will be inducted into the Cougar Wall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
Smith shares that she grew up in Tallmadge, Ohio, near Akron, and came to MVNU after learning about the university through friends and the opportunity to play softball. She earned degrees in Health and Physical Education and Exercise Studies and remained an additional semester to complete student teaching.
After graduation, Smith accepted a position at Worthington Christian School in Columbus and has remained there for 20 years. She teaches physical education, health, fitness, nutrition, and weight training classes and says she has enjoyed a long career helping students develop healthy habits and life skills.
Smith discusses her experiences coaching after college, including nearly a decade coaching high school soccer and softball. After stepping away from coaching to focus on raising her family, she recently returned to the sidelines through girls flag football and youth softball.
She also updates listeners on her family life. Smith and her husband Brad have been married for 16 years and have two children, Brinley and Beckett, who attend Worthington Christian School. She says their family stays busy traveling to sports and activities, with both children actively involved in athletics.
Smith reflects on her softball career, which began in tee ball as a young child. She credits her father, who coached her through much of her youth and high school career, for helping develop her love for the game and teaching her the importance of hard work and preparation.
She also looks back on her four seasons as the Cougars’ shortstop. While she enjoyed many successes on the field, Smith says her favorite memories center on the friendships she built with teammates and coaches. She recalls team trips, bus rides, and time spent together as some of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.
Smith reacts to the many honors and records she earned during her Cougar career, including several all-conference and academic recognitions as well as numerous places in the MVNU softball record book. She says she had not thought much about those accomplishments in recent years and views them as a reflection of the teammates and coaches who helped her succeed.
She also discusses learning that she would be inducted into the Cougar Wall of Fame. Smith says she was surprised when she received the phone call and was especially excited to learn she would be inducted alongside former teammate and close friend Heather. She describes the recognition as both humbling and meaningful.
Click HERE for more information on MVNU’s Homecoming events!
Stephanie (Johnson) Smith played for the softball team from 2003-2006 as a shortstop.
She holds MVNU records for:
– Most career at bats with 550 – Most career doubles with 57 – 5th in most games played with 163 – 4th in highest career batting average with an average of .400 – 3rd in career hits with 220 – 2nd in career RBI’s with 141 – 2nd most career in assists with 403.
As a freshman in 2003, Johnson was named:
– American Mideast Conference Honorable Mention – American Mideast Conference Freshman of the Year – NCCAA East Region Team – NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American – Cougar Sports Associates’ “Freshman of the Year,” and – the 2003 Team Most Valuable Player as a Freshman!
In 2004 as a sophomore, she batted .359, had a team best 14 doubles, five triples, two home runs, 29 runs scored, and 34 RBIs. She was also named to:
– the AMC South Division Second Team – NCCAA East Region Team, and – NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American Team.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is preparing for its 2026 Homecoming Weekend, featuring class reunions, campus activities, athletic events, and special celebrations. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Mike Cheek, MVNU’s Executive Director of Alumni and Major Gifts, about the weekend’s schedule and opportunities to reconnect.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Highlights include the Golden Grad Luncheon, Homecoming Chapel, the Before the Bird 5K, the WNZR 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion, and Cougar basketball games. Saturday evening will also feature A Night with Nashville, a concert benefiting Cougar Baseball. Songwriters Brian White, Andy Chrisman, and Tony Wood will perform Christian music hits and share the stories behind the songs.
Click HERE for more information about MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lauryn VanHoose, Head Coach of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Women’s Basketball team, about the upcoming season and the growth of the Cougar program. Click HERE or click on the picture below to hear the full conversation on our first Cougar Conversation of basketball season!
Entering her second year as head coach, VanHoose is focused on staying present, continuing to develop her players, and preparing the team for the physical and demanding competition of the Crossroads League. With seven new players, including five freshmen and two transfers, the team is working to build chemistry and learn to compete together. VanHoose says one of the team’s greatest strengths is how closely connected the players are, both on and off the court.
As the Cougars prepare for the season, the coaching staff is emphasizing mental toughness, defensive play, and the ability to respond to mistakes and challenges. VanHoose is especially encouraged by the leadership of the team’s four upperclassmen, who bring valuable Crossroads League experience. She hopes fans will notice the team’s effort, energy, and commitment to competing for all 40 minutes. Beyond basketball, VanHoose also wants her players to grow in their faith and learn to rely on God through both the challenges and successes of life. She asks for prayer for the team’s safety, health, and mental and physical strength throughout the season.
Kristin and Coach Jared Ronai recently joined WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about Kaci’s Camp, a free sports camp created in memory of their daughter, Kaci Ronai. The camp is designed for children with Down syndrome and reflects the Ronais’ desire to honor Kaci’s life while encouraging other families.
Jared shared that more than a year ago, he and Kristin learned they were expecting their fourth child. Later in the pregnancy, they found out Kaci would be born with Down syndrome.
Kaci was born on November 29th, 2025, and spent her first month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Jared said the family was able to bring her home on New Year’s Eve, which became a very special day for their family. He also reflected on the memories they were able to make together during Kaci’s time at home.
Kaci became sick, and because of medical complications, she passed away on March 22nd, 2026.
Following her passing, the Ronais wanted to create something that would continue Kaci’s legacy. That vision became Kaci’s Camp.
