Most coaches were conditioned the way they condition. Running is often used as punishment. Effort is demanded through anger. Mistakes are followed by sprints. But Bruce challenges that entire framework.

What if conditioning wasn’t something athletes dreaded?

What if it became a privilege?

What if it was the most culture-building part of practice?

Bruce walks through the philosophical shift that reshaped his coaching career. After realizing he was building frustration into the end of practice just to justify conditioning, he spent an entire summer redesigning his approach. The result was a system that:

• Rewards effort instead of punishing mistakes
• Builds interdependence (“don’t let your buddies down”)
• Reinforces athlete-owned behaviors
• Creates pride in conditioning
• Strengthens culture under fatigue

At the center of the model is a simple shift:

If being in better condition makes you a better player,

and better players make better teams,

then conditioning is a privilege.

Bruce explains why verbal reinforcement—using both a player’s name and the specific action—is the most powerful tool a coach has. He shares practical examples including:

• Free throw conditioning where winners earn the right to run
• Effort-based push-up variations that eliminate punishment loops
• Interval drills built around “help your buddy” exchanges
• The “Push Day” tradition that athletes eventually asked for
• Why stopping conditioning early can be the most powerful consequence

The deeper principle is cultural, not physical:

Conditioning becomes a vehicle for interdependence, ownership, and shared pride.

Rob presses Bruce on common objections:

• What about preseason benchmarks?
• What about older-school resistance?
• Can coaches test this halfway?

Bruce’s answer is clear: You cannot dip your toe in. You must understand it, believe it, and fully commit.

If you are serious about:

• Building athlete accountability
• Raising effort without anger
• Eliminating punishment-based motivation
• Creating a team that pushes itself

This episode will challenge how you run practice.

Key Takeaways

• Conditioning used as punishment undermines its purpose.
• Effort and attitude are athlete-owned behaviors.
• Verbal reinforcement (name + action) drives behavior.
• Rewarding great effort produces more great effort.
• Interdependence is built under fatigue.
• When athletes buy in, conditioning becomes culture.

Connect with Bruce Brown

Learn more about Bruce’s work at Proactive Coaching at https://proactivecoaching.info/.

Sign up for our free newsletter at:

https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Key Topics Covered

• Neurowell + leadership: Why real change “starts in the brain,” not in policies.
• Biology + context: How leaders shape the environment to reduce friction and increase performance.
• Safe, supportive, proactive culture: A framework for building teams that sustain pressure.
• Perception filters: Why athletes respond differently to the same coaching behavior.
• Stress states & performance: Calm → alert (good) → alarm (bad decisions).
• Team-wide strategies: How to teach self-awareness at scale without needing a massive staff.
• Psychological safety: Not softness—an engine for disagreement, learning, and resilience.
• Positivity as training: How routines that notice “good” can shift team worldview and cohesion.
• Compliance vs commitment: Why punishment-based leadership backfires and what to do instead.
• Rapid fire: Favorite book, definition of success, favorite podcast, and a daily joy practice.

Practical Takeaways for Coaches

1) Coach the brain, not just the behavior

Athletes’ reactions are often driven by unconscious perception filters. If a player shuts down, it may not be “attitude”—it may be how your style is being associated with past experiences.

2) Teach self-regulation like a skill

Lisa offers a simple framework coaches can run in groups: “Name it, Own it, Control it.”

• Name it: What do you look/feel like when you’re losing control?
• Own it: What’s underneath it—what fear is driving the reaction?
• Control it: What works for you in the moment (breathing, reset routine, self-talk, walk-away, etc.)?

3) Build “safe, supportive, proactive” culture

• Safe: Emotional + intellectual safety (including real uncertainty around AI and change).
• Supportive: Agency + autonomy with accountability.
• Proactive: Don’t get mad at predictable barriers—plan for them.

4) Normalize conflict and train resolution

Psychological safety includes how a team handles conflict without fear of getting crushed or ignored.

5) Use simple routines to shift team mindset

Lisa describes the power of building “positive noticing” into team life (e.g., “two good things” at dinner; appreciation loops in teams) so athletes begin scanning for what’s working, not only what’s wrong.

6) Replace compliance with commitment

Punishment may create compliance, but coaches want buy-in. The better pattern: clarify the “why,” provide a replacement behavior, and reinforce progress with meaningful positive feedback.

Memorable Lines / Concepts

• “Behavior is the intersection of our biology and our context.”
• “You can’t be upset by predictable situations.”
• “Compliance isn’t commitment.”
• “When the alarm system takes over, the thinking brain checks out.”

Books Mentioned / Recommended

• Neurowell — Dr. Lisa Riegel
• Aspirations to Operations (includes the 8C Commitment Framework) — Dr. Lisa Riegel
• Available on Amazon.

Connect with Dr. Lisa Riegel (lisariegel@epinstitute.net)

• Educational Partnerships Institute (Founder & CEO): www.epinstitute.net
• Books: Neurowell and Aspirations to Operations (Amazon)

www.lisariegel.com

Key Ideas

• The 10–90 Rule:

The first 10% of a hard conversation determines 90% of the outcome. How you start matters most.

• Why these conversations matter:

Most athletes have low reps in real conflict. Avoidance and emotional escalation are common. Coaches who handle conflict well build trust and stability.

The Six Steps

1. Invite — don’t ambush

Set a clear time, place, and purpose. Avoid vague “we need to talk” messages.

2. Identify the issue

Name the problem and stick to it. Don’t drift into personal attacks.

3. Inform the process

Set simple ground rules: listen first, ask clarifying questions, work toward next steps.

4. Listen to understand

Not to win. Let the other person fully empty the tank.

5. Give back

Acknowledge the kernel of truth. Take the low seat when appropriate; it strengthens trust.

6. Take action

Agree on next steps and walk out aligned. Clarity and unity matter.

Summary

Consistent structure + emotional regulation = better outcomes.

Coaches who embrace hard conversations—not avoid them—lead stronger teams.

Links

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

Substack: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Russell shares stories from nearly five decades in coaching, including his journey from proving himself through wins to measuring success by trust, character, and long-term impact. This conversation cuts straight to the heart of the profession: identity, psychological safety, competition, and the quiet work of shaping people who thrive well beyond sport.

This is a grounded, honest discussion for coaches who want to win and lead with integrity.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Training vs. Coaching: Why developing people must take precedence over chasing results—and how the best coaches do both.
• Psychological Safety (Done Right): Safety doesn’t mean low standards. It means accountability without fear.
• Evaluate, Don’t Critique: How post-competition language shapes trust, learning, and long-term growth.
• Competing in the Context of Relationship: Why opponents aren’t enemies—and how respect fuels healthier competition.
• Focus vs. Obsession: Where intensity helps and where it becomes destructive for athletes and coaches alike.
• Winning Isn’t Enough: Russell reflects on when he realized success had to be defined by more than outcomes.
• Mentorship & Patience: Why some lessons take years to land—and why that’s okay.
• Advice to Young Coaches: “Say no more often. Be clear. Get a mentor. Don’t vacillate.”

Memorable Quotes

• “The coaching part says my ego takes second place to wins and losses.”
• “Evaluate, don’t critique.”
• “Psychological safety isn’t avoiding hard things—it’s opening the door to more responsibility.”
• “Your opponent is not your enemy. They’re there to help you get better.”

About the Guest

Russell Smelley is a longtime cross country and track & field coach at Westmont College, a multiple-time conference Coach of the Year, and an NAIA Hall of Fame inductee. As both coach and faculty member, Russell brings a rare blend of competitive excellence, faith-centered leadership, and deep care for athlete development.

Russell is currently developing workshops on transformational leadership for coaches, educators, and parents—focused on moving from transactional outcomes to lasting impact.

Contact Russell: smelley@westmont.edu

Listen & Subscribe

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150
• Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

Beyond Coaching is produced by the Impactful Coaching Project, in partnership with Friends University. ICP exists to develop coaches who lead the whole person and to advance best practices for coaching the 21st-century athlete.

Learn more at impactfulcoachingproject.com.

Topics covered include how parents unintentionally make things harder for their kids, what healthy involvement looks like, why youth coaching has almost no barrier to entry, how to navigate pay-to-play without burnout, what the U.S. can learn from countries like Norway, and why the youth-sport dropout rate (around 70 percent by age 13) continues to rise.

Shaun closes with rapid-fire reflections on formative books, failure, coaching success, and how his faith has shaped his life. Shaun can be reached at sfrsales76@gmail.com.

About the Impactful Coaching Project

The Impactful Coaching Project exists to help coaches lead with competence, care, and constancy through research-backed frameworks, practical tools, and ongoing conversations about holistic coaching.

Listen and explore ICP resources:

impactfulcoachingproject.com

impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

The episode challenges coaches to examine what fuels them, how that fuel shapes their leadership, and how to help athletes move from external validation to internal clarity, purpose, and ownership.

