Sport and the Growing Good

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Coach Jackson and I were joined by Coach Sara Rohde, the multi-time state coach of the year and leader of three-time defending state champion Green Bay Notre Dame girls basketball program.

Sara’s background in education, coaching, and playing.
Sara’s system – rooted in man-to-man defense and motion offense. Fast-paced.
Work ethic, preparation. Strength and conditioning.
Relationships as one of the most important ways of being successful as a coach.
The futures program. Introducing kids to the game at young ages.
Social media rules. Putting phones away and being present.
The importance of parents in setting the foundation for kids on a team.
Finding roles for all kids beyond scoring. The “dog tag” award after games for kids who do the little things and the dirty work well.
Defining roles for everyone. “What can you do to help our team be successful.
Using a “list of all the things your team is really good at and constantly refer back to that.”
Using visualization.
Parents as examples of leaders – the habit tracking activity.
Valuing practice. Gathering at mid-court before practice to talk about practice.
The NBA’s one on one tournament – what it revealed about the Knicks’ social fabric. “Keeping the competitive edge without creating conflict inside the group.”
The “virtuous cycle” on teams.
Engaging and challenging players who “float.”
Teams watching “how is the coach going to handle this?”
Getting players to understand that they can reach another level.
Keeping everyone engaged whether playing or not playing. Coach Jackson: “If players 9-12 are unhappy with their roles, you want to find another way to get them involved…Keep them happy, content, and involved. (Otherwise) it will create problems for the team’s chemistry.”
The role of parents: Support the girls. Set clear expectations. Set a clear process.
Getting ready for an opponent. Provide tendencies. Practice the plan.
Coach Jackson: in scouting, distill it to three main points about a player and the essential idea that is the driving force of the other team: “This team does this really well. They have to this or else they cannot survive.” What is their essence?
In preparing, sometimes focusing on mindset, hustle, rebounding – instead of being too technical.
“Thinking is not part of playing. You can’t think and play. You have to be instinctive.”
How Coach Jackson staying positive: practicing meditation. “Letting thoughts float away” and “flush it down the toilet.”
Chad McGahee: differences for individual players in getting in right mental space for games. Getting the work done in advance. You can’t think and play, you have to be instinctive. “Get out of your minds and into your bodies. Your bodies are ready.”
Wisconsin’s rich history as a “basketball haven!”
Coach Jackson taking summer’s off to rejuvenate and connect with family. Spending the last part of summers visualizing the year ahead.

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Reading your team when things are going well. Understanding them. “Getting out of their way.” Winning gets to be habitual.
The example of the Texas Rangers post-season run to the World Series championship.
Little inconveniences bringing a team together in new, deeper ways (hotel example in bad weather). Maintaining a positive orientation: “Life’s an adventure, let’s go get it!”
You can’t count on just “replicating what we had before.” Examples of players having off-season surgery that change what you have coming back on a team.
You have to maintain vision for your team.
“Dance of the wounded egos.” Guys overvaluing their roles on the team.
“It’s all of us. It’s about how we all fit together.”
As a coach something to think about: “Where does this person think he fits into our team effort? How can I make him feel important but also that we will go on regardless?”
Getting away from the game after the season. Focusing on family.
Also using the off-season to envision what the team would look like.
“We always held something back.” Reflecting in the off-season: “What are we going to do differently this year?”
Allowing veteran players to teach newcomers what it means to be part of the group and “earning his credibility.”
Losing assistant coaches to head coaching positions.
Dividing players into groups with a particular coach who they’d get to know intimately. A mentor who would help them to get better.
Jordan and Kobe having specific things they worked on in the off-season. Setting the model for other players.
Keeping pace with a changing game. Growing as a coach.
Phil Nevin on rules changes that affected coaching baseball.
Responding to the analytics movement.
Mark Sweeney on staying in the game “mentally and physically” as he prepared each game.
Davey Lopes as an important coach to Mark.
Maintaining “drive” on winning teams. Finding new motivations.

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Why it’s important for coaches to take time to commemorate noteworthy holidays and occurrences.
Coach Pat Rice embracing systematic innovation in his football program.
Choice architecture—Behavioral economics and Coach Kelly Sheffield.
Developing a culture of experimentation.
Intellectual humility.
Finding the sweet spot between rigidity and constant change.
Pre-studying before trying new things.
Evaluating marginal gains and losses.
Scrutiny from trying new things.
The positive effects and experimental culture can have on the spirit of a team.
The late 1960s was a time when “breaking the mold” was happening in many spaces.
Tai Chi as a valuable contributor to sport.
Experiments that don’t work.
Tailoring your system to players’ attributes.
Mindfulness and meditation beginnings as a player. Finding the breath and the quiet.
Dean Smith and Bobby Knight’s comments on “turning off the lights and holding hands before the games.” Then contacting George Mumford to work with the team.
The importance of the beginning of practice. “They will remember more from the beginning of practice.” Skills and drills.
Homophily and propinquity in coaching and athletics. Examples from the game of basketball.
The importance of language.
Coach Ekker’s conversation with John Wooden. “I changed, not the players.”
Seeing the potential of the team.
The team “starting to use your language.”

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A recap of some topics we’ve covered in past weeks.
Circling back to the Shivas Irons quote on coaching as a “serious and solemn act.”
Being settled personally before being able to coach a group.
“You never can step in the same river twice…Every incident, every process, every relationship with a team is always new.”
Being flexible and in the moment.
Michael Jordan’s competitiveness and the associated challenges of keeping back-up guards.
The Lakers wilting when attempting to finish games. Speaking about it directly. No response from team… so directly addressing it again the next day. Kobe defending himself.
“Sleeping on problems.”
Anger as “an opportunity.”
Team play emphasis when coming through conflict. “We can do this together.”
Role modeling during periods of conflict.
Having conversations on the team about world events and things going on in society.
Getting rid of ego.
Demonstrating putting yourself second to players. “I sat in the front of the bus, but I got in the back of the line.”
Self-control is a leadership quality.
Knowing when to step back as coach. Bill Cartwright’s example of leadership.
Narcissism is challenging.
Feeling alone as a leader.
Taking care of ourselves physically and mentally as leaders.
Doing the right thing at the right time. “Appeasing the basketball gods.”
Having someone who’s not part of the leadership who can be a valuable sounding board or pressure release.
Coach Ron Ekker’s call for coaching education over the years.

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The seven pillars of Adams’ work.
The high value of the players.
The team’s 3-member security team.
Interactions and security training with players.
Game-day routines for Adam and his team.
Arena and event security.
How do you know what to communicate with whom?
Arena operations center. Unified command. Everyone’s in the same place. Anywhere from two to twelve people.
Balancing risk and customer experience.
Hand-held communicator technology to aid communication on game days.
“A happy customer leads to less issues.”
“Frictionless screening.”
Determining which technology is worth using. Having a partner to navigate new items. Asking, “Where has this already been deployed and proven?”
Adam’s interactions and regular routines with President Peter Feigin. “Five key things.”
The difference between law enforcement and security.
Adam’s background in the Secret Service. “A gun-carrying event planner.”
Partnering with law enforcement around big events.
The value of breakfast meetings. “Breakfasts are a big deal for me. I have breakfast with people all the time. It’s a huge business tool…That’s a tool that I learned from the Secret Service. We can have formal meetings all the time, but the value of sitting down and having a meal with somebody or a coffee just to humanize things a little bit…that’s a big help.”
Have people’s general tenors with security and law enforcement changed in recent years?
Transformative technology on the horizon. AI. Advanced facial recognition.

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What characteristics in a leader facilitate voices being heard? Listening. Having a vision, seeing things that other people don’t see. “Look at not what a team is, but what they can become.”
Creating a safe environment where different perspectives will be respected and valued.
What’s made Joe better? Having children. “Give them a foundation and then let them learn.”
Observing and listening to other teams, including multiple levels to learn “What’s this generation like?”
Coach Popovich. Creating environments where conversation naturally flowed. Critical thinking and healthy debate. “It’s ok to disagree.”
Putting a leadership group together on the Great Britain National Team. “It was a microcosm of the entire team.”
In leading a conversation, direct questions to specific players. It’s not a rhetorical question.
Kevin Garnett as a skilled and nuanced player leader.
Differences in player leadership depending upon the competitive context. David Robinson. Tim Duncan. Avery Johnson. Paul Pierce. Kevin Garnett. Joe Johnson.
Getting better every day. On the personal side. “Did I do the right things by my family today?”
Peaking at the right time.
Analytics paired with history and feeling.
The stock market as a metaphor for the long-term growth of a team.
The impact of behind-the-scenes things going on for teams.
Work ethic. Dirk Nowitzki. Working relentlessly on unorthodox things. “The fadeaway, one-legged shot that is now a statue did not just happen.”
“Knowing you can apply X, Y, or Z is not as important as being able to know when to apply X, Y, or Z.”
Having 27 years of experience vs. one year of experience 27 times.
“Sometimes the best thing you can do as a leader is to step back and let them lead.”
Learning from players.

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What did he look for in putting together his staff when he was head coach in Portland? Complementarity. “A little bit of everything.”
Enjoying time with his staff in Portland. “The best part of my days were the coaches meetings. We enjoyed talking basketball and having a good time…The staff had a good blend of work ethic and sense of humor and knowledge and camaraderie. And I think the team felt that as well.”
Differentiating roles on coaching staffs. Learning from Rick Carlisle. More and more teams specializing on staffs.
Off-season time with the staff. Taking breaks. Giving autonomy. Making sure the gym was covered.
Connecting with players at least once during the summer at their locations in order to develop relationships. “It definitely is more about relationship building. And, they are getting good work in too.”
Routines with the staff during the season. Staying consistent so staff could organize their days.
What is unique about Milwaukee? “It’s a first-class organization.” The facilities and arena “send a loud message to everyone…it speaks to the professionalism.”
The importance of the physical design of the building in shaping how people interact in a team organization. (Propinquity.)
“Sweat equity.” Tim Grgurich, pioneer of player development. “You’re building trust so that down the road you’re able to coach them better.”
Differentiating relationships with players and coaches. “Some of it is organic.”
Giving players space to vent. Assistant coaches as confidants. Players going through assistants to get message to the head coach.
Coach Grgurich: “Players knew they could trust him.”
“It’s nuanced. You have to do it your own way.”
The personality of the team. In college, based on the coach. In the pros, based on the best players.
Using humor. Playing games on the court. Keeping things loose. Reading the mood of your team.
Mentoring. George Karl. “A lot of what I learned was from him.”
The value of asking questions. “A lot of young coaches want to show how much they know rather than how much they want to learn.”
Learning from different types of coaches and at different stages of your career.

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De-personalizing the feedback. Disassociating the person from the action when providing feedback.
Players can be offended and defensive when receiving feedback. The system is the overriding key. “This doesn’t fit into what we do as a group.”
“It goes beyond words.” Players physical responses matter.
When providing feedback, you’ve got to be at the point of the action. Going up and down the court with the team in order to give immediate feedback.
Video sessions. There can be tension. Be purposeful about defusing the tension – perhaps inserting short humorous film clip.
Timing of feedback. Intuitive feeling.
Coaches who talk too much. There are 5,000-7,000 meetings that a player has with an NBA coach in a season… so, “There’s a lot to knowing the spirit of the activity. Knowing when to step in and when to allow.”
When and when not to give praise. “There are players that need it and thrive on it… and others that it goes right over their head.”
Issues with using the word “but” when giving feedback. “Sometimes it’s best to get right to the point.”
The importance of periodic tactile feedback to connect.
What makes a teammate effective at giving others feedback?
Sometimes with criticism, “just accept it.”
Bill Cartwright’s subtle leadership when competing with Michael Jordan.
When players are ready for feedback. The example of Kobe in game 7. “Just let it happen.”
Active listening. Taking graduate courses in psychology.
“It’s a valuable thing for coaches to just open things up and allow.”
George Mumford as a valuable third party listener.

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How do you Put together your staff? Three “Cs”: Character. Values into action. Integrity. Doing the right thing. Competence. “You’ve got to know your stuff. That’s where you get credibility with the players.” We have to be great teachers now. Creativity. Keep players engaged. (and courage).
Competence. Finding specialists, those with expertise in specific areas. Offense, defense, special teams. Giving them autonomy and freedom to do their jobs.
Agreeing to disagree in meetings… but being united once we step on the floor.
Value of being an assistant coach for many years. “I know the pitfalls and challenges facing assistant coaches.” Giving them responsibilities and empowerment. Autonomy.
Value: Connection. What does it look like in practice? Thinking in “actionable behavior.” Fist bump, around them, pulling them aside. Birthday texts. Putting measures in place.
Building relationships with players so that you can coach them.

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Building data systems and models that inform decision-making.
Working with the GM, head coach, five analysts (draft, evals, tracking data, coaching support).
Tools of practice: R, Sequel, Python.
“As a group it’s important that the message we have is the same across the board. As a group we meet and discuss what are the pillars about what we want to measure, what we want to study.”
“I want to hire people who are fully living the data that they’re working with.”
How data use has changed.
Data discussions with the coaches.
Using data to put players in the best spot to succeed. Individualizing their programs.
The complexities of basketball – and the possibilities of geospatial data.
How much variance in the league is there in how teams use data? Impacts of leadership.
Obstacles in getting data fully integrated into basketball operations.
AI: How can it make day-to-day decisions more efficient? How can we leverage large data systematically?
Game theory.
Collaborating with Troy and other members of the support team to learn about players: bringing different expertise’s together.
The Bucks Analytics Hackathon. Bringing in fresh eyes. Identifying young talent.
The sports data science pipeline.
How does TJ continue learning? Talking to people from other sports, different industries. Monitoring broader advances in the industry – learning the new tools.

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Daily and weekly routines with his staff.
Each player’s support team. Weekly reports.
“The number one thing with them is trust. That you know what you are doing and that you’re preparing them…There’s different layers of trust.”
Troy’s discussions of readiness with coaches and staff members.
Discussing player health and HIPPA.
Troy’s innovation:wearable technology.
Using data to get a feelfor player load.
The most significant changeswith data and technology.
Hawkeye technology: anew era of 3D biomechanical models.
Troy’s background working with Australian Olympic teams.
Learning to distill huge amounts of data into usable messaging for the coaches and players. “It’s really important that you don’t overwhelm them with lots of graphs and tables.”
“The art is finding out what to give them and what not to give them.”
Individualized programs for each player.
Actuaries on staff. Predicting fatigue. Identifying trouble spots.
Evaluating progress. Is your team healthy and available? Bucks moving from the most injured team to the healthiest team. “The healthiest team usually wins the championship.”
“Everything they do ismeasured.”
“At the end of theday, are the athletes happy with the services they’re provided.”
Taking the work on theroad.
Troy’s personal growthand development. Conferences. And, even more, “Bringing the experts to us.”