The camp will be held on Saturday, August 8th, at Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It is open to children ages 6 through 18 with Down syndrome and will feature basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wiffle ball.
Kristin said their family was always focused on helping Kaci thrive, and they hope the camp will provide that same encouragement for other children. Jared said the goal is to give participants an opportunity to feel celebrated, build confidence around others like them, and enjoy a day where they can thrive through sports and activities.
The event is completely free for participating families. While donations are accepted, the Ronais said those gifts will help provide educational resources for parents of children with Down syndrome. They also shared that approximately one in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome, and they hope the camp helps raise awareness within the community.
Kaci’s Camp is designed as a full-day event. Registration will take place from 9:30 until 10 a.m., with activities running from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Campers will participate in two sports during the morning, followed by lunch and breaks before taking part in two additional sports during the afternoon.
Kristin said they want every child who attends to feel like they are part of something and know they are welcomed. She also said that while the camp is centered on the children, she hopes volunteers and everyone involved will leave with a greater appreciation for the Down syndrome community.
Jared shared that he hopes Kaci’s Camp continues to grow in the years ahead, helping raise awareness about Down syndrome while honoring Kaci’s life and the impact she had on their family. Kristin also offered encouragement to parents who may receive a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child, saying that children with Down syndrome are a gift from God and sharing that Kaci was a tremendous blessing to their family.
As they prepare for the first Kaci’s Camp, the Ronais are asking the community to pray for the event, for enough volunteers to serve, and that every child who attends will have a positive experience and feel loved.
Registration is open through August 1st.
The Ronais are also seeking volunteers, and anyone interested in serving can use the same email address to learn more about available opportunities.
Joey Bennett is bringing energy, enthusiasm, and heart to the WNZR radio team this year. A freshman Communication and Digital Media major at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Joey is already making her mark as a DJ. You can catch her live on WNZR every Wednesday from 2–4 PM, where she shares great music and an uplifting presence with listeners.
Originally from Weirton, West Virginia, Joey has long felt a special connection to MVNU. Her home church was deeply involved with the university, and she says she always felt at home whenever she came to visit campus. That sense of belonging made her decision to attend MVNU a natural one.
Joey discovered her interest in radio through her communication classes. Curious and willing to try something new, she stepped into the studio—and quickly found her place behind the mic. Now as part of the WNZR team, she’s embracing the opportunity to grow her skills and connect with others through broadcasting.
Outside of the studio, Joey is just as active. She cheers on the MVNU game day and competition squads and has been involved in cheerleading since elementary school. In fact, she has even spent time coaching along the way. One of her favorite MVNU memories so far has been attending Sonfest and reconnecting with friends from her home church.
When it comes to music, Joey’s favorite artist is Katy Nichole, and her favorite song is “Have Your Way.” She even had the opportunity to see Katy Nichole live at the K-LOVE Center—an experience she describes as incredibly exciting and unforgettable.
Joey’s interests don’t stop there. She loves crawfish and crab legs (though chicken is always a good option, too), enjoys sleeping in when she can, and values taking time to relax and reset for the week ahead. She credits one of her former teachers, Mrs. Hores—who taught life skills, food prep, and sewing clubs—as someone who made a lasting impact on her life.
A fun fact about Joey? She has a unique hidden talent—she can contort her body! But beyond her talents and activities, her faith is what guides her most. Joey shares that God has been teaching her to trust Him fully and “let God take the pen back” in writing her life story.
Two of her favorite Bible verses reflect that trust:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Looking ahead, Joey dreams of becoming a TV news reporter and anchor. With her passion for communication, heart for ministry, and growing experience at WNZR, she’s already well on her way.
Be sure to tune in Wednesdays from 2–4 PM to hear Joey on WNZR!
We had a chance to talk with Simon Rohwer and Ryan Lehman, from the MVNU Track and Field Team, ahead of their trip to Outdoor Nationals! They share with us about their season and year at MVNU! We also get to chat about what motivates the guys as well as their experiences this year as freshman!
They ran in the 4x800m relay yesterday and finished 11th of 30 teams! Congratulations on a fantastic season!
We had a chance to talk with Evan Hodkinson, from the MVNU Men’s Track and Field Team!
Evan shares with us about everything nationals! Evan is running 3 different events! So we will talk about his past experiences at the national championships, as well as what his goals are this year! We also get to chat about what motivates him and what is next for him, now that he is graduated.
Evan and the rest of his team are headed to Marion, Indiana this week to compete and we wish them the best of luck!
We had a chance to talk with Lyssi Snouffer, from the MVNU Women’s Track and Field Team!
Lyssi shares with us about everything nationals! We talk about her past experiences, as well as what her goals are this year! We also get to chat about what motivates her and what is next for her after graduation.
Lyssi and the rest of her team are headed to Marion, Indiana this week to compete and we wish them the best of luck!
We had a chance to talk with Mason Hendrickson and Tyler Shipley, from the MVNU Men’s Track and Field Team!
Mason shares with us about his track experiences leading into his 6th National Championship appearance! He is competing in the steeplechase and just posted his best times of the season!
Tyler also shares with us what it has been like going to nationals before, as well as what he is expecting this time around. The pole vault is his event and he is currently ranked 3rd in the nation!
Not to mention both of these guys have a very special date coming up!
They are headed to compete in Marion, Indiana this week and we wish them the best of luck!