Key Themes

1. Clean vs. Dirty Motivation

• Clean motivation: mission-driven, value-aligned, sustainable

• Dirty motivation: chip-on-the-shoulder, prove-them-wrong, short-term adrenaline

• Dirty fuel can win games—but rarely builds lasting joy, culture, or impact

2. How Dirty Motivation Shows Up

• Creating imaginary critics or “haters” to spark emotion

• Heightened volatility in decision-making and relationships

• Misalignment with what today’s athletes actually respond to

• Athletes quickly see through inauthentic motivational tactics

3. How Clean Motivation Shows Up

• Strengthens trust, relationships, and identity beyond sport

• Better aligned with holistic coaching and the whole-person model

• Requires intentionality because it lacks the emotional spike dirty fuel brings

4. Athlete Identity, Family Pressure, and Motivation Drift

• ICP research shows family is a top motivator for college athletes

• When athletes detach identity from outcome, performance can improve—or decline

• Many athletes discover they were competing more for their parents than themselves

5. The Coach’s Role

• Authenticity is mandatory—modern athletes sense inconsistency immediately

• Coaches shape whether athletes use their motivation in healthy ways

• Clear roles, communication, and purpose are essential to sustaining clean fuel

• Winning doesn’t automatically convert motivation—it often amplifies pressure

Featured Quotes

• “Dirty motivation works—until it doesn’t.”

• “If you’re manufacturing haters, you’re building on sand.”

• “Clean fuel builds people. Dirty fuel burns them.”

Learn More & Explore ICP Resources

Impactful Coaching Project Website

https://impactfulcoachingproject.com

ICP Substack (Articles, Show Notes, Research, Updates)

https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Books

Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGLP9PP5

Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGM3VZ3J

In this episode, we cover:

• Shaun’s background and why he sees youth sports differently
• Why youth sports has become a “system” with predictable outcomes
• The integrity gap: when the business model replaces the kid as the priority
• The impact of parent identity, comparison culture, and social media
• How young coaches can become “experts” to parents—and spread bad information
• The “selling the dream” problem: promises that don’t match reality
• Why Rob believes it’s not just individual coaches—it’s the structure around them
• Why this conversation is split into two parts, and what’s coming next

Key takeaway

If youth sports is producing rising dropout rates and decreasing participation, it’s not an accident. It’s the result of incentives and expectations that put adults—often unintentionally—ahead of the child.

Next episode (Part 2)

Rob and Shaun shift from diagnosis to solutions: practical guidance for parents, realistic development for coaches, and ways to reduce harm inside a pay-to-play reality.

Each segment tackles a reality coaches deal with every day:

how to build culture when not everyone plays, how to develop leaders through failure, and how to handle stress without trying to eliminate it.

You’ll hear from Brent Hobson, Jim McNeal, and Mitch Hull—three coaches and leaders working in very different environments, but wrestling with the same leadership challenges.

Different settings. Same issues.

Leadership, pressure, failure, and building programs that last.

Episode Highlights

Brent Hobson – Value Beyond Playing Time

Not everyone plays—but everyone still shapes the culture.

Brent Hobson, longtime head coach of Friends University Women’s Soccer, explains how he intentionally builds value for athletes who may never see the field, including why the only award in his office has nothing to do with wins or goals. This is what team-first culture looks like in practice.

Topics include:

• Building value beyond the lineup
• The Garland Award and why it matters
• Coaching honesty without lowering standards
• What’s actually changed—and hasn’t—with today’s athletes

Jim McNeal – Failure as a Leadership Tool

Jim McNeal, retired Navy Reserve Rear Admiral and leadership mentor at the U.S. Naval Academy, explains why the Academy is intentionally designed to make high achievers fail—and why that matters.

Failure isn’t accidental. It’s part of the training.

Topics include:

• The Naval Academy as a leadership laboratory
• Why leaders are judged on how they lead people, not just results
• Helping high achievers learn to fail safely
• Shifting from external success to internal standards

Mitch Hull – Stress, Pressure, and the Process

We spend a lot of time trying to remove stress from sport. Research suggests that approach often backfires.

Mitch Hull explains why stress itself isn’t the problem, why perception matters more than pressure, and how coaches reduce stress by focusing on habits, preparation, and daily execution—not the scoreboard.

Topics include:

• Why “stress is bad” is the wrong message
• Reframing pressure as preparation
• Process-over-outcome coaching
• Helping athletes perform when it matters most

Beyond Coaching is produced by the Impactful Coaching Project, an initiative focused on helping coaches lead the whole person—not just the performer.

The Impactful Coaching Project exists to support coaches at every level as they navigate leadership, culture, pressure, and the realities of coaching today’s athletes. Through podcasts, writing, research, and coach education, ICP emphasizes practical leadership, honest conversations, and systems of care that help teams perform and people grow.

Learn more at impactfulcoachingproject.com

The discussion explores how coaches can create intentional platforms for honest, constructive dialogue with players. When athletes are given the right setting, clear expectations, and healthy boundaries, most are fair, thoughtful, and invested in making the program better—not tearing it down.

The episode also highlights the enduring power of small, personal gestures. A handwritten note. A name written in ink. A quiet moment of affirmation without an audience. These practices still matter—and they still work.

Beyond individual actions, the conversation zooms out to culture. The stories a team tells—about gratitude, care, and looking out for one another—shape identity far more than win-loss records. What gets noticed, named, and repeated becomes who the team is.

The bottom line is clear: if care isn’t built into weekly rhythms, practice plans, and systems, it will get crowded out by scouting reports, recruiting, and schedules. Coaches who want it to last have to plan for it.

Key themes:

• Creating healthy structures for player feedback
• Why most athletes are fair when given the right environment
• The lasting impact of handwritten notes and personal affirmation
• Using stories to reinforce team values and culture
• Why care must be scheduled—or it disappears

Listen to Beyond Coaching:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150
• Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

Learn more about the Impactful Coaching Project at:

https://impactfulcoachingproject.com

They dig into what it actually takes to coach Gen Z, how to lead players who aren’t getting the role they hoped for, and why self-evaluation is one of the most underrated tools in a coach’s toolkit.

Key Themes

Coaching a Generation Under Constant Pressure

Brent sees today’s athletes as more visible, more individualized, and more influenced by social media. Instead of complaining about the shift, he explains how coaches can adapt and still build connected teams.

Valuing Every Athlete

Brent created the Garland Award, named after a former player who rarely played but shaped the program through character and commitment. It’s the only award displayed in his office—and a reminder that contribution isn’t limited to playing time.

Honest Conversations About Role and Reality

Whether it’s the athlete who won’t play much or the athlete upset about their role, Brent leans toward clarity over comfort. He outlines how to help players understand how they can still impact the team—and why these conversations require coaches, captains, and teammates working together.

How 3D Coaching Changed His Approach

Initially skeptical, Brent now credits the 3D framework with helping him slow down, reflect, and rethink his relationship-building as a coach. It gave him a needed “renewal” in how he leads.

What Administrators Need to Hear

Evaluations shouldn’t be a hunt for mistakes. Brent urges ADs to look at the whole athlete experience and share what’s going well—not just what needs work.

Rapid-Fire Highlights

• Book recommendation: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
• Failure that shaped him: The challenging 2020 COVID season
• Definition of success: Lasting relationships with players and alumni
• Best golf score: 73 at Cherry Oaks
• New habit: Listening more—to players, colleagues, and his kids

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

More resources at impactfulcoachingproject.com

The conversation highlights how showcase culture has impacted competitiveness, the importance of connection off the field, and why faith and relational trust have become central to her coaching philosophy. For anyone leading this generation—on the field or beyond—it’s a timely, honest look at what it takes to coach well today.

Key Themes:

• Coaching evolution: Suze reflects on how her approach has shifted from winning at all costs to leading with purpose, patience, and trust.
• Showcase culture and shifting motivation: Today’s athletes often come from environments where exposure matters more than winning. Coaches must reframe the meaning of competition and team success.
• Individualized leadership: Modern athletes expect relational coaching. Knowing how each athlete wants to be coached is key to earning buy-in.
• Mental health and emotional awareness: Athletes today are more open about emotions. Coaches need emotional discipline and active presence, especially in high-pressure moments.
• Rebuilding identity: When athletes don’t get the role they want, identity can crack. Coaches play a central role in helping athletes understand their value beyond the lineup.
• Relational trust: Off-field connection strengthens on-field performance. Suze shares practical ways she invests in athletes as whole people.
• Faith and long-term impact: Suze views coaching as ministry and mentorship—emphasizing purpose, relationships, and post-college connection as her deepest success markers.