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Reaction to a student’s “turning point” experience.
There’s usually an incident every year when the coach steps in and gives guidance.
Why Coach Jackson spent a moment of reflection before each game.
How the Bulls embraced Scottie Pippen when he was going through a difficult family time.
“Non-action.” Not getting involved from an ego perspective. Step back from the initial reaction.
Group intelligence. Smart teams. NASA example.
Letting a team fail. “Sometimes it’s good to fail…rather than inserting my impression of how to reset.”
The intelligence of the group is not correlated with the average intelligence of the individuals.
Why did Tex Winter say that some of the most troublesome players were the ones who came from engineering?
“Mind smarts” vs. “body smarts.”
Smartest teams: members contributed equally to discussion, they were able to read each other’s emotions, collective intelligence can be improved.
Not judging a team too soon.
Eye contact – differences found in some native communities.
Touching. How it can help some players relax, be reassured.
Allowing voices to be heard on teams. Calling on players who are not stars during meetings and video sessions. “What do you see here?”
Player leadership. “It portrays itself on the floor…It’s pretty easy to see, because they see themselves as responsible for the other members on the floor.”
“What kind of energy do you bring to the floor?”
Motivational strategies.
“We’re playing this game for ourselves. For who we are…We want to dance together.”
Developing a smart staff. Giving coaches voice in choosing who they work closely with.
Strategically dividing up the time-out periods. Everybody participated.
Keep showing the players that the staff is a team, working in concert with each other.
“One breath, one mind.”
Increasing meditation time periods at various points of season – including the beginning of the season. “It becomes contagious.” Relaxing into the group. Being absorbed.
Building bonds through skills and drills. Using motion as a rhythm.

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How do young players’ paths differ in places like Serbia compared to the typical AAU player in the U.S.?
How do players work through their national teams and how do find or know where to look for these players?
How do players get into professional academies like Real Madrid? What implications does it have for these young players?
Overuse injuries in these players who are playing 4-5 basketball games. every day at such a young age?
Ryan’s typical rhythms and routines.
How do you react when you find talent?
Synthesizing data and information for the GM and coaches.
What distinguishes Bucks scouting (humble, hungry, smart).
The game expanding to Africa.
Risk mitigation in international talent evaluation.
Have superstars like Giannis and Jokic changed how the game is played in other parts of the world?
How Ryan’s college coach stepped in at a critical turning point…and how Ryan seized the opportunity.

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Impactful youth coaches.
Having an identical twin – a constant teammate.
Being named captain of his high school soccer team.
Values: Transparency. Directness. Hard work. Collaboration. Two-way engagement. Constructive growth.
Knowing people’s wants and needs. “What’s important to you?”
“It’s not a brain surgery industry.” There have to be solutions.
“People are the number 1, 2, & 3 challenge.”
The accountability of leadership: “How do you grow your people?”
“If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t matter.”
Helping Milwaukee thrive: “It’s magnified in a small market.”
“We have this incredible platform.”
“Thinking like a big market.”
Disadvantage of small market: smaller media revenue.
Technology and innovation.
Bucks advantages: Best facilities. Best resources. Midwest value set.
The internationalization of the Bucks and the NBA.
The international impact of Giannis.
30% of NBA players are international.
His everyday interactions with owners, GM, and head coach.
“Jon (the GM) and I text dozens of times a day.”
“We have urgency to solve things quickly…we don’t like to let things fester.”
Empathy. Communication.
Advice for aspiring leaders: “Research…Try to learn as much as you possibly can. And part of that is exposing yourself to people…”
“There’s no finish line when managing people.”
Meeting 100 people in his first 90 days as Bucks President. “Even the meanest people have a hard time saying, ‘no, I’m not going to help you’…Be curious!”

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All teams face the grind, the mundane, even the doldrums, throughout the course of their time together. How can coaches keep spirits up, and "even make the mundane sacred?” Coach Jackson and Professor Miller discussed:

The responsibility that players have for playing.
The coach can bring some fun and joy to the season.
Times of the season that can become a drag.
Giving out books to players.
Giving players a “shield.” “Name your hero. Who motivated you? Favorite music?…”
The “bulls-eye.” “What’s your relationship to the team? Where do you fit on the team? Using the bulls-eye as a discussion point. “Why did you place yourself outside of the circle?” Getting a personal relationship with the players.
Collected silly fines as winnings for shooting games. Fun and competition. “It changes up the day or gives them some little incentive... just something different."
Had rookies read "20 principles of good behavior.” Then got to know players’ reading levels and gave other books.
Formal meditation session before videos.
George Mumford assessing, “How are we doing as a group (in relation to the mid-line)?” Conversation starter. Get to know lives of teammates.
Relating the 8-fold principles of Buddism to the offense.
Inserting comedian clips into the video. Bring humor into it.
Theme videos for particular opponents. Drawing from certain movies, etc.
Having players grit their teeth on pencils to demonstrate aggression. Led to laughter.
Tai Chi in front of big mirrors. Be willing to try new things!
Seeing an eagle fly by.
“Be patient with me, because I’m going to try different stuff.”
Giving players Sundays off. “It’s a day for you family. A day for your spiritual recovery.”
Working closely with trainers to gauge players’ recovery and readiness.
How to handle long lay-offs and keep players fresh.
The Thanksgiving practice routine: Turkey Trot game. Keeping things fresh and fun.
Using symbolism: “The Way of the Warrior,” “The Chase for the White Buffalo”
Shields, arrows, prayer arrow, headdress all in the team meeting room.
What is your space? How do you respond when someone comes into your space? Retaliation? Fight mode? Being centered.
Rubber band snap for re-centering.
Knowing Awareness Training (KAT). Players were having difficulty learning.
A simple touch to a player to re-center him, relax him.
“I liked finding things that were unique… out of the ordinary. It was kind of experimental.”

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What does it mean to “have a system?” Why is it critical to build from the ground up?

Ron Ekker — a longtime coaching colleague who developed “the Monk System.” Author of the Intelligent Coach.
Having a system is not unique to basketball. It applies to most all sports (e.g., rowing). “It transcends basketball, no doubt about it."
How Tex Winter used a system successfully at Kansas State and eventually brought it into the NBA.
"The system is important — but you have to be really patient. There are certain things about the system that require bonding of the players.”
"Systems are one of the necessary items, because it brings people together and gives direction... it’s not about you… it’s about the system.” (e.g., evaluation and critique can be de-personalized — so can successes)
"You need to have a system that you believe in.”
Bill Fitch.
“The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. But you can take a system apart and teach parts of the system. And the skills and the drills that we would run brought all of those things into play. They were all connected.”
"Everything has to be simplistic enough that it can be taught…And player must know that they are not going to disrupt everything just by making a mistake.”
Some principles of a sound offense. It’s a full court game played from end to end. You need to play with speed but still under control. Spacing is one of the most important things. Offense should incorporate the skills of all players — shooters, passers, rebounders, screeners, etc. (avoid baseline drive — one of the only “don’ts”). Move the ball after two beats. Penetrate the defense. Practice drills were set up around all of these things.
Building up from the ground. Show the system, what happens in the system. And then take it apart and teach the parts.
Peer pressure in getting buy-in to the system. Veterans who understand it. Keep the standard. The standard is the key. The coach must uphold the standard.
The Celtics had only six plays for many years and kept winning. The system endures as individuals come and go. Sustainability. The Bulls second three-peat only included two of the same players as from the first three-peat.
Getting players that fit your system. Recruiting, assessment. AAU and college games are “raw energy.” Hard to see who has poise and understands the game. The system requires deeper skillset. One example: Steve Kerr. Had been with some different teams and not playing a whole lot. But he was a great fit for the system.
The system provides a clear foundation and direction that sets basis for spontaneity. Coach’s illustration (Suzuki's Zen Mind, Beginner Mind). “We have a certain structure that we use. But inside that structure there’s a freedom of movement and opportunity to do things that are spontaneous.”
“The offense was not built for Kobe or Michael Jordan. They don’t need an offense. The team needs an offense. The team needs to have that structure that is defining for them. So that they have a standard to live by. Something that you can mark up against. Something that you can teach, if you are a veteran, to younger players that are coming in that gives you a certain sense of participation. There’s ultimately an esprit de corps that comes from that. There’s a certain unity in group that comes from having to go through that exercise of doing maybe mundane parts over and over again.”
Doing something at least seven times for neuron forming and muscle memory to occur. Golf in the Kingdom. "The inner self." It’s not a thought process. You don’t have to think it out. Your body knows what to do.”
“You’re not thinking alone. You’re thinking together. It’s a team thought.” Using meditation and mindfulness with the team. “One mind, one breath.” That’s what we want to play with: one mind. There’s a higher mind. That mind is the system.”
Freedom through discipline. “Have a sense, what are the parameters, and then inside those parameters you have freedom for spontaneity and creativity.”

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The distribution of leadership. Getting a strong staff, getting to know each other. Trusting each other and giving everyone meaningful roles.

The small room at the Chicago Bulls facility where Coach Jackson developed bonds with Coaches Bach and Winter. Three desks, two doors. Monitors.
Scouting upcoming teams. Making videos with the video machine.
Doug Collins (head coach) would be working out and rehabbing his knee. Other coaches would be in the room for three hours in the morning and more hours in the afternoon.
Conferring with each other, sharing knowledge. Conversations together about the game, its history and evolution.
Tex believed the players needed to develop deep knowledge of the game.
Exchanging “tricks of the trade” with each other (like letting air out of the balls to fit playing style).
Johnny’s zone trap. “We’d go through the mechanics of the game."
Johnny Bach named defensive coordinator, Tex Winter offensive coordinator.
“The exchange of ideas was a lot of fun.”
Tex Winter, Coach Jackson, and the evolution of the Triangle offense.
Coach Jackson asking Coach Gardner about how the Triangle played a role in their success.
"All these stories just geminated" in that room.
“I was curious and would listen to these guys who had been watching the game evolve since they were kids."
Doing videos with Johnny.
“We had an exchange that was very genuine.”
What we organized as a system was “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Teaching players the skills that would operate in the system. Drills and skills that fit into the system. “Everything fit into the system.”
Defensive drills in the system.
Knowing each other so well that trust was present.
How his ran a time-out. “Going to your safe spot on the bench.” Assistants go to huddle. Then everyone stands and Coach Jackson addresses them. “Assistant coaches get to manifest their knowledge of the game."
Allowing for and valuing disagreement. But then going forward with one voice.
Why it’s dangerous when trying one-off copying of what others do instead of staying with your own set of rules.
Our basic principle on offense was “go away from pressure.”
“Be in the flow.”
Using video tape to imprint ideas. (e.g., The way of the peaceful warrior). How to value your opponent to bring out your best self. Lakota perspective. “We’re lucky to have the opponent that’s creating more thoughtful play out of what we’re trying to do. And we don’t have to do it through resistance or overpowering or retaliation. We can do it in another way."
Letting go. Scottie suggesting Ron Harper should guard Hardaway instead of Jordan. “That suggestion was perfect…That was a player stepping in…They know each other well.”

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Coach’s home golf course in Williston, ND.
Giving players books: Why did he do it? How did he decide which book to give to each player.
Shaq’s book report.
Talking to Kobe about being a leader.
Going from coaching in the CBA to the Bulls, Jerry Krause wanted him to wear the championship ring as a symbol, “I knew what it took to win a championship…I had some credibility.”
Giving associate coaches room to speak.
The impact of Tex Winter and Johnny Bach: “I learned a tremendous about about the history of the game from them.”
“A lot of coaching depends on voice, on essence, on how you speak, the control that you have of the language, your ability to deliver a message, your ability to be a salesperson about what you are trying to have your team do.Those are the things that I think garner respect.”
When correcting a player, “it’s not that I’m correcting you. I’m correcting the act that you need to change. I’m not demeaning you.”
“You need to deliver messages with the respect that contains who you are.”
The importance of building a “fraternal type of atmosphere where it’s brotherly or sisterly…You want them to have an atmosphere that’s warm and welcoming.”
One of the most difficult things for humans is that you are not anything more than human. You make mistakes. And the mistakes you’re going to make are sometimes how you endear yourself to your community…The little things, stumbling over a word or how you dress…”
Wearing a tie dye shirt to practice…and how it accidentally brought about relatability.
“Maybe I can get a birdie on this hole…”
Red Holzman. Alertness. “Being in the team, with the team.”
Simple lessons from Coach Holzman. “This isn’t rocket science.”
Coach Holzman: simplicity and giving players voice.
Coach as teacher.
Turning point: Coach Holzman brought Coach Jackson in to help during and injured period (When Coach Jackson was only 23). Learning the middle path. Staying consistent. Bring energy.
Knowing how to handle players who were injured, including the mental side of injury.
“What is the purpose of the game?” Love of the game. Giannis, Jokic as good models.
What’s most important thing to look for in a coach?
Lessons learned from coaching Horace Grant. Staying positive. Transformational. “Coaches that stand on the sidelines and yell at players are probably not going to be successful if they’re berating their players. But the ones who can teach and want to teach it, are the ones who generate the most interest to me as people to hire as coaches.”
Earning players’ respect.
Growing up in a home with morning devotions. “I’ve maintained that type of practice my whole life.”
Getting centered and fully present every morning.
The importance of having a system. Having everyone play within the system.
Every player in basketball – like jazz – has a role, has a moment.

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Coach Dave Perkins led Verona High School to the state championship in 2022. He was also named the WSCA Coach of the Year and, in 2021, the Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year. Dave has a long track record of success playing and coaching at multiple levels, including club, college, and high school. Dave joined SGG to discuss his leadership journey, including what he's learned along the way, why he coaches, and what he aspires toward as a leader of young people.

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Coach Caitie Ratkowski is the 2022 state champion (Division I) volleyball coach at Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) High School in Milwaukee. She was honored as the 2022 AVCA Girls high school coach of the year. Among Caitie's many other awards was her 2016 induction into the DSHA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Beyond her impressive success on the court, Caitie is committed to leading the people in her program toward holistic life success. She's impacted many lives through her coaching efforts.

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Coach Andrew Selgrad led Columbus High School to a 14-0 record and the division 4 state championship in 2022. For his efforts, he named Wisconsin Associated Press/Packers High School Coach of the Year. Coach Selgrad has a long track record as a coach in the state -- and even grew up on the sidelines when his father was a head coach. With a motto of "keep building," he focuses on "teaching the why," learning, trusting and growing every day.

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Coach McDonnell leads the 2022 Wisconsin State football champions at Kettle Moraine High School. He is also a special education teacher at the school. Coach McDonnell focuses on treating the members of his team well. In doing so, he's cultivated a successful program where young people can thrive on and off the field. He joined us on the SGG podcast to discuss his journey and his perspective on coaching.

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Coach Roehrig is a social studies teacher and the head softball coach at Kaukauna High School in Wisconsin. His team rides a 51 game winning streak and has won back-to-back state championship. Coach Roehrig's impact goes beyond softball victories. He's shaped a thriving community around softball. He develops rich relationships with players and families. Opportunities flow in, through, and beyond the Kaukauna softball program thanks to his leadership. We enjoyed a great conversation on the SGG podcast. Thanks, Coach Roehrig!