Notable Moments:

01:10 – Suze on early coaching: “I was good, so I thought I’d just make them good”

 03:20 – Becoming a head coach at age 22, unexpectedly

 07:55 – Mistakes made early on—blunt honesty without relational context

 12:40 – Comparing JUCO and four-year athletes: mindset, priorities, and approach

 16:13 – The showcase era and its impact on competitiveness and team dynamics

 18:20 – Athletes say they love competition—but do they mean it?

 20:14 – The rise of emotional transparency in today’s athlete

 22:30 – How Suze keeps the bottom 10 on the roster valued and engaged

 24:00 – Building identity outside the game to prepare for post-athletic life

 27:42 – The cost of showing visible stress on the field

 29:10 – What Suze wants it to feel like to be coached by her

 32:45 – A coaching failure that almost made her quit—and what pulled her back

 36:00 – Rapid fire: books, mistakes, success, and favorite coaches

Books mentioned: Tony Dungy’s leadership books, Pat Summitt’s coaching philosophy

Practical Takeaways:

• Rebuild the team-first mindset. In the showcase era, many athletes arrive focused on visibility, not competition. Reframe the value of team success and shared goals.
• Coach the individual. Modern athletes need coaching tailored to how they receive feedback. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work.
• Establish identity beyond the sport. When roles change or playing time decreases, identity gaps can become emotional gaps. Use relationship to fill them.
• Manage your presence. Your emotional regulation sets the tone. Athletes quickly absorb your body language and energy.
• Value the whole roster. The culture often depends more on how the “non-stars” are treated than how the stars perform.
• Lead with relationship. Know their story. Trust and influence grow when athletes feel seen beyond the field.
• Keep faith at the center (if it aligns with your context). For Suze, purpose flows from faith—and that purpose informs how she coaches, leads, and supports her athletes long-term.

Notable Quotes:

Suzanne Unruh

 “They need to know I know how they want to be coached—and how not to coach them.”

 “Being told you’re appreciated and you have a purpose is one of the most important things an athlete needs today.”

Connect with the Impactful Coaching Project:

 X: @ICP_Project

 Instagram: @impactful_coaching_project

 LinkedIn: Impactful Coaching Project

Key Themes

• Transitions that grow you: High school → college; men → women; what Dean “didn’t know he didn’t know” about recruiting and preparation.
• Coachability & confidence: With men, puncturing overconfidence; with women, raising ceilings and naming their potential.
• The collective effect: Public praise/critique lands differently on women’s teams—use “we/us” language and handle most individual feedback 1:1.
• Lead, don’t just manage: Dean’s “one big rule”—you either bless people or curse people; hold to that and cut the bloated rulebook.
• Faith as framework: Total-release effort as worship; coach the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, psychologically.
• Reality of the job: Life and coaching are messy; don’t overreact, don’t take it personally, watch actions over words, and keep vision front and center.
• Listening builds buy-in: Seek first to understand; today’s athletes spot inauthenticity fast.
• Vision sustains: The Hartman Arena story—nobody believed it early; vision made the work coherent.

Notable Moments

• 00:15 – Why Rob almost changed jobs just to learn from Dean
• 01:36 – High school → college: “I didn’t know what I didn’t know” (recruiting, prep)
• 06:00 – When talent stalls: the cost of being uncoachable
• 06:33 – Men vs. women: confidence gaps and ceilings
• 08:52 – Language shift: use “we/us”; keep praise/critique mostly individual
• 10:49 – Why schemes/X&O often matter more in the women’s game
• 11:58 – Teaching bug: chasing light-bulb moments and durable confidence
• 14:35 – Faith, “audience of One,” and coaching the whole person
• 20:17 – Coaching in the information age: echo chambers and public scrutiny
• 21:18 – From rules to leadership: Dean’s single standard (“bless vs. curse”)
• 23:13 – Adapt the system to the roster you actually have
• 24:04 – Listening as strategy for buy-in
• 26:00 – Hope and vision: conditioning with the end in mind
• 30:26 – Don’t take it personal; judge actions over words
• 31:02 – Playing the long game when your job feels year-to-year
• 33:44 – Embrace the mess; prepare for age-appropriate, inappropriate moments
• 35:25 – Rapid fire: books, failures, definitions of success, habits

Rapid-Fire References

• Books mentioned: Coach K’s leadership book (annual reread); Frosty Westering’s Make the Big Time Where You Are (ethos: maximize what you have, where you are).
• Podcast: Better Questions by Matt Davis.
• Definition of success: Help people see and seize their potential—spiritually, academically, emotionally, athletically.

Practical Takeaways

• Shrink the rulebook. Hold a single, culture-defining standard and enforce it consistently.
• Reframe confidence. With men, calibrate realism; with women, remove ceilings.
• Mind the locker room dynamics. Public praise/critique has second-order effects on women’s teams—coach individuals individually.
• Lead with listening. Credibility follows curiosity and presence.
• Keep vision visible. Name the destination daily so effort has context.
• Don’t chase validation. If behavior changes, let that be the win.

Check out more of our stuff (and sign up to get a free resource) at impactfulcoachingproject.com.

The conversation explores how coaching has changed over the past decade, why relationships matter more than ever, and how today’s coaches can lead with both accountability and empathy. It’s a reminder that the best coaching happens when leaders stay connected, even in tough moments.

Brought to You By:

The Impactful Coaching Project helps coaches lead today’s athletes with a more holistic approach to leadership. ICP offers training, tools, and research-backed resources that connect mental, emotional, and physical health to strong team performance. Learn how to build healthy, competitive team cultures at impactfulcoachingproject.com.

We also talk about his new book, Crucibles—what inspired it, the diverse organizations studied (from NASA to the Gurkhas to the Mafia), and what modern teams and coaches can learn from how these groups design challenges that forge true belonging and purpose.

Topics

• The Academy as a “leadership laboratory”
• Sophomore ethics: Ethical & Moral Reasoning for the Naval Leader
• “2 for 7” commitment and the cost of service
• Moral stress tests: real-world ethical scenarios
• Time management and “the alligator closest to the boat”
• Jim’s new book Crucibles — lessons from NASA, Gurkhas, Mafia, and more
• The fine line between initiation and hazing
• Designing crucibles that build learning organizations (five elements)
• Why standards—not comfort—should define leadership
• Lightning round: Season of Life, standards > stats, defining success, early mornings

Five takeaways for coaches

1. Teach ethics like a skill. Pressure-test decision-making.
2. Lead with standards. Stop chasing external validation.
3. Design your crucible. If it doesn’t serve growth, it’s hazing.
4. Master time. Handle “the alligator closest to the boat.”
5. Build a learning culture. Focus on mastery, challenge, culture, expertise, and strategy.

Resources mentioned

• Crucibles — Jim McNeil & Eric Smith (audiobook available)
• Season of Life — Jeffrey Marx

Pull quotes

• “If you can’t tie a tradition to a positive result, it’s hazing.”
• “Crucibles define who belongs—not by exclusion, but by shared purpose.”
• “You can’t lead others unless you know yourself.”
• “Standards—not external judges—have to drive us.”
• “Time management is the skill: handle the alligator closest to the boat.”

Listen & links

• Apple Podcasts: Beyond Coaching on Apple
• Spotify: Beyond Coaching on Spotify
• Website: impactfulcoachingproject.com

Please review! In your review, tell us your biggest takeaway from this episode!

We kick things off with Mitch Hull of the 3D Institute, who challenges how we think about parents in youth sports. Then, Jamy Bechler joins us with a dose of real-world coaching leadership that bridges theory and the chaos of daily decisions. And finally, Jim McNeil from the U.S. Naval Academy offers a look inside how future leaders are forged—not just through wins, but through failure.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[1:16] – Are parents the problem—or just a symptom? Mitch Hull reframes the youth sports narrative.

[4:19] – Playing time is king: What most parent complaints are really about—and why it matters.

[6:00] – Why 70% of kids quit sports before high school. It's not about the scoreboard—it’s about what we model.

[8:16] – “Simple, not easy”: Jamy Bechler on how leadership breaks down when the day gets messy.

[10:51] – Twelve walk in, not two: A surprise team meeting tests Jamy’s leadership approach in real time.

[14:08] – The Naval Academy as a leadership lab: Jim McNeil on how midshipmen judge adults by their leadership.

[17:24] – Permission to fail: Why the Academy pushes high achievers to fail early, reflect deeply, and grow fast.

Links & Resources

• Mitch Hull – 3D Institute
• Jamy Bechler – jamybechler.com
• Jim McNeal – Author of Crucibles
• Learn more at impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

If this episode challenged or inspired you, I’d love it if you’d share it with another coach, leader, or parent. Be sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode. Thanks for being part of the Impactful Coaching Project!

We also unpack how coaching high school differs from coaching at the college level in terms of maturity, mindset, and purpose — and why the Academy functions like a leadership laboratory, where every interaction matters. The pressure is intentional. The lessons are real. And failure is expected — as long as you learn from it.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] – Jim’s background: Naval Academy grad, Supply Corps officer, journey into coaching & mentoring

[08:05] – Differences between coaching high school vs. college athletes

[12:31] – Why the Naval Academy functions as a leadership laboratory

[15:38] – The intentional role of failure in the Academy’s growth model

[19:49] – Helping high achievers internalize responsibility instead of blame

[24:43] – The importance of loving the process over focusing only on outcomes

[29:21] – How coaching generational shifts—and building trust—has (or hasn’t) changed over time

🔗 Links & Resources

• Crucibles by Jim McNeil & J. Eric Smith
• Beyond Coaching Podcast: beyondcoaching.alitu.com
• Impactful Coaching Project: impactfulcoachingproject.com

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for tuning in to Part 1 of my conversation with Jim McNeil. In Part 2, we’ll dig into his new book Crucibles, pull out lessons for coaches and leaders, and explore what it really takes to lead through adversity.

If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to follow, rate, and review the show, and share it with a fellow coach or leader who needs to hear it. In your review, put your favorite part of this episode!

Guest: Jamy Bechler – Leadership Consultant, Former Coach & AD, Host of Success Is a Choice Podcast

In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob sits down with Jamy Bechler—someone who's done it all: NAIA coach, high school AD, college interim AD, and now a full-time leadership consultant working with athletic departments around the country. Together they dive into the realities behind the leadership buzzwords.

Highlights Include:

• What it’s really like to step back into the AD chair after consulting from a distance
• The myth of the “perfect plan” and how Jamy handled a surprise full-team meeting
• Why leadership is simple, but not easy—especially when emotions are high
• A candid look at coachability and the lack of it—even among experienced coaches
• The impact of changing environments vs. changing kids (hint: the onus is still on us)
• Practical strategies for hiring when you don’t know the sport inside and out
• Jamy’s take on how responsibility and blame get confused in athletic leadership
• Why “Success Is a Choice” still matters—and how Jamy stole it from Rick Pitino

This conversation is packed with real-world application, tough truths, and encouragement for coaches navigating today’s complex athletic landscape. Whether you’re a young coach or a seasoned AD, this episode will challenge and equip you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Success Is a Choice by Rick Pitino
• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay
• Coach Wooden and Me by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Follow Jamy Bechler:

Twitter/X: @CoachBechler

Website: www.JamyBechler.com

This episode is for anyone who’s tired of the noise around youth sports and ready to do something about it.

Topics Covered

• Are parents the disease or the symptom?
• Why every conflict eventually comes down to playing time
• How to run a parent meeting that sets the tone
• Why kids quit—and how coaches and parents unintentionally push them away
• What it means to “coach the experience,” not just the outcome
• Simple tools to humanize the game and build real connection

Key Takeaways

• Parents judge what they see, and if coaches don’t show value beyond playing time, that’s all parents will care about.
• Playing time is finite—so give parents something infinite to hold onto: their child’s experience, character, and growth.
• We can’t wait for others to fix youth sports. Coaches must lead—early, often, and intentionally.
• Small, consistent moments of connection (thanking officials, affirming opponents, celebrating effort) transform culture more than any policy ever will.
• The best programs teach kids how to respond to adversity—not avoid it.

Rapid Fire Wisdom

• Build trust early: share your “why” with parents and athletes
• Train coaches to lead, not just manage
• Normalize mistakes and model healthy response to pressure
• Reinforce values through routines (trash pickup, handshakes, put-ups)

Resources + Links

• 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://beyondcoaching.alitu.com
• 📰 Coaching insights, articles, and tools: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
• 📚 Books:
• • Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete
• • Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
• Available now on Amazon.

Featured Segments

• Jason Schmidt on Early Coaching Lessons
• Jason reflects on stepping into a head coaching role at a young age, learning the hard truth that leadership isn’t about the title—it’s about serving athletes where they are.
• Balancing Care and Competitiveness
• Jason unpacks one of coaching’s hardest tensions: building a culture of care while still demanding competitiveness. He explains his 80/20 roster philosophy and how transformation happens when competitiveness and culture coexist.
• Generation Z and Coaching Today
• Jason shares insights on working with Gen Z athletes—why they test everything, how attention spans are shaped by technology, and why intentional systems of care and relational leadership matter more than ever.
• The Messiah Method and Creating Environments
• Rob and Dustin dive into The Messiah Method, discussing why the coach’s primary role is to create an environment where athletes can grow and thrive. They explore how environment becomes culture, why nothing should be left to chance, and what daily habits give programs meaning beyond wins and losses.

Learn More

• impactfulcoachingproject.com
• impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Keep an eye out for the upcoming Impactful Coaching Project Online Coaching Class—a new way to develop as a coach through our proven frameworks, resources, and conversations.

Jayson’s journey took him from corporate marketing into coaching, where he quickly learned that leadership is less about titles and more about intentional relationships. From earning just $5,000 as a part-time assistant to running his own consulting business, Jayson has built his career on understanding people, serving them well, and creating cultures that balance competition with care.

Key Themes in This Episode

1. Lessons from the Early Coaching Years

Jayson shares what he “didn’t know he didn’t know” when stepping into leadership as a 23-year-old coach. He talks about the difference between thinking you understand servant leadership and truly living it, especially when coaching former teammates.

2. Balancing Relationships and Winning

How do you recruit athletes who not only fit your culture but also bring the competitive edge needed to win? Jayson explains the “80/20 rule” for roster makeup, how to handle strong personalities, and why some of his most meaningful relationships came from players in that 20%.

3. Leading Generation Z

Jayson works daily on recruiting, marketing to, and leading Gen Z student-athletes. He offers insights on what’s similar across generations (youthful skepticism, testing boundaries) and what’s different (shorter attention spans, higher expectations for intentional connection).

4. Building Systems of Care

From setting phone reminders to reach out to athletes, to keeping an open-door policy, to adopting a “double exclamation” text system for urgent needs, Jayson shares practical ways to make players feel seen, valued, and supported.

5. Redefining Toughness in Sports

Drawing from Do Hard Things and his own coaching experience, Jayson breaks down the three pillars of team toughness:

• Psychological safety — an environment where players can mess up without fear of exclusion.
• Opportunities to get better — skilled coaching and intentional development.
• Shared adversity — going through hard things together, on and off the field, and maintaining relationships through them.

Memorable Quotes

• “This isn’t about you. This was never about you.”
• “The moments that create toughness aren’t always on the field; they’re in the hardest moments of life, when people come around you.”

Who Should Listen

This episode is for:

• Coaches looking to deepen relationships while staying competitive
• Athletic directors seeking cultural alignment in recruiting
• Leaders of Generation Z in athletics, education, or business
• Anyone interested in intentional leadership and team culture

Resources and Links Mentioned

• Connect with Jayson Schmidt: https://www.hellopreseason.com/brandingforathletics
• Book: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Learn more about the Impactful Coaching Project: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
• Visit us at: impactfulcoachingproject.com
• Subscribe on Substack: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

We also revisit core pillars of the Impactful Coaching Project: competence and care. From filtering meaningful content in a noisy world to building real systems of care for your team, this episode offers practical takeaways for any coach committed to leading well.

Presented by:

The Impactful Coaching Project, in partnership with Friends University. We develop coaches who coach the whole person.

For more, visit:

impactfulcoachingproject.com

impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Key Themes:

• Environment > Scoreboard – What makes your program worth being part of if you take away the scoreboard? For Messiah, it was all about culture, intentionality, and relationships.
• Culture Is Built, Not Hoped For – Every program has a culture. The question is whether you’re shaping it on purpose. Great programs are intentional about how they do what they do.
• Systems of Care – Tied into the "3 C’s" framework from Rob and Dustin’s work, this episode emphasizes that great environments are supported by systems—particularly systems of care that reinforce team values.
• Relationships Drive Motivation – Their own data shows that teammates and family are the top motivators for student-athletes, not just coaches. Coaches have to build environments where these relationships can flourish.
• The Recruiting Test – If a recruit's parent observed your team for a week, what would they say you value most? That’s your real identity.

Quote of the Episode:

"Take away the scoreboard—what still makes your program worth being part of?"

Coach Reflection Questions:

• What do your daily habits say about your team culture?
• Are you building something that will last beyond one season?
• Do your players live out your values—or just hear about them?

Beyond Coaching is a podcast developed by the Impactful Coaching Project in partnership with Friends University. We help coaches develop the whole person and lead the 21st century athlete with clarity and purpose.