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Bill Schultz is the founder and leader of the Miracle League in Dane County, WI. He joined us to tell his own story of growing up with physical disabilities, staying resilient, and ultimately impacting many lives in positive ways. The Miracle League provides children with disabilities -- and their families -- with opportunities to play sports and have fun together. Bill's story is inspiring. Our SGG conversation included conversation about:

Bills sports experiences when he was young.
The coaches and adults who impacted him growing up.
His experiences as a manager in college.
His career.
How the Miracle league came to fruition in the Madison area.
What happens at Miracle League games.
A couple of "miracle stories."
What comes next.

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George Dohrmann is senior managing editor for enterprise and investigations for The Athletic. Previously at Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, where in 2000 he won a Pulitzer Prize, he is the author of multiple books. Play Their Hearts Out, George’s book stemming from a ten-year immersive journey with an AAU team, was winner of the 2011 PEN/ESPN Award and was named by GQ as one of 50 best books on literary journalism. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

There’s a picture of you coaching kids in soccer on your website. Do you coach? What’s your coaching style? (2:40)
What drew you to the topic of your new book, Switching Fields? (5:25)
Historically, what have been some of the signature differences between how men’s and women’s developmental systems have worked in American soccer? (7:47)
How UNC coach Anson Dorrance created a successful soccer program (10:27)
What was noteworthy about the development of American soccer in Southern California? (14:30)
Why have there historically been so few Black soccer players in the USA program? (20:40)
Who else has been left behind… and why? (21:30)
You documented some really horrible coaches in PTHO. But it sounds like you’ve found hopeful coaching models in these years that’ve followed. In soccer, what are the promising youth coaching practices that you’ve found? Would these translate across sports – including to youth basketball? (25:05)
Latino influence on coaching (29:10)
You’ve long been advocating for “junior NBA/WNBA leagues.” Why? Is this a logic of talent capitalization? How can we concurrently democratize healthy, high-level sport opportunity? (34:20)
Looking back on what you know now, would your analysis of the PTHO kids’ world change in any noteworthy ways? What are the “big questions” we should be asking to make youth sports better in the US? (39:53)
What would he do differently if he could do Play Their Hearts Out again (43:10)

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We continue our SGG conversations with Sidney Moncrief, whose perspectives on leading for justice are rooted in years of competing, leading, and learning at the highest levels. In this episode, we discussed:

What Made Don Nelson special: he understood the value of having a good support team and he made sure to be authentic during his interactions with both his assistant coaches and his players to create sincere relationships with them. (9:08)
“The wisdom that I had when I played came from humility and self awareness” (13:30)
“When he became a leader on the Bucks he eliminated hazing because he wanted the new players to be able to come to him and not be looked down upon or pass judgment… he would just give them the facts” (15:23)
“It’s easy for anyone to become insecure about a number of things and as a coach you really need to guard against that.” (19:38)
The negative effects of social media on athletes. (24:47)
His perspective of diversity, equity, inclusion throughout the sports landscape while playing at Arkansas. (28:30)
Learning from his experience playing tennis with Sam Walton. (32:27)
“When you're in your 20s you really don’t have the wherewithal, it’s all about ‘me’ and … you are not leveraging potential relationships to do good things for others” (36:00)
“I don’t care how famous you are or how many followers you have, always speak from an educated perspective know both sides.” (38:24)
You have to use both your public and your private platforms. (39:58)
Learning from his conversation with Senator Kohl. (41:33)
Learning about intentionality as a part of his GRIT concept. (43:00)
How sports give him the platform today. (45:47)
“Our job as older players is to make ourselves relevant… take current issues and collaborations to make things better. (46:39)
The effect of his mom keeping composure during times of crisis. (48:28)
Why coaches have to guard their players too much information. (52:23)

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Tony Granato’s accolades and accomplishments in hockey are remarkable. A highest level champion of the game in every way at college, NHL and Olympic levels, Tony is recognized as one of the great teammates, competitors and leaders in the game. As head coach of the Badgers, Tony continues to positively impact countless lives each year. He joined SGG, where we discussed:

The shared passion for hockey among the Granato siblings. “NHL games” in the family basement. Core values and love developing in the basement.
Coaching principles “come from that basement.”
Benefits of free play. Learning about leadership and how to be a teammate.
Learning about courage and perseverance from his sister Cammi. “She fought through lots of barriers and obstacles.”
Learning from his brother Donny about overcoming hard things.
Learning about the core values of individuals that his team recruits.
One of Tony’s bell cows (models): Bob Johnson – “His enthusiasm and passion for hockey was what I thought it should be. He brought that spirit to wherever he was.” “His style was unique back then. Coaches were hard-nosed and tough. Stand-offs. Screamers and yellers…Badger had the opposite. He loved and appreciated players for who they were.”
Another bell cow: his dad. “He didn’t know hockey very well…But what I learned from him was love and care for one another. Respect and care for each other and the game.”
Positive mindset. Taking positive things from other players.
“I don’t want to be respected because I was a good player. I want to be respected because I was a good teammate.”
Personality of a team. “It has to be a natural thing.”
“Great character” vs. “great characters” in the game of hockey.
Values/principles of his program: work ethic; passion/love for the game and people.
“When you’re appreciated, you’re willing to go through the wall for somebody.”
Differences in international models of sport and development.
US Hockey’s new model for developing the game.
European focus on tactical and skill work.
Talent capitalization.
Starting points in leadership development: Core values. Compassion. Relationships.
“The part I’ve enjoyed most about my journey in sport is the fact that I’ve been able to share it with my brothers and sisters and dad and mom. We’re all connected by sport.”
His dad never pushed hockey upon him.

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Naismith Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief – a former Bucks all-star and assistant coach – joined us (2nd time on SGG!) to discuss leadership across different eras. He identified a critical shift in player-coach relations that occurred in the early 2000s and offered broad insights on leadership across diverse settings. We discussed:

How do relationships look in the NBA? In the 1980s: Corporate. “There were no relationships. You were told what to do. In the 2000s “there was a new source of empowerment among the players.” At that point, if you were an assistant coach, your sole purpose was to develop a relationship with players. “They were no longer doing what you told them to do because you were the leader. They wanted you to earn their trust.”
The impact of the rise of AAU.
One thing that has not changed in coaching: “Once players know that you care…right away, the trust goes up. And the respect goes up.” What matters most: caring, transparency, honesty, integrity.
Coaches showed care behind the scenes.
Principles are important in action, not just in what you say. Great coaches “walk the talk.” (Don Nelson. Del Harris, Rick Majerus, etc.)
Sidney’s “Cs of Leadership:” Competence, Character, Consistency, Communication.
The 1980s was the era of excess in the league – not an era of social consciousness. “We had conversations behind the scenes. But if you had those discussions in public…it would have been detrimental to your career.” It was easier to have those conversations in the 60s and 70s.
The importance of “Magic vs. Bird” in shifting from team to individual branding.
“Coaches play a major role in giving players a base for being game changers in society.”
“You should never be afraid of stepping outside of the box as a coach.”
Don Nelson understood that he needed to get the star players on board with ideas first. “He would come to us and ask for our opinions…Great players must be part of your internal team.”
“Being a social justice person.” Sidney’s thoughts on order and action in a sports context – a sensitive and complicated matter.
Could Coach Eddie Sutton coach the same way today? “He made some adjustments but his standards never changed.”
“GRIT:” Growth, resilience, intentionality, tenacity.
Body language. Reading cues.
Authenticity. “The worst thing as a leader is for people that you lead to not know who you are and what you stand for.”
“Empathy should have no age limit.”
Having a purpose.
The diversity in the game.
Principled coaches are “setting their players up to be social game changers in society, to accelerate their life’s purpose.”

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Marisa Moseley’s journey through college basketball includes remarkable success as a player, assistant coach and head coach. She joined SGG to discuss leading the Badgers program. We discussed:

What is a “bell cow”… and who were some of Coach Moseley’s bell cows?
Having “unfettered” access to Coach Auriemma.
Jay Wright. “You watch his teams and they’re so fundamentally sound…I was very much an admirer of the way he coaches and teaches.”
John Thompson. “How he transcended the game, how he was unapologetically black, how he led…how he was authentically himself.”
How do you decipher what’s “for you” as a coach?
Determining “our style” as a program. “I knew what kind of person I was as a person, as a coach, as a leader, as a teacher… But we needed to develop a style as a program.”
How program “style” affects all parts of the program.
Indicators of the Badgers culture: a loud gym, energy, open communication, helping each other up, quick pace, urgency.
Popovich: When you join this team, you don’t change us, we change you.
Consistency and high expectations.
Coaches who talk too much at practice.
Learning to let players play through mistakes. “It’s a delicate dance.”
The program pillars: Winning mindset, Integrity, Selflessness, Communication, Legacy.
Connectedness around the pillars. “If you are really, really connected, you have some of your best teams.
A simple gratitude exercise with the team.
What team members owe each other.
Deepest aspirations as a coach: “helping people become the best version of themselves.”

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Javonte Lipsey was a five-time All-American track athlete at the University of North Carolina. After his decorated career, Javonte embarked on a doctoral research journey at Ohio State University. His dissertation study examined servant leadership in collegiate athletics administrators. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

Growing up in the loving Lipsey family that adopted seven children: “My existence in the family was created in their willingness to serve.”
Witnessing his father and mother as servant leaders.
The servant perspective “gave me a huge amount of humility” in athletics. “It’s about being part of a community that’s part of something larger.”
The impact of his high school coach. “He was much more than a coach…He was there through every phase of my life, not just on the track.”
Why he pursued the Ph.D.: “My parents told me that are two things to take with you wherever you go: salvation and education.”
What is servant leadership?
Doing what is right because it is right (as opposed to having ulterior motives).
Listening to hear, to understand, to serve.
One of Javonte’s research questions: What are the antecedents of servant leadership?
Another question: On a day-to-day basis in college athletics administration, what does servant leadership look like?
Third question: Are there experiences that helped shaped servant leadership behavior?
The research design.
Servant leadership is animated by humility.
Religious affiliation and servant leadership.
Exemplars of servant leadership: Tony Dungy, Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, Steph Curry.
“I challenge people to ask ourselves, ‘How can I serve others?’”

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As I was editing the third and final SGG episode with UW’s Walter Dickey, I was speaking with former Big Ten Conference Commissioner Jim Delany and asked for his perspective on Walter. Jim described Walter as a “straight shooter” and “one of the most able and honest people that I ran across in my 31 years in the Big 10.” These words of high praise are included in the introductory remarks of this episode. And then, focusing largely on some of his key partners from over the years, Walter and I discussed:

Working together with Frank Remington. “He was incredibly generous with his time and his knowledge.”
Other partners from the Law School and Corrections over the years.
Lesson from Frank Remington: “Helping young people develop is a calling.”
“I’ve always thought the development of others was one of my principal responsibilities.”
Close observation and imagination.
Developing a sense of judgment. “If you’re going to develop a sense of judgment, you need knowledge of the system you’re working in.”
“The ability to understand people and empathize with people is vital.”
“Working in harness with another.” (more fun, better ideas)
Becoming a leader in athletics.
Working closely with Jim Delany. Loyalty and discretion.
Jim Delany’s skill in getting groups get where they need to go.
Different ways to disagree.
Beginnings of working with Barry Alvarez.
Working with Chris McIntosh. “I quickly realized how intelligent and perceptive he was…I took him everywhere.”
Transitioning away from being on campus every day. “It was hard…I spent my life poised for action.”
Realizing that “I’ve done my part.”
“The future will rise up before us.”
Family.

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In the second part of our three episodes that focus on the great law professor, public leader and athletics leader, we discussed:

The importance of reading over the years. “It fed my curiosity and desire to learn…It helped develop in me a sense of idealism in the world and possibilities in the world…It led me to have some illusions about what was possible in the world.”
Keeping a journal every day: “What I think about. What we do.”
“I’ve done my part.”
Attempting to become more present.
“Poised to learn.”
A goal for law students: growth for the rest of their lives.
“The law in action.”
A sound structural education in law school. “The bones of the law.” Principles and specifics.
A metaphor for lawyer prep: playwright vs. critic.
Being both a law professor and the head of corrections.
“On the ground understanding.”
Developing trust as head of corrections.
The value of “unglamorous” jobs as a youngster.
The influence of Jesuit education.
Law and leadership as a “helping profession.”
“Creating value” as a leader.
The importance of communication as a leader.
Learning how to navigate multiple contexts as a leader. “Assess it. Look at it as carefully as you can. Then figure out what to do.”
“You can’t become too attached to your own view.”
“The anchoring effect.”
Diagnostic interviews.
Moral authority. “It’s earned. You’re not anointed with it.”
“A degree of humility is incredibly powerful.”
Living a balanced life. “The lives of our children and grandchildren are of first order importance.”

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Walter Dickey recently retired from a long and distinguished professional life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Among many other accomplishments and experiences, Walter was a tenured law professor; head of the Department of Corrections in Wisconsin; Chair of the Wisconsin athletic board; representative to NCAA and Big Ten Conference, and deputy athletic director. He’s published extensively and shaped his fields in many positive ways. But Walter’s much more than these achievements or positions. He’s been a son, brother, husband, father, friend, colleague, and mentor. He’s a man with broad experience, deep perspective. Walter says that he never spends much time thinking about his career or having been a leader, but in this three part series, we examine how this legendary UW leader has indeed lived an interesting and impactful life of leadership. In part 1, Walter described the time that he and his wife Mary spent in Ghana, just after he’d completed law school. He highlighted some of the impacts of that time in their lives and how it contributed to his development as an observer of the world. Walter then described the importance of partnership in his journey and he provided insight into how one of his key partners, Professor Frank Remington, went about mentoring with humility and generosity. Over the years it’s been a tremendous honor and privilege for me to get to learn from Walter – so learning more about his story was a very special opportunity for me.

We discussed:

Deciding to go to Ghana – “the adventure of our lives” and the “turning point of our lives.”
Not being part of the “American Embassy crowd” in Ghana.
Living in Ghana: heat, a coup, grocery shopping, time, food, etc.
Being an observer.
“We were completely reliant on each other.”
Walter and Mary in Ghana: “We developed confidence in ourselves. And we developed trust and confidence in people around us.”
Returning to the U.S: No money, a Ford Pinto, a broadened perspective, and an uncertain future.
Why every American should take advantages of opportunities to live abroad.
“I’ve never thought of myself as having a career.”
Learning to live amid doubt and uncertainty in a condition of not knowing (Shakespeare).
Contrasting Oedipus & Socrates coming to a fork in the road. Socrates reflected and considered where the two roads might go.
Mary: “As the future rises up before us, we’ll figure it out.”
“Carefully observing the world and people around me. And then figuring out how to best proceed.”
The raw materials of leadership: observing and active imagination (and reading).
What Walter learned from reading as a youngster: the triumph of virtue after struggle. Idealism.
C.S. Lewis: reading teaches us that we’re not alone.
“Solving problems is fun. Spouting off theoretical things isn’t, at least to me.”
Working for UW Law Professor Frank Remington, who was “incredibly intelligent, observant, and humble.”
Diagnostic interviews: “a legal physical.”
Frank Remington as a mentor. “Humility was his hallmark.”

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Travis Dorsch is an associate professor at Utah State University, where he studies and teaches about youth sports. Professor Dorsch’s work influences the broader field in multiple ways – especially in our move toward adopting more holistic understandings of the youth sports experience. A former NFL football player and now father of young athletes, Travis brings a well-informed perspective to the table. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

Travis’ experiences as a multi-sport athlete in Bozeman, MT.
Some of the coaches who impacted him during middle and high school years.
Playing sports in Bozeman.
How Travis’ experiences as an athlete led him to a career studying sports.
What is an “integrated understanding of the youth sports system?”
What he means when he says, “I think parents are trapped” in the youth sports environment.
Advice Travis has for parents of young athletes. (intrinsic motivation)
Advice Travis has for more mature, gifted athletes. (surround them with good people and be willing to let go)
Families’ financial investments in youth sports. One interesting finding: The more money we invest can lead to increased pressure, less enjoyment, and increased likelihood of kids dropping out of sports.
Why we need to think about siblings in sports.
How Travis’ professional and personal experiences come together.

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Research shows us many benefits from participating in athletics. But each young athlete’s pathways is different. Three key members of the UW national championship volleyball team, Gio Civita, Danielle Hart, and Grace Loberg, joined SGG to discuss some key aspects of their remarkable journeys through sports.

Grace’s initial volleyball experiences with her mom and at school in 4th grade. “It was not good volleyball, but it was so fun!”
Danielle started volleyball in 7th grade. Volleyball became an important part of her life during challenging times. “Volleyball became the outlet for me.”
Gio’s volleyball experience as a child in Italy. Sports were separated from school. “If you decide to be in sports, it’s like a job.”
How sports affected sibling dynamics in their families. Grace: “It was a challenge for my parents balancing everything.”
Multi-sport participation decisions, including the importance of supportive coaches who make it work.
Factors to consider when choosing a club team.
Specific youth sports moments that led to broader opportunity.
What coaches are looking for when they recruit young athletes.
What caught Coach Sheffield’s eye when he was recruiting her: The way she supported her teammates.
The importance of a coach delivering feedback to Danielle.
Coaches who do (and don’t) understand the developmental stages of their athletes.
Coach Sheffield’s thoughtfulness about “every single thing.”
Fostering joy in youth sports.
Mental and psychological aspects of getting through injuries. Danielle: Embracing the broader view of the team. Developing empathy. Building leadership skills. Staying connected. Taking it day by day.
Gio on going through injuries: “It opened other doors in the long run.”
How can we make youth sports better? Danielle: make it less expensive. Grace: scale back the pressure. Gio: balance/integrate academics and athletics.

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Julie Stamm is a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her book, The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future, makes a major contribution to the broader field of concussion research. Dr. Stamm continues to conduct cutting-edge research and will make a major positive impact on the field with her scholarship and multi-dimensional perspective. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Growing up a 3-sport athlete in Mosinee, Wisconsin.
The role and impact of sports in Mosinee.
Playing against Candace Parker at a Chicago basketball camp.
Her pathway to becoming a researcher and scientist…including being impacted by one young athlete’s concussion.
How being an athlete shapes her approach to research.
Understanding what concussions are.
Peaks and plateaus in brain development intersecting with sports experiences: “There’s a lot going on in that 8-12 (year old) range…And that’s also a time when lots of kids are getting started in sports.”
The multiple forms of “repetitive impact.”
The implications of repetitive impacts…even those that don’t result in concussion symptoms: “These hits aren’t without consequence even though we don’t see it right away.”
Myth: contact sports impacts aren’t as bad in youth sports. The “bobblehead effect” and the number of impacts.
Hits per event are similar in youth and high school football.
Why she wrote the book. And why she wrote it in an accessible fashion.
Bad argument: Contact sports are safe enough. “Is safer than ever safe enough?”
The limits of helmets. “No helmet will prevent concussions.”
Myth: You have to hit/play the way the pros do in order to make it to college and/or the pros. (not true!)
“At the younger ages we should promote having fun in sports.”
Flaws in common “toughness arguments.”
How we can best communicate about and implement important research on concussion in youth sports.
The role of coaches in changing culture around safer contact sports.
Her ongoing research projects.

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Matt Trnian started as an intern at Grand Park. He moved up through the ranks and now serves as Director. Matt joined SGG to discuss his leadership journey. He also discussed Grand Park’s evolution…including what’s next for one of the nation’s premier sports and events facilities. We discussed:

A common theme among his best coaches from growing up: a focus on developing better people.
What he learned from his head high school football coach, Mike Elder: Accountability and investment in each person in the program.
Starting as an intern at Grand Park. Matt’s aspirations and responsibilities.
Key stakeholders and events along the way, including the Indianapolis Colts holding training camp at Grand Park.
Early resistance to Grand Park. “It was easy to be skeptical…It was an unproven product at that time.” (Many of the critics have changes their minds.)
Influencing broader community development.
Grand Park’s research and development hub. “We’re trying to stay on the cutting edge.”
Matt’s observations of the youth sports industry.

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Several years ago, we wrote about an "NFL ready" football player, Ed Oliver. He's achieved success with the Buffalo Bills. But readiness questions in the sports pipeline persist for millions of young people around the country. Beyond physical readiness, we must consider academic, social, and other types of readiness. Participation is one aspect of life readiness that is overlooked. The more we can keep kids engaged in high quality sporting environments, the better. Trends in participation at youth and college levels are troubling -- and must be addressed. In this SGG episode, we identify some of these trends. And we launch a series examining participation and readiness in the sports pipeline.

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Originally from Marietta, Ohio, Betsy Mitchell escaped Buckeye territory to become one of the great American swimmers of her day. She is a multi-time national, world, and Olympic champion. Betsy’s post-swimming career includes graduate school at the University of Texas and Harvard, coaching at Dartmouth and, now, as the athletic director at Caltech. She is a respected leader in college sports. Betsy joined the SGG podcast, where we discussed:

Betsy’s introduction story to sport: A rejection from t-ball and a sign at the YMCA for swim lessons.
Donna Lopiano’s influence on Betsy at the University of Texas. “She was always pushing me to do more.”
Key characteristics of good coaching: Keeping it fun. Using sport as a tool, not as an end in and of itself. Keeping balanced.
Her perspective on sport. “This is only part of me. Yes, I see myself as an athlete. Yes, I’m a swimmer. But I’ve always had such a rich ‘other life’ – and I credit my parents for that.”
“The training was hard. But they just set the table and allowed me to come into it.”
Her college coach Richard Quick: “You guys have talent. It’s yours to harvest.”
Always being aware of being a good leader. Being service-oriented and inclusive as a leader – even as a younger person.
“This was never just about me…I realized it was very representative.”
When she first started as a young coach at Dartmouth. “The women that were there didn’t see me as an Olympic swimmer. I was just their leader, just their coach. It was very collaborative.”
Books/authors that have impacted Betsy: Jeff Janson. Jim Collins. Brene Brown. “Lincoln on Leadership.”
“I don’t think that my way is the only way.”
Asking more questions than making big statements.
Creating a learning environment for her staff. A three-pronged approach: 1) hiring willing learners, curious people; 2) Funding ongoing learning; 3) We just talk about it all the time.
Why Betsy does not like coaching conventions. “I would rather have them take a Harvard business class online. Or take four coaches who you really admire to lunch…”
As a leader and coach: “You have to be good enough to always give the ‘why.’”
Betsy’s daily routines: 1) Exercise. “That’s my grounding feature…I do it for my own health but also to be seen…I make sure I work out here at least a couple times a week…So that I’m available, but also so that they see me. That I validate their own priority about their health.” 2) Being out and about. “I do not sit in this office all day.” Being intentional about checking in with people. “Not even about work…’how’s it going? How can I help.’”
A learned skill as a leader: “I try not to react. I try to respond.”
Her love of adventure…and the importance of adventure in her life: “This is play. The broad notion of play. Play is essential…It’s a way to fill your soul. To have a dynamic life.”
Purposeful travel: “Immersing myself in what I do not know…Go where you do not know and where you are in the minority.”
Always having an identity as being more than just an athlete. “I never wanted to be known as only a swimmer.”
On the importance of leaders and coaches ensuring that student-athletes have balanced lives: “We have to serve young people in that. Because they can get lost later.”

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I traveled to the Pettit Center in Milwaukee, home of DASH, to learn about competing, coaching, and leading from two speedskating legends. Bonnie Blair Cruikshank is one of the most successful Olympic athletes of all time, having won five Olympic speedskating golds and countless other medals and championships. Dave Cruikshank was also an Olympian, a world champion, and one of the elite skaters in the world. This husband and wife duo inspired a generation of Olympic athletes. They continue to take the lead in promoting speedskating and Olympic sports in the United States and beyond. DASH is a premier training organization that prepares highest-level athletes to reach peak performance. I sat with Bonnie and Dave in the DASH training space – located on the second level of the Pettit – to learn from these remarkable people. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

Dave’s early and ongoing attraction to speedskating: “I liked going fast. And I still like going fast.”
The mentoring that occurred across generations in the U.S. speedskating community – leading to many Olympians and world champions.
The impact Olympian Cathy Priestner had on Bonnie’s early path in the sport. “She took me under her wing…It was a neat building of a great friendship…That relationship was a very big part of my journey.”
Bonnie training pretty much on her own in Champaign, IL during her early days on the U.S. team.
How and when Bonnie knew she had to make coaching changes during her career.
Dave being coached by a 4-time Olympian in Northbrook.
Dave: “I didn’t really start training until I was 16. I was on my first Olympic team at 18.”
Coaching rule of thumb: “If we get hit by a bus, you should be able to take care of yourself. Our job is to educate you and give you as much knowledge and information on technique, training, sleep, nutrition, and preparation as we can. We will help guide you, but it’s your journey.”
His athletes keep journals. (What’s in the journals?)
Bonnie on the lack of performance training research: “We were flying by the seat of our pants.”
Why a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as pre-race meal made sense for Bonnie. (insights from special ops leaders)
The importance of getting to know your athletes.
Coach and athlete as “caddy-player relationship.”
“How can you get the most out of your players if you don’t know them?! It’s staggering to us that that communication is not taking place in a lot of sports.”
Cybernetics testing: Bonnie and Dave’s two tests were the hardest they’d ever done. Why? “Because we can hurt. We can take a lot of stuff. We put up with a lot to get where we want to go…If I know I want to race really well, I know there’s some stuff I have to do to hurt mentally and physically.”
Right-sizing commitment and sacrifice in sport. Bonnie: “If you want to take it to the absolute levels, there’s absolute commitment.” Constantly “checking ourselves” when it comes to deciding how hard to push.
Dave’s early goals: D-1 soccer and pro soccer. Didn’t have concrete Olympic aspirations until six months before his first Olympic trials.
Bonnie: “I think my dad saw something in me.”
In her third race (ever!), Bonnie placed 8th in the Olympic trials.
Bonnie: “We never went on family vacations…We went to Chicago every weekend for races…That’s what we did as a family. I never knew anything different…Skating was the thing that I loved the most.”

For more episode notes from the Bonnie and Dave interview, refer to sportandthegrowinggood.com.

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Steve Collins is a teacher and the head basketball coach at Memorial High School in Madison. His long track record of success includes multiple state championships and coach of the year awards. Coach Collins is also known for his broader work in the coaching world, including a business, active social media presence, and multiple podcasts. He joined the SGG podcast and we discussed:

Learning from his dad, his brother, and Madison East basketball Coach Boyle.
The Great Swami
Coach Boyle: “He had a lot of confidence in me.”
“When I speak at clinics, I ask coaches to close their eyes and imagine the coach that was their most influential coach and why…It’s never Xs and Os. It’s an interpersonal thing that made them feel complete…How did he make them feel? I try to remember that when I’m coaching too.”
Human beings want to feel loved and they want to have meaning.
The importance of having close relational connections with the team: “It’s the secret sauce. It’s what’s most important.”
“Taking a piece” of each coach he worked for.
Developing a blue print for building the Memorial program: scouting, summer camps, youth program… and a future NBA player.
The importance of having smart and supportive administration in a school.
“If I was coaching the same way I was 25 years ago, I would be unemployed…Things change. You better adapt with the times.”
“You have to adjust. You have to see your surroundings. See your players. See what their strengths and weaknesses are. And as a teacher, you always want to accentuate the positives and work on the negatives.”
Having a growth mindset as a coach.
Being willing to “throw out” plays and schemes that aren’t working.
High school coaches can’t recruit players to a system – so they need to be willing to recognize what they have talent-wise and appropriately adapt.
Delegating roles among a coaching staff.
The two most important days for a coach: the day you choose your team and the day you choose your staff.
Is there still a place for clinics? Yes, for bonding. Less so for content.
A perspective lesson from Covid: “Let’s enjoy the time we have!”

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Jeff Staus is a highly successful varsity soccer coach at Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin. He is also the leader of “Let Kids Fly” (LKF), a unique youth soccer program that is rooted in choice, accessibility, limited travel, character development and fun. In the contested space of youth sport, LKF presents an appealing model from which communities throughout the U.S. can learn. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

His parents’ hands-off approach during his childhood sporting experiences.
The two questions he encourages coaches and parents to ask: “Did you have fun?” and “Were you a good teammate?”
More dynamic leaders at the high school than ever before. Working hard on “making good people and creating leaders.”
Concerns with the professionalization of youth sports.
How LKF started.
The free play model that was used by many of the top players and nations.
The number of kids signed up for LKF in its first four sessions: 125 – 225 – 300 – 500+ (rapid growth).
“Free play Thursdays” at LKF practices.
The benefits of free play.
Deliberate practice on Mondays. A games approach to deliberate practice.
Developing as a player. Developing as a person.
Documentary: In Search Greatness.
Providing kids choices in sports. “Do as many things as long as you can.”
The rationale for seasonal registration.
A “flipped classroom on the soccer field.”
Soliciting parent participation.
Accessibility to free play and to a healthy culture of sport.
Affordability as a means of accessibility.
Supporting kids who want to play collegiately.
Impacts of sports travel on families. Why LKF sends all teams to same tournaments.
Character development. The intentional embedding of character.
Fun.
Looking for teachers and parents as coaches.
An obstacle: building the program in the broader competitive club soccer environment.
Not worrying about the naysayers.
His visions of success.

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Brian Bott is the founder and leader of SportsadvantEdge, a leading athlete development business with multiple locations throughout southern Wisconsin. Brian was previously the strength coach at Wisconsin and he’s worked with elite athletes at multiple levels. In this episode we discussed:

Key influences on Brian: his father, Coach Shelton, Dean Matsche. “You need people you can trust.”
The importance of honesty in coaching. (avoiding blaming, complaining, and defending)
“As a coach, our job isn’t to be our athletes’ friend. Our job is to earn their trust.”
“How close are you getting to what you’re capable of?”
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Three guiding pillars of SportsadvantEdge: 1) consistency; 2) relentless effort; 3) love and ownership.
Parents taking the love of sports away from kids.
Defining the process and setting goals.
Always learning and adapting.