For more resources, articles, and training:

Website: impactfulcoachingproject.com

Substack: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Together, they explore how coaches and leaders can engage Gen Z athletes more meaningfully through techniques like reverse coaching, competence, and the power of honest apology. Discover how 'the ministry of presence' can help connect young people with God in ordinary moments, potentially key for both spiritual and identity formation. Key topics include the importance of authenticity, navigating information overload, building trust, and the challenges of mobilizing Gen Z from awareness to action. Listen in to learn how to foster genuine relationships while coaching the whole person in a holistic approach.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why authenticity and congruency matter deeply to Gen Z
• Navigating the information overload: competence vs. laziness
• Reverse coaching: mutual learning between athletes and coaches
• Why Gen Z may be skeptical of authority—but still deeply hungry for mentorship
• Coaching moments that build (or break) trust and character
• Identity and sport: why coaches must help athletes discompartmentalize
• The challenge of mobilizing Gen Z from awareness to action
• How presence, silence, and vulnerability build relationships

Notable Quotes:

• “Authenticity is huge. To miss that is to miss the heart of the student and the heart of the athlete.”
• “We’ve been trained in the arts of filtering. So we recognize filters easily.”
• “The life of a disciple is a planned, intentional life. And coaching can mirror that.”
• “Don’t get mad at Gen Z. Get busy with them.” —Tim Elmore (via Luke)

Resources Mentioned:

• Reclaim Today: reclaimtoday.org
• Books: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Renovation of the Heart, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Celebration of Discipline

Connect with Luke: luke.jones@odb.org

Reach out via reclaimtoday.org

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

Whether you're a new coach trying to build credibility or a seasoned one navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the season, this episode digs into the real meaning of each "C" and what it looks like to live it out—not just talk about it.

Topics Covered

• Why competence today is as much about filtering noise as it is about knowledge
• How care becomes transformational only when it's planned, consistent, and intentional
• The role of constant in high-emotion moments and how it builds lasting trust
• Why the best coaches do hard things the right way even when it hurts
• Simple, practical systems you can implement now to care for your players

Key Quotes

“Competence gets you the job. Systems of care and constant keep you there.”

“You can’t fake care. And you can’t react well in chaos unless you’ve trained yourself to.”

“Being great at one of the C’s is not enough. The challenge is integrating all three.”

Mentioned in the Episode

• Tim Elmore’s thoughts on authenticity and competence
• Post-game systems of care (90-second rule, locker room walks, gratitude in weight room)
• The power of handwritten notes, one-on-ones, and consistent body language

Subscribe & Learn More

▶ Get full access to all articles, podcasts, and resources at

impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Highlights from the Episode:

1. Why Coach Retention Matters

Dr. Pete Van Mullem shares why coach turnover is more than a staffing issue—it’s tied to the overall health of sport participation and athlete experience. He unpacks how assessing coach readiness, providing structured support, and rethinking evaluation practices can keep great coaches in the game longer.

2. Building Real Support Systems

What does it look like for coaches to build intentional communities—not just for athletes, but for themselves? We explore how everyday habits, peer networks, and programs like Snow Valley Basketball School create lasting mentorship and mutual support across the coaching profession.

3. Standards vs. Situations

In a conversation between hosts Dustin and Rob, we dig into the gray areas coaches face when enforcing standards. What happens when team rules meet real-life nuance? Through personal stories, they explore fairness, consistency, and the emotional toll of tough decisions.

4. Leading with Care

We close the episode with a reflection on leadership, empathy, and what it means to discipline within a culture of care. How we respond to a breach of standards can reveal whether we've built true community or just compliance.

For more coaching resources and episodes, visit:

impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Topics include:

• Building coach support systems
• Assessing coach readiness and development
• The role of teaching in effective coaching
• Rethinking “winning” in youth and high school sports

Books from the Impactful Coaching Project:

• Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete
• Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
•  → Available on Amazon: Visit Rob Ramseyer's Author Page

Listen & Subscribe:

impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

beyondcoaching.alitu.com (Spotify & Apple links)

Learn more about Pete’s work at Sport Coach America.

In this special "Best of May" episode of Beyond Coaching, Dr. Rob Ramseyer revisits some of the most insightful and impactful moments from recent episodes. With guest experts Mitch Hull, David Shapiro, and Dr. Wendy Moehler Seib, Kelli Wegerer, and also parts of a recent podcast interview Rob did talking about team unity and culture with Matt Barker on "Playing With a Purpose" podcast.  We dive deep into the psychology of coaching, the science of stress, and the importance of trust and belonging in building cohesive teams. These discussions highlight the core principles of the Impactful Coaching Project and offer valuable takeaways for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders in sports.

Resources:

• Impactful Coaching Project Substack (impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com)
•  Subscribe to the Impactful Coaching Project Substack for weekly insights, strategies, and research that helps coaches coach the whole person. Stay updated with new content to support your journey in impactful coaching. Subscribe Here
• ICP Books Books 
•  Leading and Coaching the 21st Century Athlete and Athletic Department Leadership in Developing Coaches offer actionable strategies for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders. These books provide a comprehensive framework for coaching in a holistic, effective way.  Get the books on Amazon.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Beyond Coaching.

 Beyond Coaching is a podcast developed and produced by the Impactful Coaching Project, with the support of Friends University. The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches who prioritize the whole person, and it is a thought leader in coaching the 21st-century athlete. Visit our Substack for more information and resources.

Listen to More Episodes:

•  Catch up on past episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

They reflect on real stories, personal missteps, and the evolution of their coaching philosophies—highlighting the difference between rules and standards, gray areas in leadership, and what fairness really looks like.

Key themes include:

• Standards vs. winning: when consistency collides with competitive pressure
• Why some rules get broken and others can’t
• How coaches can apply care, honesty, and conviction during hard decisions
• When bending once may cost you the season
• The power of a team that cares—and holds each other accountable

This is a conversation about about leading with wisdom, maturity, and long-term perspective. Whether you're a veteran coach or just starting, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership decisions under pressure.

“Do hard things”—but do them the right way.

Mentioned:

• The Impactful Coaching Project → impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
• ICP Books on Coaching → Books on Amazon

Join the conversation

Drop your questions or thoughts in the Substack comments—or email Rob or Dustin directly.

Subscribe to the Impactful Coaching Project newsletter for weekly content on leadership, team culture, and coaching in the real world.

Whether you’re building a team, leading an organization, or mentoring the next generation, this episode challenges you to lead with clarity and presence in a distracted, transactional world.

Topics Covered:

• The difference between developmental and instrumental mentoring
• Why effective mentoring starts with clearly defined expectations
• How to coach for heart change, not just behavior change
• Building trust in the quiet moments
• Advice for young leaders seeking mentorship
• Presence as a leadership superpower

Rapid Fire Segment:

• Favorite book: The Leadership Moment
• Favorite failure: Misreading how someone needed to be coached
• Definition of success: Sustainability and consistency
• Favorite podcast: The Daily Stoic
• Life-changing belief: Being fully present and learning to read fiction

Resources + Links:

• Listen to more episodes: https://beyondcoaching.alitu.com
• Coaching tools, articles, and training: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
• Books:
• • Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete
• • Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
• Available now on Amazon

Together, they dive into how student-athletes at a Christian university understand the body, spirituality, and performance—and what that means for coaches, parents, and sports leaders who want to do it right.

Topics Covered:

• Why many athletes struggle to see their body as holy
• How a coach’s actions shape team culture and spiritual development
• The unseen emotional toll of injury and pressure to perform
• When team belonging amplifies or undermines faith
• Practical tips for coaches to engage injured players and avoid transactional leadership

Dr. Wendy Moeller – Assistant Professor of Theology, Friends University. Former college golfer with a deep passion for youth ministry and faith formation.

Kelli Seibert – Recent graduate in Christian Formation and Ministry and Psychology. Former college basketball player with lived experience in balancing faith and athletics.

Books from the Impactful Coaching Project:

• Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete
• Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
•  → Available on Amazon: Visit Rob Ramseyer's Author Page

Listen & Subscribe:

impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

 beyondcoaching.alitu.com (Spotify & Apple links)

Episode Highlights

• [00:47] Kelly McGonigal’s TED Talk: Why stress isn’t inherently harmful
• [01:21] Connecting stress perception with mindset and elite youth athletes
• [03:20] Research linking stress beliefs to mortality risk
• [04:32] “It’s not the stress, it’s the perception”
• [06:08] Rory McIlroy’s mental approach to pressure
• [07:31] Why “don’t be nervous” doesn’t work—and what to say instead
• [10:06] The body’s physical response to stress and how to leverage it
• [12:34] Rethinking the stress equation: caring × uncertainty
• [15:29] The goal isn’t to eliminate stress—it’s to equip athletes to handle it
• [16:54] Kevin Bullis’ one-time championship speech
• [17:57] Giannis Antetokounmpo’s process-first mindset
• [19:29] Modeling emotional regulation as a coach
• [21:39] “Failure is not an option. It’s mandatory.” Why failing forward builds resilience
• [22:47] What parents should ask kids at the dinner table
• [23:38] Teaser for the next episode: youth sports and parents

Featuring

Mitch Hull – Former Olympic wrestling coach and performance consultant

Quotes from the Episode

“It’s not the stress—it’s how we react to it. If you see it as preparation, your body helps you perform.”