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Jason Wahlers, is Vice President of Communications for the Green Bay Packers. He joined the team in 2011. In addition to overseeing communications, he heads up public affairs and community outreach. Jason joined SGG to share about his background and his leadership work with the Packers. We discussed:

The value of working in minor league baseball. “I had an opportunity to do a little bit of everything.”
“You learn pretty early on that you have to put your time in in this business…It’s not enough to just love sports.”
The importance of consistency, unflappability, steadiness in his PR work.
Relationships with the media. Being available, direct, and honest. “If you can give them time, return calls. It sounds so simple. It’s the right thing to do…Don’t waste their time.”
He spends most of his time with football communications.
Making sure players, coaches, and others are prepared when they step in front of the media.
To be prepared in my role, you have to know what’s going on. It’s a constant monitoring of the many media platforms.
Not being a “meeting person.”
A benefit of working for the publicly-owned Packers: “We’re given the freedom to work.”
The inaccuracy of people thinking the Packers are a simple “small market team.”
His long family attachment to the Packers.
Jason’s learning and growth over recent years.

13.How sports provide a venue for meaningful conversation among diverse groups.

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The long and distinguished leadership story of Fred Glass is well documented. He is widely credited as one of the best athletic directors in Indiana University history. In his forthcoming autobiography, he describes the importance of rooting leadership in clearly defined values. Similar to the great Packers coach Vince Lombardi, Fred’s leadership principles are closely tethered to his Jesuit education. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

His initial exposure to Jesuit education: his father and Brebeuf High School.
Borrowing from the Jesuits as he sought to build IU athletics.
The messy situation that Fred walked into as AD at IU.
Healing the department before he could build it.
Grad at graduation. Five characteristics that Jesuit schools want to inculcate into students as they graduate. “It’s everywhere…Every teacher has to drive these values into their students.”
Everything IU Athletics did was around the pillars: Play by the rules. Well in mind body and spirit. Achieve academically. Excel athletically. Be part of something bigger than ourselves – and more integrated with the university.
“If you are not a values based organization, then you don’t have much of a chance to succeed.”
The difference between “GPS” and a “compass” to guide you. “Your value system is your compass.”
Fred’s “living rules:” his father, Fr. Paul O’Brian, Herman Wells.
“Comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
St. Francis: “Preach the gospel and use words if you have to.” And, “Seek not so much to be understood as to understand.”
“A lot of people are not listening so much as they are waiting to speak.”
Never interrupting other people.
“Interested is interesting.” The value of asking others questions about themselves.
The hardest thing about being an athletic director: firing coaches.
Ignatian discernment and detachment as useful tools in getting through difficult times.
“Take criticism seriously but not personally.” If you reflect on it and it’s accurate, then there’s a great opportunity to fix it. If you reflect on it and it’s not accurate, then who cares?”
“Seeing God in all things.”
Getting criticism – and respect -- for the positions we hold, not who we are. “You’ve got to be careful not to believe all that BS people are saying about you.”
“Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.”
Fred’s vocation: leadership.
The difference between asking “what’s next” vs “what’s at the end.” Choose what offers most opportunities downstream. And be open to the journey.

Making Your Own Luck: From a Skid Row Bar to Rebuilding Indiana University Athletics

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Paul Baniel is the Vice President of Finance and Administration of the Green Bay Packers. He’s a veteran of over 35 years in the sports and entertainment industry. Having joined the Packers in 2009, he’s one of the key leaders in guiding the franchise to new heights. Paul joined SGG as we continue our “Running a Championship System” series. We discussed:

The role of sports in his life as he grew up the 7th of 10 children.
As leader in Packers organization: Becoming a steward of a community asset.
Stewardship: one of the Packers five values.
Similarities between the Packers and Steelers franchises. “You definitely see a lot of parallels.
Key phases of the calendar year: end of fiscal year; building budget; reporting. For facilities and IT, off-season is project season.
“When the team is not in the building, that’s the time when we can change things in the team areas.”
How communication plays out across his three departments.
The Packers’ “mission, vision, values” approach.
What Paul values in looking for staff members: independence, creativity, problem-solving.
Servant leadership. If the team performs well “all the boats rise.”
The challenge of seeking upward advancement in an organization where there is little turnover. “Sometimes you have to move out to move up.”
Being introduced to servant leadership while leading at Potawatomi Casino…And applying the principles in his work with the Packers.
Working with employees: “Tell me what you need and don’t beat around the bush.”
Challenges and adaptations that he foresees for the future.
How roots and identity influence Packers’ decision-making. “We try to display a good amount of humility in our organization.”
Finding an edge as an organization.
“Winning financially helps us to win on the field.”

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Gabrielle Valdez-Dow is vice president of marketing and fan engagement for the Green Bay Packers. Her career in sports is long and distinguished, including work with the Baltimore Ravens, Florida Panthers, and AEG. As we continue learning about the multi-level leadership of the Packers, her perspective helps us to better understand the broader organizational context. We discussed:

How living and studying in Oregon led her into the field of sports.
Pearls of wisdom gleaned from her father: “love what you do.”
Two influential professors on her journey: Rick Burton and Dennis Howard
The difference between being a fan and the business of sports. “You have to love the business of sports.”
Every day is different. “That’s the beauty of it.”
Servant leadership.
Being a kind of “air traffic controller” in her unit.
Mission, vision, values. What’s noteworthy about the Packers? Stewardship. “Being a steward of our brand, no matter who you are, you are a steward of the brand…We drink the Kool-Aid from top to bottom. What’s best for the brand.”
How she’s changed over the years: “I’ve matured. I’ve relaxed.”
The character and culture is much different here…We don’t have an owner. Everything we do is put back into the team.
Mark Murphy as a supporter of leadership development. Getting her a growth coach.
Jill Ratliff, growth coach.
“The biggest thing for me is listening.”
Using Masterclass for growth for her staff.
How fan engagement is changing.
Getting players on “Call of Duty” and other new, innovative strategies.
“Winning always cures everything.”
The Packers’ community outreach efforts.
Her everyday routines. Working out early. Do not look at email before exercise and morning time with husband.

On your resume: add a “personal” section in order to make connections

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Continuing our Running a Championship System (RCS) series, we are joined by one the key leaders in the Packers organization, Russ Ball. Russ has a long and distinguished record in football – at both college and professional levels. His wise perspectives on leadership, collaboration, and negotiation are honed from years of experience with some of the top coaches and executives in the country. We discussed:

His positive experiences as a high school football player, learning to win and be a leader.
The impact of his high school coach talking to Russ talking to him while they jogged around the track together.
Working as a strength and conditioning coach with Dave Redding. “He had a knack for finding what button he could push for each person…He knew about them…It was the relationship piece.”
Marty Schottenheimer: “One play at a time.”
The Schottenheimer coaching tree, including Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher, Bruce Arians, Howard Mudd…
The Schottenheimer preparation process.
The many roles Russ has taken on over the years, and how he’s learned through these roles.
The value of collaboration and communication across the whole leadership team. “Leaders can’t be everywhere and see everything.”
Relationships are at the heart of negotiations.
“Much is lost for the wont of asking.”
There does not have to be a winner and a loser in a negotiation.
Honesty in negotiation.
The importance of precedent.
“Don’t make it personal. Don’t take it personally.”
“It’s ok to disagree. It’s not ok to be disagreeable.”
Showing someone that you care enough to have a tough conversation.
The only thing you can control in a negotiation is preparation.
“If you’re so busy and you don’t ever give yourself a chance… there’s no time to take a moment for creativity.”
Marcus Allen’s example of work ethic and giftedness.
“Don’t count the time. Make the time count.”
What’s unique about the Packers: the ownership structure.
“Our responsibility is to be a productive steward of what we have.”
Ted Thompson’s words about the importance of the Packers to the fans.

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Since his childhood, Rudy Banyai’s life has been touched by the Packers and other Wisconsin sports teams. His father took him to his first game in 1952. Rudy has worked for the Brewers since 1974 and has been a Packers season ticket holder for 45 years. He also used to work the sidelines when the Packers played at County Stadium. Rudy's son Quinn and the rest of the Banyai family has continued the Packer-rich family traditions. Quinn also worked at Packer games – and he even met his wife Malina (also a long-time season ticket holder) on a Packers road trip. As we learn about the broader leadership context in which the Packers operate, this great father and son duo of Rudy and Quinn joined SGG to discuss:

Growing up in Bayview, playing sports on the playground.
First Packer game was in 1952 at Marquette Stadium.
Favorite players: Bobby Dillon (one eye), Billy Howton, Babe Parilli
Babe Pirelli helmet: Running into a brick wall with a Babe Pirelli helmet on.
Some favorite players: Paul Horning, Ray Nitschke. James Lofton, John Jefferson. Lynn Dickey. Brett Favre.
Taking the bus (and walking up to three miles) to Packers games at County Stadium
Listening to Packers, Braves, and Milwaukee Hawks games on the radio with his dad.
First getting Packers tickets at the Stadium Bar.
Getting Packers season tickets in 1976.
Quinn’s first memory of Lambeau — 12 years old: Packers vs Chargers — getting John Jefferson’s high five.
Getting dropped off to walk to games …with his address and telephone # in pocket in case he got lost.
Working on the sidelines at County Stadium
Ditka and Forrest Gregg arguing on the sidelines
Telling the owner of the Rams, Georgia Frontier, to get off the field
Joe Montana stories when he played for the Chiefs — having bratwurst for his pre-game meal when playing in Wisconsin and signing Quinn’s cheesehead.
Has worked Brewers games since 1974
Worked the locker room area too for football games.
Bart Starr: The first thing he always did was went to his wife Cherry and gave her a kiss.
James Lofton’s “J” on his autograph
How he got a signed football from Jerry Boyarsky
Brewers: Good friends with Pat Listach and Bob Whitman
When he got Mike Matheny to get Hank Aaron’s autograph for him.
One of the best guys from visiting teams: Nolan Ryan
Brooks Robinson: he was a true gentleman
Bob Uecker. “Are you learning, kid?"
Taking a bus load of Pittsburgh Pirates to Lambeau Field with Dick the bus driver.
“We talk about sports…That’s our conversations.”
Quinn’s friendships through the Packers.
Bringing friends down to Packers games: "They were so impressed by Lambeau Field…He still talks about it to this day.”
How Quinn met his wife, Malina, on a road trip to a Packers game in New Orleans. “Despite a Packer loss, it was a big gain!”
Being stockholders in the Packers.
I’ve been with them so long, I feel part of the team.
Lambeau Field: "People just want to go there from all different nations. It’s truly a great experience."
The family’s Sunday morning routine: church, hot ham and rolls, crawlers. Italian beef.
When the Bucks won the NBA lottery.
Going downstairs to watch Packers games growing up.
Growing up all the kids wore their Packers stuff.
Going to a Packers game in 1952 and seeing a Packers player with his arm chained down.

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Brian Gutekunst is the general manager of the Packers. A longtime member of the organization, he was named to his current role in 2018. He is one of the team’s key leaders. Brian joined SGG to contribute to our focus on Running a Championship System. We discussed:

Learning the value of competition from his father, who coached at the collegiate level.
His father as a teacher: “He recognized that he had them between ages 18 and 22.”
Roger Harring UW-La Crosse. Rolen Christianson. Toughness. Work ethic.
Mentor: Ron Wolf. Confidence. Aggressiveness.
Mentor: Ted Thompson. Tough decisions in the day to day “with steadiness, integrity and grace.”
How his own experiences with injuries impacted the ways he leads as a general manager. “Everybody has value.”
“It’s good to have a diverse group of people who have different strengths.”
How he organizes information. “Pack Track.”
“The whole idea of gathering all this information is to make good decisions.”
Why the Packers do not out-source data tracking. Keeping information “close to the vest.” And, when you outsource, quick changes can be difficult to make: “If we want to make a change, it’s within hours. Not within weeks or days.”
The importance of the draft room.
How do you track intangibles – individually and collectively? The value of the Packers’ nine scouts who are always visiting college campuses: “I don’t think anything can replicate boots on the ground.”
“Until you get them into your environment…you never 100% know how it’s going to pan out with each player.”
The value of internal development of staff talent. “We get to know the person…Coming from the outside in, it can be more difficult that way.”
Setting boundaries as GM. Protecting time to sit down and watch tape.
Key to facilitating difficult conversations: Over-communication. “If you don’t give them the whys, then they’re going to create their own.”
The influence of Mark Murphy’s management by walking around: “He’s led by example and that’s taken root throughout our organization.”
Mark Murphy, who in many ways functions as other teams’ owners do, has a deep understanding of the game – deeper than most owners. The impact of his everyday leadership – especially as juxtaposed with team owners in other settings.
Ted Thompson: “I always wonder what it would be like if I could still pick up the phone and ask him, ‘What do you think?’”
Self-evaluation.

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Running a Championship System (RCS) continues. Matt LaFleur has served as head coach of the Packers since 2019. Known as a top innovator, Coach LaFleur learned about leadership from his parents and many other top coaches over the years. In this episode of SGG, we discussed:

Core values that he learned from his parents. Integrity. Honesty.
Mike Shanahan: “I’ll never lie to you.”
The best leaders are true to themselves.
Surrounding yourself with great people. Priority in putting a staff together: “Give me the person first and the coach second…In our work there’s so much adversity, It’s so competitive. It’s a roller coaster. You’ve got to have the right kind of people to get through the tough times…Because it’s coming…It all starts with the people.”
“Coaching trees” as being more about the process than the individuals themselves.
Learning from other coaches.
Taking time in choosing a staff, including people who are different and complementary.
On leadership and developing ideas: “Talking to too many people can cloud your ideas… If you emphasize everything, you emphasize nothing.”
“In our messaging to our team, we are very, very basic. But I think if you ask our guys what we’re all about, they’ll be able to tell you.”
“It’s a consistent message that we feed to the guys…The hard part for me, heading into year three, is that these guys have heard it so many times…It’s like, how do you give the same message but present it in a different way?”
Finding ways to empower other people as a leader. “You’ve got to allow people to grow and showcase what they can bring to the table.”
The importance of being present as head coach. “Try to be as visible and accessible to all of your players and staff as possible.”
Role of coach in supporting player leadership: “There is nothing more powerful than a player-led team.”
Strategically tapping into veteran player leadership. “It is powerful when they are delivering the message.”
Hiring detailed position coaches “so that all the little things are getting the same attention.”
The importance of physical space in fostering trust, comradery, and strong relationships.
The challenge of making long-term schedules.

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Continuing our Running a Championship System series, Packers President Mark Murphy, joined SGG to discuss leadership in the Packers organization and beyond. A former NFL all-pro and college athletic director, Mark has led the Packers since 2007. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Learning from his father’s “pearls of wisdom.”
The value of unstructured play for kids.
A college coach who influenced Mark: Fred Dunlap. (weekly goals, great communication). “He’s been a real mentor.”
George Allen. “I was a sponge. I learned so much about coaching and leadership.”
Joe Gibbs. “Just to see him and the way he operated…To see him MWBA (manage by walking around), sitting down talking with players… I feel so fortunate.”
Managing by walking around. “It’s not easy to walk into the boss’ office.”
How the “building bridges instead of burning them” lesson from his father paid off in Mark’s relationship with Paul Tagliabue. “I wouldn’t be in my position today if it weren’t for Paul.”
“If you’ve got a mindset where you’re thinking of others before yourself, that’s the first step.”
Starting each day at the office with a “things to do” list.
As a leader, asking yourself, “Who needs me today?”
“In any organization, the most important thing is communication.”
Regarding Coach LaFleur: “There isn’t a day that goes by where we’re not talking.”
Three most important regular meetings/groups: Executive committee (monthly); Senior staff (weekly); Football leadership (every other week or more).
Important “hidden leaders:” Administrative assistants, head coach’s chief of staff, Darryl Franklin.
Indicators of negative culture in an organization.
Avoiding micromanagement.
Leadership development.
Why aspiring leaders sometimes need to “move out in order to move up.”
Maintaining a learning mindset. Utilizing an executive coach and strategic planning expert.
Staying true to yourself. “People can see through you if you’re not sincere, if you’re acting.”
Learning from league colleagues.
Stewardship. “We have this community asset. My role is to be a steward of Lambeau field… We all feel this great sense of responsibility that this is such a unique and special organization and we want to leave it better than we found it.”

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Pat Richter is a legendary athlete and leader in Wisconsin and beyond. While many people first recall his exploits as a multi-sport star and trail-blazing athletic director at the University of Wisconsin, he also has deep ties to Coach Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers franchise, where Pat served on the board of directors. Continuing our Running a Championship System series, Pat joined SGG and we discussed:

As a youngster, learning to be tough and competitive from older guys in the neighborhood.
Playing three sports at UW.
Awareness of football growing up – mostly George Halas and the Bears. There was less interest in the Packers until Lombardi started building.
Seeing Lombardi visit Madison when Pat was still in high school…and his early impressions of Lombardi.
Catching a 73-yard touchdown as a college all-star against Lombardi’s Packers.
Lombardi’s reputation among players: tough, efficient, fair, winner.
One of Pat’s initial practices under Lombardi – taking a hard hit, broken nose, and keeping on playing. “I thought that’s what he’s want.”
“He had a great ability to get you to the end of the rope, so teed off, flustered and things like that … and then he’d pull you back in.” There was a compassion there.
“He was efficient.”
Lombardi’s skill as a psychologist – examples after wins and losses.
Lombardi’s lack of coaching tree. His former coaches and players were not successful in coaching.
“Lombardi time.”
Lombardi’s ability to be both entertaining and cold.
Lombardi being completely drained after games – would fall asleep on bus to airport.
Pat’s son’s interaction with Coach Lombardi at practice. “Hi there, Vince!”
Professionalism.
“The greatness of a loss is not so much determined by what was lost than by what was left.”
Making Sonny Jorgensen the team leader.
Taking a leadership role at Oscar Mayer. “Providing added value.”
Lessons took from Oscar Mayer to UW: culture, strategic planning.
Would Coach Lombardi be successful today?
Keys to leadership: listening, integrity, honesty, creativity, adding value.

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In the first episode of our Running a Championship System (RCS) series, Pulitzer Prize winning writer and Washington Post associate editor David Maraniss joined us to discuss the life and leadership of Vince Lombardi. In this SGG episode, we discussed: 1. What David knew of Coach Lombardi before beginning the book project. “I wanted to study that tension between his traditionalism and the world that surrounded him.” 2. Lombardi’s relationship with the media. 3. “As a biographer, I’m a profound believer that the early years shape someone’s future in profound ways.” 4. “I don’t think you can overstate the influence that the Jesuits had on Lombardi as a leader.” 5. Freedom through discipline. “It’s only through putting in the hard work, of learning something in minute detail that you can then have the freedom to experiment off that.” 6. What David has learned from freedom through discipline: “It’s only by thoroughly learning the craft that you can have the freedom to improvise off of it.” 7. How Obama, Clemente, and Rafer Johnson were shaped by early experiences. 8. Readiness for leadership. “You can’t overestimate being totally prepared in terms of true leadership excellence.” 9. The precarious status of the Packers franchise prior to Lombardi’s arrival. 10. How Lombardi became a great teacher. “He taught in a way that didn’t assume anything…And he had a capacity to make complex things simpler, easier to grasp.” 11. Why Lombardi was “useless” on gamedays. 12. Lombardi as “master of the psychology of the moment.” 13. An observation on many great leaders – who are professionally successful but commonly struggle with family: “They’re much better at creating a group of leaders out of strangers than they are out of their own flesh and blood.” 14. Judging players’ performances in precise, specific ways. 15. Lombardi as a paradox. 16. A common sentiment among players regarding Lombardi: “On a daily basis, I hated the guy. But, overall, I loved him.” 17. Differences between Lombardi and Landry, who referred to Lombardi as “Mr. High-Low.” 18. Did Lombardi seek difference on his staff? 19. The limited coaching tree of Lombardi. “The Lombardi coaching tree is just this enormous oak tree and nothing could grow under it.” 20. The hidden jewel in the story of the Packers: Jack Vainisi, the general manager. 21. Lombardi’s sense of social equity and justice. 22. Stewardship and the Packers. “There’s a foundation of community pride.” 23. “He was proof that this little town in the Midwest could survive against LA and New York and everywhere else. And he gave them enormous pride. That’s part of that community spirit. But the paradox is that he also left because of that.”

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Jordi Diaz Gibson is a respected professor at Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona, where he teaches and conducts research on leadership, schooling, and social networks. Growing up, he was an elite soccer player, competing at some of the highest national levels. From his office in Barcelona, Jordi joined the SGG podcast. We discussed:

Growing up playing soccer in Barcelona, including the influence of his father.
The disconnect between youth soccer clubs and schools in Barcelona.
“Coaching young people as if they are old people…it was not good. It did not have a training focus.”
Problems associated with focusing on short-term results in youth sports. “They stopped liking the game.”
Playing with Xavi.
The impact of coaches on youth athlete development. “You need to really think about how those talents can improve over time. And how can you shape that talent and the way that the athlete is thinking. And shaping the skills…The decisions you make are very, very important for the success and development of the players and the teams.”
The importance of Xavi’s developmental environment with Barca: “He was in the right place at the right time…and he had a great mindset.”
La Masia: Clear system, clear player type, international scouting.
“The same system is applied across all the years of development.”

10.La Masia developing a “360 program” – holistic child development perspective.

11.Carlos Folguera La Masia: “Your dream must be playing there (in the big stadium). But the probability is that you’re not going to make it. And we want you to make the most of your life beyond soccer.”

12.“I learned how to be a person at La Masia.”

13.“You never know how to best support the dream and reality at the same time.”

14.Making difficult decisions about moving on to a different career than soccer.

15.Lessons learned through high-level sport participation.

16.“I really believe in the power of sports. But, as with all powers, we need to think about how to display them and to support kids in the right way.”

17.Jordi’s early focus on youth sports and human development.

18.Maintaining perspective.

19.The challenge of understanding how the game is evolving…and how it may evolve in the future.

20.The critical roles of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola in developing modern soccer schemes.

21.“Disrupting” the way the game is played.

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Tracy Krueger was a beloved husband, father, teacher, coach, and referee whose impact could be seen throughout the state of Wisconsin. He was widely known to use sports as a vehicle for “growing the good” in the world around him. In this SGG episode, Tracy’s son, Brendan, joined us to reflect upon some memories of his father. We discussed:

The role sports played in Tracy’s life growing up, including participating as an athlete at UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior.
Tracy’s guidance for his own kids in sports: If you start it, finish it. Remain committed. Never pressured kids to play sports. “Find that passion and share it with others.”
How Tracy made coaching a family affair.
What led Tracy into coaching.
Tracy’s infectious passion and energy in coaching.
Finding joy and fulfillment when young people developed.
Appreciating “unsung heroes.”
Why Tracy became an official and how he went about it. “He was really a people person.”
Why Tracy spent time with and appreciated the maintenance personnel.
A note from a former student. “He believed in me.”
Celebrating small victories.

12.“I know you can do it!”

“He was sharing what he loved.”
Tracy as a mentor and supporter of others. “How can I help this person out?”
Baking treats for others.

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Rick Polk is the athletic director at Vincent High School in Milwaukee. He also started the OWN IT mentoring program that aims to support young people in the community and beyond. He’s positively impacted thousands of young people and families over the years. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Learning life virtues from his parents and other adults.
Growing up on 23rd and Locust in Milwaukee: “It was a village.”
The playground at Emmaus Lutheran Church: “That’s where the village started.”
The life-long benefits of sports.
The joy that “two free throws” made by a child instilled a deeper awareness of how much sports mean to young people.
Helping give kids voice: “The small things can go so far in life.”
Directing a youth sports program that offers new sports to kids.
The Growing Up Milwaukee documentary that tells the story of youth in the city and shows how Rick creates space for their voices.
How he became known as “Uncle Rick.”
His “OWN IT” mentoring group.
His journey through difficult life challenges…and the origins of OWN IT.
The importance of bringing the community together.

For more, refer to sportandthegrowinggood.com.

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Ryan Hoover was a wildly successful college and professional basketball player. His career spanned over 20 years in the US and Europe. After retirement, Ryan went on to play a critical role at a leading sports technology company and he still serves as an AAU basketball coach on the Under Armour circuit. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

His sports experiences playing growing up – and always looking for the highest levels of competition.
Scouting out the best spring and summer sports experiences during the summers of his youth—and using his allowance wisely to make the most of these experiences!
Today’s AAU basketball world which, unfortunately, includes fewer multi-sport athletes.
How participating in multiple sports can foster humility.
Coaching with KC Run GMC on the Under Armour circuit.
The “Extra Mile” program in his team’s program. Focusing on life skills and holistic development.
How young players are developed in Italy. Weighing costs/benefits of pro teams and junior teams instead of college and high school teams.
Playing with 17-year-old Danilo Galinari, who would later go on to NBA stardom.
Communicating with families in the AAU setting. “We just want them to be a part of a great team.”
His team roles in skill development, career development, and family care.
“Whether we want to accept it or not, technology is having a huge impact on our game.”
Working at Shot-Tracker.
How Scott Drew and Baylor Basketball’s early adoption of technology has paid off.

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Karissa Niehoff is the executive director of the National Federation of High School Associations. She is a key national leader in promoting robust education-based sports and activities. Karissa is a former athlete, teacher, and coach – with tremendous insights to share. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

The people who influenced her development: parents, coaches, and teachers.
Memories of her Latin teacher: “He was consistent. He was encouraging in his own way. And he just had a way of making you want to do well.”
Her central task at NFHS: “Being a champion for education-based activities.”
Education-based activities as “the second half of the school day” and an “intentional environment where many adults are supportive of the experience.”
Concerns in the broader youth sports environment, including early specialization and under-trained coaching.
Examples of how youth sport involvement can be described and taught in age-appropriate ways.
Lessons learned during Covid times, including remaining nimble and the loss that can occur when sports are removed.
The resilience and creativity of coaches and teachers. “Our school professionals really are the heroes of the year.”
The new era of sports streaming online. What the NFHS offers and possibilities for the future.
The NFHS Network operating in 46 states. Almost 20,000 high schools around the country. 2 free cameras for each school. Hundreds of thousands of events streamed each year – boys and girls, all sports, diverse activities.
Concerns associated with the network.
Words of advice for developing coaches: “Remember why we’re there. Remember why the kids are there…Remember that our kids are individuals…Remember that everything can be done with a positive spin. Every single thing can be done positively.”

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Victor Barnett started the Running Rebels over 40 years ago on an outdoor basketball court in Milwaukee. Today, Victor and Dawn serve as co-executive directors and the Running Rebels has flourished as a robust community organization that includes sports and much, much more. They joined the SGG podcast to discuss:

The origins of the program. Victor: “I always knew I wanted to change the world, to make a difference.”
Recognizing talents and skills within young people.
How the “Running Rebels” name came to be.
Why basketball was the place to start. “I introduced them to everything…But I asked, ‘where is the passion of the young people?’ and it was with basketball. And there was a court right down the street…I had to find a way, if I was going to make a difference, how can I get them to want to be with me every day? It wasn’t because I was a great guy. It was because of the basketball.”
Examples of success stories: a basketball player and an engineer.
What is “the full circle?” Dawn: “We pour into young people. We plant seeds in hopes that they will come back around to help the next generation.”
Dawn: “The greatest satisfaction is seeing them become really connected parents in a way that they themselves didn’t have. But because of what was poured into them, they learned how to be there…That’s generational change.”
Victor: “We want to put them in a position to be successful.”
Kevon Looney: Even after he got a scholarship to UCLA and then went to the pros, remained committed to helping the young people in the community. “Can you imagine the example that he gives other people when he’s humble? He’s steady and level-headed.”
Dawn describing how many young people see Victor as a father figure. “When you have that sort of an influence, and you’re able to give guidance, even when a young person didn’t have that in their life, you fill that gap and you show them, ‘This is what a parent looks like. This is what positive guidance feels like, this is what’s instilled in them.”
Dawn: We want to help the community from within. The role models that our young people are looking for are right here in the community.”
Living with integrity and what it means to be a role model.
Using sports terminology beyond sports (e.g., “assist”) and using sports as teaching tools.
Parents and coaches don’t send the right messages in sports – how competitiveness can bring out the worst in people. “When it’s about winning more than the development of young people, then we have a problem.”
Deciding not to pursue AAU basketball anymore. “It become so negative and difficult to stay right in something that is so wrong. So we changed our model…We wanted to step back and be the big brother organization that does it the right way…that helps others.”
Guiding from the side: “Teaching the skillset of making healthy decisions.”
Having a non-judgmental approach in working with young people.
Connecting youth to several adults in the network – the family approach.
The importance of physical space for doing their work: “If we dreamed 40 years ago of what we would like to have, we have it.”
Not forgetting where the program came from.
Taking on a holistic approach to working with young people.
Instilling, understanding, and taking pride in work and life skills.
Collaboration with others in the community, including Work Milwaukee and Quad Graphics.
Unity.

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David Bell is a professor in Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a leading expert on injuries in youth sports. In this re-edit as part of the special SGG series on youth sports, we discussed:

What should parents and youth coaches know about sport
The impacts of physical activity in youth and young adulthood years.
Why more and more kids are dropping out of sports at younger ages.
The definition of youth sport specialization. What “highly specialized” means.
What does puberty have to do with specialization? What should parents know…
Why there are higher rates of specialization among young female athletes.
The importance of the triad between coach, parent, and athlete in creating healthy sporting experience.
Recommendations: delaying specialization as long as possible; play on one team at a time; don’t play a single sport more than eight months per year – especially before puberty; play a sport no more hours per week than your age; and take two days off per week.
What can college-level coaches and leaders do to help foster a healthy pipeline?
Previous injury predicts future risk.