— Mitch Hull

“If you’re not nervous before a championship, there’s only one explanation: you don’t care. And that’s a bigger issue.”

— Mitch Hull

Buy Our Books

Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete and Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches are available now on Amazon. These books dive deeper into the principles discussed on the podcast and are must-reads for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders who want to grow themselves and their teams.

Buy now on Amazon.

Produced By

Beyond Coaching is a podcast developed and produced by the Impactful Coaching Project with support from Friends University. The Impactful Coaching Project is a thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and develops coaches who coach the whole person.

Subscribe and Learn More:

For more resources on coaching the whole person, visit impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

If you're looking for one episode to share with your staff or keep in your coaching library—this is it.

🔍 Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

0:00 – 9:30 | Rob Miller – Lead Your Team, Manage Your Program

Rob shares what he's seeing across the country: the rise of young coaches, the loss of middle-career leaders, and why managing a program is just as important as leading a team.

“Lead your team. Manage your program. If you miss one, you’ll fail at both.”

9:30 – 13:30 | Rob & Dustin – Building a Sticky Program in the Transfer Portal Era

How do you build a program that athletes want to stay in? It starts with clarity, care, and culture. Dustin and Rob break down the mindset and messaging needed to retain great people in a high-turnover era.

“If your players can’t tell your story, you don’t have a culture.”

13:30 – 22:00 | Mitch Hull – Stress, Significance, and Identity in Coaching

Mitch offers a new lens on coaching stress, athlete identity, and the power of a growth mindset. Drawing from TED Talks, psychology research, and his work with Olympic teams, this segment helps coaches rethink pressure.

“It’s not stress that kills us. It’s believing stress is bad that does.”

22:00 – 37:00 | John Kessel – Why Drills Don’t Teach and Feedback Fails

John gives a masterclass on motor learning, explaining why kids don’t learn by watching, why training must mimic game reality, and how failing is essential to skill acquisition.

“You didn’t learn to ride a bike by doing drills. You learned by riding and falling.”

Key Takeaways

• Young coaches need more than energy—they need guidance in managing budgets, culture, and compliance.
• Retention starts with culture. If care, challenge, and consistency aren’t clear, the transfer portal will empty your roster.
• Stress isn't the enemy—your perception of it is. Shift to a growth mindset and help athletes do the same.
• Practice needs to look like play. Teach in reality, not theory. Avoid blocked drills and over-coaching.

Subscribe & Share

If this episode helped you lead or teach better—share it with someone else who coaches people, not just players.

Subscribe to Beyond Coaching on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, and explore more tools at impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

🎧 Listen on Spotify

📺 Watch on YouTube

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 – 01:20 | Introduction to John Kessel

Rob introduces John, noting his incredible career and alignment with the podcast’s "three C's" approach to coaching.

01:20 – 04:26 | Kessel's Coaching Journey

John outlines his unconventional path from collegiate coaching to global sport development and advocacy for coach education.

04:26 – 08:46 | Learning Over Athletics

A powerful shift in mindset: why coaching is about cultivating learning, not just athleticism.

08:46 – 15:00 | Motor Learning Explained

From bike riding to backwards bicycles—John explains how we acquire physical skills through failure and repetition.

15:00 – 23:00 | Training in Reality

The importance of realistic practice environments and the dangers of over-drilling and under-playing.

23:00 – 32:28 | Effective Coaching Techniques

John breaks down methods to provide better feedback, foster engagement, and create "12 little assistant coaches."

32:28 – 42:00 | Guided Discovery and Storytelling

How storytelling enhances retention and why asking the right questions fosters independent thinking.

42:00 – 47:31 | Regression to the Mean & Coaching Biases

What Daniel Kahneman taught him about interpreting player performance and avoiding misleading feedback loops.

47:31 – 51:32 | Rapid Fire & Closing

John shares favorite books, impactful failures, and his definition of success—plus a teaser for “belligerent optimism.”

Key Moments & Quotes

• “This is a learning competition, not an athletic competition.”
• John’s analogy of motor learning using driving and bike riding is a standout.
• The story about the Israeli fighter pilot instructor and Daniel Kahneman is a must-listen moment (42:00).
• “Catch them doing it right” – a core tenet of Kessel’s feedback philosophy.
• Guided discovery and the practice of saying “and” instead of “but” to reinforce positive communication.

Resources & References

• Bison Peak Lodge – Veteran & First Responder Healing Retreat
• John Kessel’s USA Volleyball Blog - “Growing the Game Together”
• Changing the Game Project – John O’Sullivan
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
• Backwards Bicycle – Destin Sandlin

Guest Bio: John Kessel

John Kessel served as the Director of Sport Development for USA Volleyball and is one of the most respected figures in coach education. With a legacy rooted in motor learning and international impact, John continues to teach coaches around the world how to build athletes through evidence-based practices. He also runs Bison Peak Lodge, a retreat center supporting veterans and first responders.

📧 Contact: john_kessel@msn.com

Key Takeaways

• Real learning comes from doing, failing, and reflecting—not from repetitive drills.
• Coaches should shift from correction to curiosity, using guided discovery.
• Feedback should be specific, forward-focused, and affirming of effort and intent.
• Consistency and critical thinking are cornerstones of great coaching.

Read Our Books

Take your coaching to the next level with our published resources, built to strengthen leadership, culture, and effectiveness in athletic programs:

• Impactful Coaching Project: Leading and Coaching the 21st Century Athlete
• A foundational guide for coaches seeking to lead with purpose, build relationships, and make lasting impact.
• Athletic Department Leadership: Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
• Ideal for administrators and program leaders, this book focuses on how to cultivate a strong coaching staff and program culture.

About the Impactful Coaching Project

This episode is brought to you by the Impactful Coaching Project, the leading platform for developing coaches who lead with purpose, integrity, and a holistic approach.

The project exists to help coaches:

• Coach the whole person
• Build transformational team cultures
• Learn and apply the latest in research-based coaching strategies
• Access professional development, resources, and a growing coaching community

Subscribe & Learn More: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Follow us for updates, articles, and new episode releases.

What We Cover:

• Why transfers and freshmen should experience the same program values
• How to build a “sticky” program culture that athletes want to join—and stay in
• The role of visual leadership and real-life stories in attracting the right fits
• Why “culture clarity” beats transactional recruiting
• How to empower your current athletes as your best recruiters
• Ways coaches can demonstrate authentic care that resonates with families

Key Quote:

"This is who we are. Take it or leave it. But if you’re here, there’s a standard—and you’re going to be cared for."

Buy Our Books:

Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete and Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches are available now on Amazon.

These books dive deeper into the principles discussed on the podcast and are must-reads for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders who want to grow themselves and their teams.

Buy now on Amazon: Link

Subscribe and Learn More:

For more resources on coaching the whole person, visit impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Together, they explore critical themes including the rise of young and underprepared coaches, the implications of a rapidly changing youth sports culture, and the essential—but often overlooked—distinction between leading a team and managing a program. This episode provides a blend of strategic thinking, practical advice, and enduring principles for coaches at all levels.

Episode Breakdown & Timestamps

• 00:15 – Introduction & Recognition
• 01:11 – Emerging Coaching Trends
• 03:30 – Declining Coaching Pools & Gender Gaps
• 05:54 – Three Key Challenges Facing New Coaches
• 08:33 – Leveraging Veteran Leadership
• 11:04 – Imitation vs. Wisdom in Coaching Development
• 13:13 – Youth Sports Culture: A Shift in Priorities
• 16:28 – Reframing Practice for Engagement and Learning
• 18:59 – Teaching from the Ground Up
• 21:57 – System Fit and Sustainable Success
• 25:37 – Final Reflections: Always Keep Coaching

Key Insights

• “Lead your team. Manage your program.”
• Coaching is no longer seasonal; it’s a year-round, full-spectrum role that blends leadership, teaching, and operations.
• Fundamental skills are increasingly scarce in the current youth sports system.
• Sustainable success stems from aligning athlete recruitment with institutional values and cultural fit.

Read Our Books

Take your coaching to the next level with our published resources, built to strengthen leadership, culture, and effectiveness in athletic programs:

• Impactful Coaching Project: Leading and Coaching the 21st Century Athlete
• A foundational guide for coaches seeking to lead with purpose, build relationships, and make lasting impact.
• Athletic Department Leadership: Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
• Ideal for administrators and program leaders, this book focuses on how to cultivate a strong coaching staff and program culture.