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Derrick Mayes was a great college and NFL football player. But today, much of his energy is directed toward parenting an elite young basketball athlete. He joined the SGG podcast to discuss:

His sports experiences as a youngster—including playing contact football starting in 2nd grade.
“Hindsight (into his own sports experiences) gave me 20-20 vision on how to do things with my son.”
The difficult decisions he’s facing as a parent of a young athlete: 1) no tackle football until at least high school; 2) load management in basketball (but, “there’s a lot of work you can put in that doesn’t put wear and tear” on the body); 3) deciding on which high school to attend (“It’s important to know who’s going to be developing him.”).
Public vs. Private school decisions for talented young athletes.
Social media: “I am adamant that sports stay merit-based. Your talent will show through.”
Social media: “It gives a false narrative of what’s important.”
A benefit of today’s high-level youth basketball: Access to innovation in training.
Analytics: “I’m thrilled that my son can apply some of the math stuff to something that he cares about.”

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Estella Moschkau excelled at basketball at Edgewood HS, Stanford University, and UW-Madison. Her sports journey also included years of AAU basketball at regional and national levels. Reflecting on the lessons she learned across diverse teams and settings, Estella joined the SGG podcast to discuss:

Being placed on the “B” team during her first AAU basketball experience – and the lessons she learned.
Playing five years with Wisconsin Elite.
Her difficult decision to play for North Tartan, a Nike-sponsored AAU program in the Twin Cities.
Not initially starting on the North Tartan team. And the value of humility.
High level competition on the EYBL circuit. “I would highly recommend it…It helped toughen me up.”
The family commitment required for making travel basketball work.
Taking a trip to France, Paris, and Amsterdam with her AAU team.
The ins and outs of competing on a national team.
The challenges of keeping a positive team culture in elite youth sports environments where everyone has high expectations for their own experiences.
The new social media environment in youth sports, including the increasing presence of self-promotion (e.g., “I’m blessed to receive an offer…”). “It’s so gossipy!”
“I think every experience you can learn something from...I would go through it again. I learned discipline…I learned something from every experience I had on the court and it’s transferred into everyday life.”
Coaching for Wisconsin Elite. “I just hope that I give them a positive experience…Just to lift them up and make the experience fun…And hopefully to love the game more…I think for young girls, it’s especially important to be positive.”

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Devin Cannady starred as a basketball player at Princeton University and is now a pro, with experience in the NBA and G League. Devin is also known for developing Isowdev, an simple yet innovative training platform that aims to increase access to skill development for young people. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Playing multiple sports growing up.
The local AAU team that he played on until his sophomore year in high school.
What factored into his decision to change to a national level AAU team, including family sacrifices that had to be made.
The relationships that were important in his AAU journey.
Mentoring his younger brother through his basketball journey.
His mother’s role in leading the family through sports.
How basketball prepared him for success at Princeton.
How and why he developed Isowdev. “It was just a way to stay connected.”
“I can be one of those resources that people have access to.”
“Technology can be a good thing when used properly…There are a lot of things that technology can’t pick up on, such as the feel of the game. There are nuances that make the game of basketball so beautiful. It’s an art form. The way you move is not meant to be rigid and robotic and too technical.”
Creating more access to opportunity in sports.

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Intro to SGG special series on youth sports.

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Kevin Bullis is the head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s football team, one of the most successful programs in the country. Beyond leading his team to many victories, Coach Bullis has impacted hundreds of lives in a positive fashion. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

The impact of his parents who were always “helpers.”
The coaches who influenced him growing up, including Coach Champ who paid attention to detail, kept things fun, and cared for his players.
What he learned from marching band.
The importance of trust…and knowing “why” things are done on a team.
Knowing what concepts and ideas to adopt…and which don’t fit.
“Failure is not an option. It’s a requirement.”
The importance of identity: “Who am I and why am I here?”
“I am a teacher…I’ve always known that.”
UWW football team identity: “Fast, physical, and disciplined”…using these pillars to be the lens for the program.
Lessons learned in 2017.
Holding others to the same standards he holds himself.
What it means for the head coach to “determine the banks of the river.”
Teaching staff and players to be better teachers.
1% goals (specific each day)…and aiming to get 3% better each day.
What you “see, hear, and feel” at a UWW practice: energy and teaching.
“The only people in our program who are not teachers are freshmen during their first semester.”
Never attaching degradation to teaching: “Degradation is a distraction from learning.”
Building trust through teaching each other.
Doing the ordinary things better than everybody else.
Listening with the eyes.
Taking notes.
Holding doors open for others.
No bullies in the locker room.
Team discussions on race.
Showing people you care.

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Pat Cerroni is a WFCA Hall of Fame coach at UW-Oshkosh. Coach Cerroni’s teams have achieved great success on the field, emerging as one of the top D-III programs in the country. But his biggest impacts may be found off the field, where he’s encouraged a culture of leadership service in his team. He joined the SGG podcast and we discussed:

Learning to see and understand the game at a young age. “That was what intrigued me…The ability to see things was given to me.”
Learning from coaches in Johnson Creek. Gary Garin. “That was the guy I wanted to be.”
How his Air Force experience benefited him: “It really gave me confidence…I thought, ‘I can do anything at this point.’”
His brother’s influence on him finding a way into teaching and coaching.
Gaining appreciation for home by leaving and seeing other places.
Being 19 years-old and in charge of a plane.
Learning from other coaches. “I didn’t mind the journey. I started at the very bottom.”
Learning different concepts from Coaches Taraska (Arrowhead) and Young (Catholic Memorial).
Being aware of perceptions of football coaches in high school buildings…and taking active steps to address them.
Being a teacher first at the high school level…and using teaching principles to coach football.
The team’s leadership council.
Establishing new values, a new theme…and a “brand new team” each year.
Knowing when to let others lead: “I have such a strong personality that I realized a long time ago that sometimes I don’t need to be around.”
Allowing the senior leadership council to write the shared values and theme for the year. “The story is this: The day I shut up was the day we started winning games.”
The spring routine of allowing the seniors to run the off-season program.
Learning from John Gagliardi.
Using a business model to run the team: “forming, storming, norming, performing”
Recruiting players that align with team values.
Assigning assistant coaches duties to allow them to indicate their commitment to the team.
How his team found the right fit for community service: “Be the Match” and “EAA (honor flight).” And the impact the partnerships have had on the team. (Brett Kasper)

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Monte Burke is a New York Times best-selling author and a former writer and editor for Forbes. As author of Saban: The Making of a Coach, Monte gained unique insight into one of the all-time great coaches. He joined the SGG podcast, where we discussed:

The initial days Monte spent with Coach Nick Saban. The importance of being prepared and demonstrating that he was prepared.
“The greatest role of an interviewer is to be quiet and to really, really listen.”
“All of these people, even the greats, they hear everything. It’s all about how they respond to it.”
How Coach Saban uses the media as another way of conveying his message to players, recruits, and fans.
Saban getting fired by Coach Earl Bruce at Ohio State.
How Saban learned to run a system – including his uneven development at different stops in his professional career.
Using temper flare-ups strategically.
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Two sides of Saban: “prickly” and “charismatic.”
Saban’s greatest strength: recruiting.
One of Saban’s initial strategies: Spreading a common message to boosters and getting everyone on the same page.
The role Mrs. Saban plays on the team: gatekeeper and surrogate mother.
Strength coach as “bad cop” on the coaching staff who “sets the tone for the program.”
Putting lots of energy into the “squeaky wheels” on the team.
The importance of routine in Saban’s daily life – and his ongoing discussion of: “thoughts, habits, and priorities.”
Liking the minutiae of coaching.
“The dangers of ‘relief syndrome.’”
Broader leadership lessons from Coach Saban.
Breaking things down in “little systematic ways.”
Pete Carroll.
Obsessions found in leaders…and some of the down sides associated with being obsessive.

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Gunnar Roberge grew up playing multiple sports in Sparta and then Seymour, Wisconsin. Gunnar went on to play football at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a multi-year contributor. He joined SGG for the final episode of our special series on football in the state. We discussed:

Starting football at a young age in Sparta, Wisconsin – and being “a big teddy bear.”
The benefits of being on a sports team. “The most valuable piece for me personally was just the sense of family.”
“A lot of my childhood, and even now, I’ve tried to seek out positive adult male role models… And luckily I’ve been fortunate that many of my coaches throughout my football career did a good job filling that role.”
Seymour football coach Matt Molle: “He’s a family man. He taught me about positive masculinity. He taught me it’s good and ok to be emotional. It’s ok to say ‘I love you’ to other men. It’s ok to talk about your feelings. And he taught us all that while at the same time being a hard-nosed football coach.”
His “trust, commit, care” bracelet at Seymour HS – and the powerful story of Coach Molle sharing his own bracelet with Gunnar. “He’ll literally give you the shirt off his back.”
Coach Molle being the first person Gunnar called after his brother passed away.
“The thing about your teammates is that they become your brothers.”
Playing football in “small town America.”
How family helped him throughout his sports journey.
“The person who has had the biggest influence on my life and on my sports journey is definitely my mother. My mother is my hero.”
His mother always ensuring that he got what he needed to be successful in sports. “No matter what was going on, she was always there to support me.”
The poem Gunnar shared with the team at one point during the season: The Station by Robert Hastings.
Gunnar’s football dreams as a 17-year old…and how some of those dreams did not come to realization.
Changing his definition of success in football: Sharing ownership in the team’s success.
“The relationships I had with teammates is what mattered most with me.”
“Imposter syndrome” in college.
Learning to live more in the moment.
“I didn’t get the stadiums full of people chanting my name, but I still had to find something to enjoy about that experience.”
When his career had just ended … and the moments right after that Rose Bowl defeat.
What Gunnar is doing now…and what he aspires to do in the future.
Learning to enjoy school during a time when he was injured.
Would he do it all again?

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Seth Davis is a college basketball reporter for CBS Sports, a managing editor at The Athletic, and the author of Wooden: A Coach’s Life and Getting to Us: How Great Coaches Make Great Teams. He joined the SGG podcast to share insights on some of the great coaches he’s covered over the years. We discussed:

What he learned covering high school sports for the New Haven Register: Coaches aren’t that different across levels.
His memory of Gary Palladino, a legendary high school basketball coach in Connecticut telling his player, “I love you!”
A main indicator of coaching quality in youth sports: Demeanor. How are they talking to their players?
Wherever you’re coaching, it’s all about the relationships and authenticity.
Out-coaching the pros in the USA Basketball Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas – winning the gold medal! “They loved that I cared so much!”
The relationships between coaches from different schools – and why there tends to be more collegiality among basketball coaches.
The peer pressure of giving back at clinics, etc. John Wooden saying, “If you don’t do it, they say you’re a high hat.”
“There’s a real camaraderie among coaches.”
“Whatever business you’re in, you find that it’s a small community. That’s why I say be nice to everybody. Treat everybody well. Because you don’t know where they’re going to be…The same people you on the way up, you’ll see on the way down.
How Armen Keteyian supported him at a key career juncture.
Simple tip for how to operate in whatever line of work you’re in: “Be a mench!”
What should we think about with regard to finding the right fit in terms of where to coach? “Happiness.”
Coaches who “avoid the joy” for fear of losing their edge.
Coaches finding comfort amid tension and adversity.
Recalling Dick Vitale’s words: “I’m at my best as a parent when my kids are going through something tough.”
“Controlling the controllables.”
The challenges that families of coaches face.
Why Seth doesn’t create “hot seat” lists: “I’m not just looking at a coach. I’m looking at a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a boss of a staff. So there’s a lot more involved than just the person who’s in that chair.”

Getting to Us: How Great Coaches Make Great Teams

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Steve Jones is the head football coach at Kimberly High School in Wisconsin. He has won multiple championships as well as state and national coaching awards. Coach Jones also teaches leadership courses at the high school and is recognized as a dynamic speaker on leadership development. In this SGG episode, we discuss: To learn more, refer to Coach Jones’ Twitter feed; a brief article and video about the culture of Coach Jones’ program; a short article describing a couple of his keys to sustained success; and short article describing his team’s formula.

His family experiences growing up – especially learning from his brother with disabilities.
The impact that a fifth-grade teacher had on his life.
His daily habits: reading, taking care of his mind and body, early-day inspiration, making intentional contact with people who need him.
“Leading by ‘intentional’ wandering around.”
Servant leadership – what it is and how it takes shape on his team.
Why he doesn’t talk about winning, rather the “habits of winners.”
Kimberly’s camp for kids with special needs.
Centering love in the football program.
Planting seeds as a leader.
The unique positives offered by football.
The ultimate goal of the program.
Kimberly football’s mental skills program – focus on “being present.”
Getting players to find their “performance number.”
His struggle to enjoy the process.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

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Wquinton “Q” Smith was a standout football and basketball player at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee before becoming a point guard for the University of Wisconsin’s Men’s Basketball team. Q joined the SGG podcast, where we discussed:

What Rufus King is known for: academics and basketball.
The “Wall of Fame” at King.
The neighborhood surrounding King High School.
What makes King such a good school. “Everybody takes pride in it.”
Playing football in the Neighborhood Children’s Sports League growing up. “It prepared me.”
Why Q nearly quit football after his freshman year of high school.
What Q didn’t like about football.
Sub-par facilities and equipment for the football team at King.
How King’s identity as an academic and basketball school may have served as a barrier to the team’s football program.
“If you build it, they will come.”
Why some kids at King couldn’t go out for football.
Dwindling football participation across the country.
Building character and friendships through football.
“Football helped me branch out and meet different people…Once I started playing football, I started opening up to people and trusting people more. And I brought that with me to UW-Madison.”
Ensuring all kids opportunities for out of school sport development.

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Art Rainwater was the superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District from 1998 until 2008. He later served as a revered faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Art was formerly a football coach in Arkansas and Texas, as well as a school principal in Alabama. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

His high school football and basketball coaches being “people I could talk to.”
Starting a little league in his Arkansas hometown.
Why he asked the coach of his college if he could join the team as a scout team member: “You really need to experience the things you’re asking people to do.”
Keeping in touch with players he coached 55 years ago.
The school administrator in Texas who first recognized his administrative potential, and the innovative way he prepared Art for a leadership role.
In the coach-player relationship, “kids see through you… you can only be honest if you’re going to be successful with them.”
“The ability to lead is based solely on trust and trust can only occur if you’re truthful.”
Success stories of families he’s worked with, including the Flowers family at LaFollette High School in Madison.
What he looked for in building a leadership team.
Non-negotiable beliefs.
Providing developmental and leadership opportunities for members of your staff.
His daily routines as a leader, including detailed planning, early starts, and generous time allotted each week for individual team members.
Carving out time for reflection.
Being conscious of power in relationships.