About the Impactful Coaching Project

This episode is brought to you by the Impactful Coaching Project, the leading platform for developing coaches who lead with purpose, integrity, and a holistic approach.

The project exists to help coaches:

• Coach the whole person
• Build transformational team cultures
• Learn and apply the latest in research-based coaching strategies
• Access professional development, resources, and a growing coaching community

Subscribe & Learn More: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ The difference between winning and significance – why winning matters but isn’t everything

✅ Mitch’s personal journey, including Olympic trials, setbacks, and lessons learned

✅ The post-Olympic depression phenomenon and why athletes struggle with identity

✅ The role of faith and personal purpose in navigating competition

✅ How goal-driven individuals can balance ambition with fulfillment

✅ The success vs. significance framework for coaching and leadership

✅ Why building relationships is the foundation of impactful coaching

✅ Practical tips for coaches looking to lead with purpose

Notable Quotes:

🗣️ “Most of us end our careers on a loss. But that doesn’t make us failures.” – Mitch Hull

🗣️ “Winning is important, but it can never be ultimate.” – Mitch Hull

🗣️ “Success is about goals. Significance is about purpose.” – Mitch Hull

🗣️ “It’s hard to be significant and not be successful. But you can be successful and never be significant.” – Mitch Hull

Resources & Links:

🔗 Follow the Impactful Coaching Project on Substack: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

🔗 Learn more about the 3D Institute and transformational coaching: 3dinstitute.com

🔗 Connect with Rob on Twitter (X): @ICP_Project

🔗 Listen to more episodes of Beyond Coaching: beyondcoaching.alitu.com

We cover:

• Why post-game talks should be under three minutes
• The risks of emotional reactions and credibility loss
• The importance of having a consistent routine
• Why teams need clear expectations after every game
• How to rehearse and hold yourself accountable for better communication

We also share real coaching stories, including mistakes we’ve made, and practical tips to improve post-game talks immediately.

Quote from the Episode:

"Less is more. If you're too emotional, wait. If it's important, address it at practice."

Follow & Subscribe:

• Substack: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
• Podcast Page: beyondcoaching.alitu.com
• Twitter (X): @ICP_Project
• Instagram: impactful_coaching_project
• LinkedIn: impactful-coaching-project
• Facebook: Impactful Coaching Project

Listen & Subscribe:

Don’t miss out—hit follow on your favorite podcast platform.

Get Our Books on Coaching and Leadership

For deeper insights into coaching, leadership, and building strong team cultures, check out our books:

• Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete – Available on Amazon
• Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches – Available on Amazon

These books provide practical strategies to help coaches lead effectively in today’s sports environment.

The conversation dives deep into:

• The state of high school coaching today and the challenges facing coaches.
• How coaches can be more intentional about teaching leadership through sports.
• The importance of developing mental and emotional resilience in athletes—why he believes we can’t have "marshmallows" on the field.
• How his experiences in the military have shaped his coaching philosophy.
• Strategies for onboarding young coaches and helping them embrace a growth mindset.
• The impact of overplaying in youth sports and how excessive competition may be dulling athletes' natural competitiveness.
• The importance of self-reflection and adapting coaching methods to reach Generation Z athletes.

Colonel Cheatham also shares his thoughts on the role of data in coaching, the need for purposeful leadership training, and how coaches can create environments that foster resilience and accountability.

Key Quotes:

“Talk less, rep more. You don’t talk a player into being better—you train them into it.”

"Coaches must be purposeful in leadership training—it can’t be left to chance.”

"We need fewer marshmallows. Mental and emotional resilience are just as important as physical toughness.”

Resources & Mentions:

• Impactful Coaching Project – impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
• Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast (Referenced by James Cheatham)
  • Book Mentions:Point Man by Steve Farrar
  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
  • Grit by Angela Duckworth

Connect with Us:

📢 Follow Beyond Coaching for more episodes on coaching leadership and athlete development.

📌 Twitter (X): @ICP_Project

📌 Instagram: impactful_coaching_project

📌 LinkedIn: Impactful Coaching Project

📌 Facebook: Impactful Coaching Project

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more! Please share and rate!

From personal coaching experiences to reflections on legendary figures like Gino Auriemma, we break down what winning means at different levels of competition. Plus, we share insights from our ongoing research on motivation—surprisingly, winning isn’t always the primary driver for athletes. Tune in for a candid discussion on the value of winning, how to define success beyond the scoreboard, and why the process might matter more than the outcome.

Episode Highlights:

[1:15] - The key question: Does winning matter?

[3:40] - How winning influences team culture and buy-in

[7:25] - The challenge of defining success beyond wins and losses

[12:10] - Personal coaching lessons: finding small wins within the game

[17:00] - What research says about motivation—why winning isn’t the top priority for athletes

[21:45] - The Gino Auriemma story: shifting the focus from championships to daily improvement

[27:30] - Balancing recognition and staying process-oriented

Links & Resources:

Follow us on Substack and leave your thoughts in the comments at impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Enjoyed the episode?

If you liked this conversation, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Share it with a friend who loves sports and leadership discussions. We appreciate your support!

Joey dives into how he built a championship culture at Chisholm High School, turning a struggling football program into a thriving, multi-sport powerhouse. He explains how investing in kids beyond the field, building trust with parents, and fostering cross-sport collaboration created an environment where student-athletes could excel.

Key Topics Covered:

• Building a Program from Scratch: How Joey transformed a 3-win football program into a perennial playoff contender.
• Investing in Athletes: The importance of training athletes to be the best in any sport, not just football.
• 3D Coaching Framework: How the principles of 3D coaching helped unite his coaching staff, engage parents, and motivate kids.
• Generational Coaching: Insights into how Gen Z athletes differ from past generations—and how to connect with them effectively.
• Leadership Lessons: How failures shaped his success and why delegation has become a critical habit in his current leadership role.

Joey’s passion for coaching the whole person shines through as he shares practical strategies for building relationships, developing leadership, and creating sustainable success in athletics.

Rapid-Fire Takeaways:

• Book Recommendation: The Pack – A leadership guide for building team culture.
• Defining Success: Seeing students engaged, teachers energized, and a school community thriving.

Connect with Us: Subscribe to our Substack: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

Follow Impactful Coaching Project on social media:

Follow Us & Stay Connected!

Twitter (X): @ICP_Project

Instagram: impactful_coaching_project

LinkedIn: Impactful Coaching Project

Facebook: Impactful Coaching Project

For more episodes, go to beyondcoaching.alitu.com.

Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to share it with fellow coaches, educators, and leaders striving to make an impact!

Key Topics Discussed:

✔️ Building Programs That Last – How strong mentorship and leadership shape youth athletic programs.

✔️ The Fun vs. Competitive Drive Debate – How to keep kids engaged while fostering a winning mindset.

✔️ The Role of Parents in Youth Sports – The pros and cons of early specialization and club sports culture.

✔️ Developing Athletes Beyond the Game – How sports teach resilience, patience, and teamwork.

✔️ Motivating Today’s Athletes – Insights into what truly drives young athletes to compete.

Memorable Quotes:

📢 "If kids know you care about them as people first, they’ll do almost anything for you." – Troy Black

📢 "We want kids to have fun, develop skills, and love the game. The competitive side comes later." – Dylan Heath

Rapid Fire Round Highlights:

📚 Book Recommendation: There’s Only One Way to Win by Vince Lombardi

🏆 Defining Success: Seeing former athletes return and staying connected after their playing days.

📖 New Habit: Reading more coaching and leadership books to improve as a mentor.

About Beyond Coaching:

Beyond Coaching is a podcast by the Impactful Coaching Project, in partnership with Friends University. Our mission is to help coaches develop 21st-century athletes by focusing on leadership, personal growth, and impactful coaching strategies.

🔗 Subscribe & Listen:

🎧 Beyond Coaching on Substack

🎧 Beyond Coaching on Alitu

Follow Us & Stay Connected!

📍 Twitter (X): @ICP_Project

📍 Instagram: impactful_coaching_project

📍 LinkedIn: Impactful Coaching Project

📍 Facebook: Impactful Coaching Project

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, Kirk’s wisdom and real-world experiences will leave you with practical takeaways on leadership, mentorship, and coaching with integrity.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The Power of Relationships – Why genuine connections with athletes and colleagues shape long-term success.

✅ Core Coaching Values – The principles Kirk has upheld for decades: discipline, accountability, and teamwork.

✅ Balancing Dual Leadership Roles – Insights on managing responsibilities as an Athletic Director and Head Coach without sacrificing effectiveness.

✅ Coaching the Modern Athlete – How social media and external influences impact today’s athletes and the importance of staying authentic.

✅ Learning from Failure – Kirk’s approach to lifelong learning, journaling, and the "one-day contract" mindset inspired by Rick Pitino.

Rapid-Fire Round Highlights:

📚 Book Recommendation: The Carolina Way by Dean Smith – A must-read for coaches and leaders.

🏆 Defining Success: Seeing former players return with gratitude for the lessons they learned.

🔄 New Habit: Practicing the "one-day contract" approach to focus on daily excellence.

Memorable Quotes from Kirk Kelley:

“The biggest compliment you can ever get is when your former teammates call you a great teammate.”

“I’ve never had a player come back and say, ‘Coach, I wish I wouldn’t have worked so hard.’”

“It’s okay to say you don’t know something—it makes you more effective when you admit it.”

About Beyond Coaching

Beyond Coaching is a podcast by the Impactful Coaching Project, in partnership with Friends University. Our mission is to help coaches develop 21st-century athletes by focusing on leadership, personal growth, and impactful coaching strategies.

🔗 Subscribe & Listen:

🎧 impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

🎧 beyondcoaching.alitu.com

Follow Us & Stay Connected!

📍 Twitter (X): @ICP_Project

📍 Instagram: impactful_coaching_project

📍 LinkedIn: Impactful Coaching Project

📍 Facebook: Impactful Coaching Project

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with fellow coaches and leaders!

Key Topics:

✅ Why the coach you wanted may not be the coach your players need

✅ The balance between honesty, care, and motivation

✅ How personality (introvert vs. extrovert) impacts coaching style

✅ Building coaching frameworks that align with who you are

✅ The importance of curiosity and continuous growth in leadership

Notable Quotes:

💡 "Being a great coach isn’t about mimicking your role models—it’s about being the best version of who you are."

💡 "Coaching isn’t an attitude; it’s a system. The best coaches are consistent and intentional in their approach."

💡 "Your players don’t need a different you every day—they need a consistent leader they can count on."

📖 Want to Take Your Coaching to the Next Level?

Check out our book, Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete, available now on Amazon! It’s packed with strategies to help coaches navigate the modern athlete’s mindset and build strong, effective teams. 👉https://a.co/d/dCN9CXu

Join the Conversation!

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments on Substack: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

👉 Follow us on social media:

📍 Twitter (X): @ICP_Project

📍 Instagram: impactful_coaching_project

📍 LinkedIn: Impactful Coaching Project

📍 Facebook: Impactful Coaching Project

Check out Dr. Dittmore on Substack at https://stevedittmore.substack.com/.

Beyond Coaching is a podcast of the Impactful Coaching Project. The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and original research to help coaches develop. It is done in partnership with Friends University in Wichita, KS. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

This podcast episode delves into the importance of understanding and embracing generational differences in coaching and leadership. The hosts, with guest Dustin, reflect on their own failures and learning experiences, and how these shaped their approach to coaching Generation Z. They discuss the changes in coaching styles and strategies needed to effectively connect with this generation, emphasizing the significance of empathy, grit, and process-oriented coaching. The conversation highlights the need for coaches to adapt and meet the unique needs and motivations of Generation Z athletes, and to focus on creating a cohesive team environment. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth as leaders, as well as the transformative power of understanding and valuing the individuals we coach.

Beyond Coaching is a podcast of the Impactful Coaching Project.  The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person.  ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and original research to help coaches develop. It is done in partnership with Friends University in Wichita, KS.  For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) aims to transform coaching by helping coaches adopt a holistic approach to coaching and leadership. ICP serves as a leader in helping coaches lead the 21st Century Athlete. We offer a variety of training programs, resources, and research to help coaches grow in their roles. By highlighting the connections between mental, emotional, and physical health, ICP provides coaches with the tools they need to promote healthy team environments that achieve at a high level. Our commitment to innovative coaching practices empowers coaches to create environments that encourage resilience, teamwork, and personal growth.

Our book is now available! "Leading and Coaching the 21st Century Athlete" by Dustin Galyon and Rob Ramseyer is now available on Amazon!

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

Buy our book now at on Amazon!

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

 Carrie Kosderka-Farrell or "Coach Kos" is a mental health counselor and softball coach.  She was a college softball coach for over a decade and is now a mental health counselor for college athletics and consults for athletic departments. For more information, check out her website at https://trainingthecompleteathlete.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

For more information about Trinity Academy or Matt Shepherd, go to their website at https://www.trinityacademy.org.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

Dan Tudor is the owner and founder of Tudor Recruiting Strategies. You can find more information at dantudor.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

In this podcast episode, Mitch Hull discusses the importance of transforming the heart of a bully to help them become a hero. As a coach, Hole emphasizes the need to go beyond simply stopping negative behavior and instead focus on changing a person's character. By building relationships and understanding the underlying reasons for a bully's behavior, coaches can guide them to use their power for good. Hole also touches on the challenges of coaching at different levels, from high school athletes to Olympians, and the common mistakes coaches make when dealing with heart issues. He stresses the significance of intentional coaching, celebrating the process rather than just the outcome, and the role of parents as assets rather than liabilities in a team's success.

You can contact Levi at coachlevinelson@gmail.com and follow him on X at @rlevinelson.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

Our first book, "Coaching the 21st Century Athlete" will be released in July of 2024.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

Our first book, "Coaching the 21st Century Athlete" will be released in July.

Discover the power of three-dimensional coaching with Jeremy Reed as he discusses his journey and how embracing this coaching approach has transformed his career. Learn how coaching with love and building strong relationships is the key to success. Gain insights into the challenges of coaching Generation Z and how to adapt coaching strategies to connect with this unique generation. Break the misconception that coaching to relationships is 'soft' and understand the impact it has on building tough and resilient teams. Explore the importance of failure and how it can set you up for future success by providing valuable feedback. Uncover the blueprint for coaching success, as Jeremy shares his experience with three-dimensional coaching and the positive impact it has had on his teams. Dive into the impact of technology on coaching Generation Z and how to effectively navigate this digital-savvy generation. Learn how coaching with structure and discipline motivates athletes and helps them reach their potential. Finally, discover the path to personal and professional success by taking control of your schedule and planning ahead for success.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.

You can find more information about the 3D Institute at 3DInstitute.com If you have questions for Wes, contact him at wsimmons@3dinstitute.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

ICP and the 3D Institute are affiliate partners.

You can find more information about What Drives Winning at https://whatdriveswinning.com/.  If you have questions for Becky, contact her at becky@whatdriveswinning.com.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop.  For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop.  For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop.  You can find more information https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

To follow up with Coach Harrison, you can email him at terry_harrison@friends.edu.

If you would like to talk to Ryan further, you can contact him at rkthompson@mnu.edu or 913-687-4906.

Beyond Coaching is a podcast of the Impactful Coaching Project.  The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person.  ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and original research to help coaches develop. It is done in partnership with Friends University in Wichita, KS.  For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

 They serve as mentors, instilling a sense of purpose in their athletes, guiding them towards success not just in sports, but in life. Bruce’s unique perspective on purpose-driven coaching and the way he balances it with the competitive aspect of sports will inspire you. As we move deeper into the conversation, we tackle the pivotal elements of toughness, grit, empathy, and trust. Bruce guides us through his approach to nurturing these qualities in athletes and the immense impact it has had on his successful coaching career.

Finally, we explore the riveting concept of a ‘fearless culture’ in sports. How do coaches handle different types of mistakes athletes make? How can we foster an environment where players feel safe to take risks and learn from their missteps? These are just some of the questions we dive into. 

You can contact Bruce at coachbrown8164@gmail.com. 

This podcast episode delves into the importance of understanding and embracing generational differences in coaching and leadership. The hosts, with guest Dustin, reflect on their own failures and learning experiences, and how these shaped their approach to coaching Generation Z. They discuss the changes in coaching styles and strategies needed to effectively connect with this generation, emphasizing the significance of empathy, grit, and process-oriented coaching. The conversation highlights the need for coaches to adapt and meet the unique needs and motivations of Generation Z athletes, and to focus on creating a cohesive team environment. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth as leaders, as well as the transformative power of understanding and valuing the individuals we coach.

Beyond Coaching is a podcast of the Impactful Coaching Project.  The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person.  ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and original research to help coaches develop. It is done in partnership with Friends University in Wichita, KS.  For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

Miller shares his experiences in transformational coaching and the impact it has on student athletes. He highlights the importance of building purpose and creating a positive team culture to achieve success. Miller also delves into the challenges coaches face at both the micro and macro levels and provides insights on how to overcome them. He discusses the changing landscape of coaching and the need for coaches to be intentional in their approach. Additionally, Miller explores the unique characteristics of Generation Z athletes and how technology and COVID have shaped their experiences. He also examines the difference between pressure and stress in athletics and the role of empathy in developing resilience and grit in athletes. Finally, Miller emphasizes the importance of being demanding without being demeaning and fostering trust and connection with athletes.