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Mark Lusic is a teacher and the head football coach at Amherst High School in Wisconsin. By developing an intensive weight training program, developing deep relationships, and building a winning culture, he’s led Amherst to four state championships and built one of the most respected programs in the state. In this episode of SGG, we discuss:

Learning from Coach John Koronkiewicz about how to listen and develop relationships.
Does “scheme” win games? (no) What does?
Make your average players good, your good players great, and your great players “studs.”
What does the team talk about in the weight room?
Developing a team identity, sticking to it, and putting time into practicing it.
The 600, 800, and 1000 pound clubs.
How kids develop confidence through weightlifting. (see excerpt from student essay below)
Kids needing football more than football needs them.
Asking kids to “pay it forward” one day.
It’s all about the players.
Why he asks his team, “Are you satisfied?” after each game.
His annual “life review.”
Knowing what to do on 3rd and 1.
Being ok with not always knowing the answer right away.

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Coach Don Julian led Sheridan High School in Wyoming to five state championships and, before that, coached Riverton High School to four state titles. He was also formerly a member of the University of Wyoming’s football coaching staff. Even more than wins on the field, he is widely known as an exemplary developer of leaders. Coach Julian, currently the athletic director at Sheridan, continues to inspire leaders of all levels. As Wisconsin coaches examine how they can impact lives and communities through sports, much can be learned from Coach Julian. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Growing up on a sheep ranch in Kemmerer, WY (the ranch is now on its fifth generation in the family).
Learning loyalty, independence, and ownership on the family ranch.
Ownership: “Unless you own it, you can’t really give it away…Nothing that’s really important to us is given for free.”
The huge span of territory covered by a range sheep operation in Wyoming.
Learning from his grandmother: “Most of her knowledge came from working with animals.”
The importance of leadership – but lack of true understanding/teaching about what it actually is. “We’ll teach them everything about a handoff… But we’ll yell at a kid and tell him to be a leader when, quite frankly, we don’t teach him how to lead.”
“I think we need to plan for leadership.”
“As the seniors go, the season goes.” The importance of the leadership process leading up to senior year.
Taking seniors to the mountains right before fall camp.
Running a “transformational” leadership program built on purpose statements.
Defining the “why?”
Our purpose here is to help kids become great men.
The importance of writing in leadership development, including the value of journaling.
Using break-out sessions to engage kids on various leadership topics.
Creating such a relationship that “we don’t want to let each other down.”
Prior to taking the field, the team is reminded: “Believe in yourself. Believe in the guy next to you. Believe in the plan.”
The “Nissi Flag:” “When the kids are in the battle of the game, and they grow tired and weary, they can look to the sideline and see their team and the Nissi Flag.”
“Bronc football is life-changing.”
The annual “person of influence” night.
One of the most special moments of his coaching career: one of his player’s baptisms, when most of the team showed up.
Success stories.
The necessity of adversity: “I don’t think we can get anything done in life without handling adversity.”
Coming together at the end of every practice and game to identify something specific that they saw a teammate do well that day.

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Bruce Larson is the head football coach at Somerset High School. He’s recognized as one of the best in state of Wisconsin and, actually, in the whole country, having won the Don Shula National High School Coach of the Year award in 2015. Coach is renowned for winning championships on the field and, more importantly, instilling life-long values and habits in those who play for him. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Somerset as a working class community.
Growing up on a dairy farm in Spring Valley, Wisconsin…where he learned to get things done.
The impact of his high school coach, Bob Thomas – how he made his players feel and the time he invested in them.
UW-River Falls coach Mike Farley.
“Don’t worry about winning – just do it the right way and things will be ok.”
Arriving at Somerset in 1987 as an assistant coach to Brad Nemec.
When everything “fell apart” during his third year as head coach, writing down everything he didn’t like in the program.
DW Rutledge and Dennis Parker, two of his coaching influences.
“What you see is what you coach.”
“If you don’t like it, change it.” The coach is the person in charge.
Using Army values in his program. “Everything we do is built around that.”
“What it comes down to more than anything is attitude.”
“The world is full of educated derelicts.”
The Friday morning routines with the team.
The army transforming a person “into a machine” in 14 weeks.
2002 state semi-finals vs Auburndale: kids falling back on what they know best.
Making changes to the weight training program.
The coaching advice to his sons – it starts with relationships.
When “what you believe in got beat” it hurts.
What makes Wisconsin football unique: tough, hard-nosed kids. Ass-kickers.

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Devonte Windham, a graduate of the University of Missouri Law School, is an assistant state public defender in the Madison Trial Office. Originally from the Chicago area, Devonte coaches youth football with the Southside Raiders program in Madison. The Raiders are in their 50th year -- and are widely regarded as one of Madison's excellent community-based youth sports programs. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

The role and benefit in his life growing up.
One of his early influential coaches, Coach Kennedy. “He was one of the first coaches who took an interest in my academic realm.”
Seeking out the Southside Raiders program when he was new to Madison.
The historical tradition of the Raiders.
How being part of the Raiders has assisted his transition to the Madison community.
Periodic intersections of his work and youth football life.
The importance of family engagement in youth sports.
Challenges associated with youth football.
A success story with a particular family amid a very difficult time.

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Dr. M. Alison Brooks is a professor in the Department of Orthopedics in the Division of Sports Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She played college soccer for one of the all-time college sports dynasties: the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. She is currently a team physician for several UW sports teams and the Associate Director of Concussion and Nutrition Research for the Badger Athletic Performance Program. She joined the SGG podcast to discuss groundbreaking concussion research and football. We discussed:

The role sports played in her life growing up.
The importance of kids having structure in their days.
Studying and playing soccer at the University of North Carolina.
How she ended up pursuing sports medicine.
What makes the concussion study unique, including its size: 45,000+ participants.
An important finding: when athletes delay reporting of their head injury, it costs them more time in the long-run. “They have more severe symptoms and they take longer to get better.”
Another important finding: longer return to play times may result in less frequent repeat concussions.
The majority of athletes who suffer concussions in sports probably don’t develop CTE.
Just having athletes sit and rest for long periods of time isn’t best for recovery. More pro-active rehab approaches are better, including exercise for treatment.
We don’t yet have a definitive test that says, “You have a concussion.”
How do you go about behavior change to better address brain injuries in sports? “It starts with the coach.”
Developing a healthy team culture around head injuries.
“I think we have to be careful about focusing on only the negative and only the risks. Sometimes that gets lost in the discussion…There are research documented benefits of sports…Including reduced risk-taking behavior and leadership, self-esteem, and confidence.”
“There are ways we can reduce risks.”
“There’s not a reason to have lots of contact to the head at a young age.”
Evidence that cumulative number of head impacts (“hit count”) matters.
The joy of working with Wisconsin student-athletes.
The UW athletics administration having the student’s best interest in mind.

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Matt Molle is a long-time head football coach and teacher at Seymour High School in Wisconsin. Coach Molle’s success as a coach is well-documented, but many people don’t know how important his roots in the mill town of Niagra were on his trajectory. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

Growing up in Niagra, Wisconsin. “You had a lot of people in your corner.”
The influence his dad and other coaches had on his early development.
Common attributes of the best coaches: Building relationships. “You have to get them to know you care before they care about what you teach them.”
I always admired and respected that my dad made time for everyone.”
Learning “the grinder mentality” as an assistant coach.
How a principal served as an important mentor to him.
Seymour football: Trust, Commitment, Care
“If you’re a person that can trust others and be trusted; If you can show that you care and you’re committed to a cause… it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about football, being a husband, father, brother, whatever the case may be, you’re going to be ok.”
Leadership classes in the spring.
Showing what “the TCC” look like (videos, pictures, discussions, etc.)
Using TCC for evaluation of the team.
“You’re wearing #4. Let me tell you about these guys who wore #4 before you…”
How he’s changed over the years: “I’ve become more reflective.”
Another change: structure of practice.
How he reflects: with his wife, writing things down, end of year debriefing, taking moments to acknowledge the present moments.
Balancing the various roles in his life.
Routines: early rise and workout; dog walk; quiet lunch period.
His relationship with his former players.
“It’s ok to say ‘I love you.’”
“If all we’ve done is teach you football, we’ve failed.”
Officiating the weddings of former students and athletes.

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Coach Dave Keel earned Hall of Fame distinction in both football and softball during his 30+ years of teaching and head coaching at Homestead High School in Wisconsin. Coach Keel is known broadly for his wins on the field, including six football state championships. But those who know Coach Keel are even more impressed by his care for the young people he led. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

Growing up playing football at Milwaukee Hamilton High School and UW-LaCrosse.
Learning from Coach Phil Datka at Germantown High School and from John Brody at Homestead.
Common attributes of his mentors: their love of the young people.
Developing the tenets of his program.
One tenet: Getting the most people on the field as possible. “We’re going to have 22 really committed players.”
A second tenet: Get the community involved.
His role within the broader school community.
What makes football unique: it’s uniquely American and it’s significant in our culture and it embodies what our lives are like. “You’ve got two choices when you get knocked down. You can roll over and say, ‘Dang it!’ and walk off the field or you can get up, dust yourself off a little and say.’Hey, I’m going to do my best not to get knocked down again.’”
The social component: Learning to work well with other people through sports.
A difference he’s observed between girls teams and boys teams.
Community impacts of his program.
His efforts in making football safer with USA Football’s Heads Up program: “We’ve seen a tremendous buy-in.”
How he’s changed as a coach over the years.
The leadership skills program he developed at Homestead.
Learning about developing a leadership program from Coach Craig Bohl.
Conflict and “the skill of listening.”
The listening activity he used with his program.
Listening and empathy as being at the heart of conflict resolution.
“Listen with your eyes.”
Recognizing the impact that coaches have upon young people. “Coach, you don’t know this, but for the last four years, you were my father.”
“Every one of these coaches, has that young person on your team…You need to recognize that those little folks out there, there’s more than one that really needs you more than they need the sport… Recognize that and use that to help young people become successful.”

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Following up on episode #66 with Zander Neuville, we have Zander's coach from Waupaca High School in Wisconsin, John Koronkiewicz. "Coach Koronk" served as a coach and teacher at Waupaca High School for 40 years. He spent 24 years as head coach of the baseball program and 32 years as head coach of the football program. He was elected into the WFCA High School Coaches’ Hall of Fame and also into the National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Koronk won many championships over the years and is respected by coaches across the state. Coach is admired by former players, families, and community members for his positive impact over the years. In this episode (a re-edit of episode 30), we discussed:

1.Playing football for Wisconsin Hall of Famers Jerry Schliem and Russ Young.

Growing up playing sports on the farm.
His emphasis on creating a positive, fun environment during his initial years at Waupaca—and his emphasis on developing lessons that could be used for life.
Leaving the field in a positive mood each day.
“Attitude, character, enthusiasm, team.”
Playing the Beach Boys on Friday afternoons in the classroom.
Being yourself, not faking it, and having a passion for the game.
Creating the team as a “home away from home.”
Coaching as a gift.
Finding a niche for each player – and the coaches “owing it” to each player to get him on the field with a meaningful role.
Working in the best interest of the kids by being honest and caring.
Coaching as a service to others – not an enhancement of one’s own ambitions.
Continuing to learn, even amid long periods of success. “Losing can become a habit – as can winning.”
Building a program that the community could be proud of.
Doing the best you can and setting a good example for kids.
Being proud of and keeping friendships with past players and assistant coaches, including Amherst’s Mark Lusic.
The identity of Wisconsin football.

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Zander Neuville was a student and football player at Waupaca High School and the University of Wisconsin. Afterinjuries ended his promising career as a tight end, Zander was ready to transition to new horizons. He’s currently in medical school at Northwestern University. Zander joined the SGG podcast and offered rich perspective on the coaches and doctors who influenced him along his journey. We discussed:

The role of sports in his childhood.
Being surprised to be recruited by colleges to play football.
His relationship with Waupaca Coach John Koronkiewicz: He was a really helpful mentor to me.
How Coach Koronkiewicz helped connect him with Wisconsin coaches, ultimately contributing to his opportunity to join the team.
Coach Koronkiewicz’s knack for connecting with his players and treating everyone equal opportunity: “He built an environment that everyone wanted to be a part of…Everyone had the highest respect for him.”
Coach Mickey Turner’s effectiveness and modeling as tight end coach.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Ross Kolodzieg’s impact. “He was someone I really connected with…He had gone through everything that we were currently going through…There was a natural trust with him…I leaned on him a lot.”
How the everyday schedule changes for players during injury times.
The close relationship that strength coaches develop with players.
The two phases of injury: initial shock and long-term effects.
“What sticks with me about injuries is how long they can stay with you mentally.”
Career ending injuries as “divorce.”
“It can get taken away really quickly.”
Injury isolation.
How his own injuries related to his pursuit of medical school.
The injuries were bad for my football career, but I feel like it’s been a positive for my medical school work.”
His relationship with Dr. Baer, the surgeon who operated on him numerous times.
The friendships and exposure to different people that he gained from playing at Wisconsin. “I have a greater appreciation for what everyone is going through and where they came from…Everyone has their own story. And football opened me up to that.”
Football time management lessons: it made the transition to medical school easy.

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Jeff Patterson –widely known as “JP” – is one of the most impactful leaders in the Madison area. JP’s barber shop “JP Hair Design” is a high performing organization that offers resources well beyond its doors. And JP’s dedication as a youth football coach in the Madison Memorial program adds another layer to his positive impact on hundreds of lives. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

His dad’s dedication to coaching and positive leadership in North Chicago.
A street in North Chicago that is named after his dad.
“Everybody knew him.”
His dad as a coach: “He had fun with the kids…He didn’t take any junk…He wanted to teach them something… He wanted to be sure that if he had them, they were going to be better than they were when he first got them.”
The youth center in North Chicago was the place where people connected.
The importance of the “Warhawks” mascot on JP’s journey to attending UW-Whitewater.
The significant impact that Bob Eschman, his sophomore basketball coach in high school, had on his life. “He did more than just coach.”
His first priority in coaching youth football: building a relationship with the kids.
His emphasis on growth – both as players and as young men.
Always finding positives in each situation.
Stopping practice to have life lessons.
The importance of communication and transparency with parents.
Working through conflict in youth sports: be transparent and establish guidelines.
Academic progress cards that team
Football can’t be played individually. “Success in football depends upon the team.”
His “pencil activity” that gets kids to understand the importance of team: “If we can stay together as a team, it’s hard to break us. But once you get individuals trying to go off on their own, the team can easily be broken.”
His son Jairus’ growth in and through football.
The collective impact of multiple coaches on young people’s trajectories.
“We’ve got an opportunity to shape what they’re doing outside of the gridiron.”

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Kevin Claxton played football at the University of Wisconsin from 2007-2011, where he was a four-year letter winner as a standout linebacker on one of the top defensive units in the nation. During Kevin’s time at UW, the Badgers achieved back-to-back Big Ten titles and two Rose Bowl appearances. After his playing career, the Fort Lauderdale native entered the coaching profession, including stints at two of his alma maters, Boyd Anderson High School and the University of Wisconsin. In this SGG episode, we discuss: 1. The adults who impacted Kevin’s life: “Most of my positive influences have come through sports.” 2. Kevin’s uncle, an early influential coach in his life, “Every day he showed up. Never missed a day.” …and other coaches who devoted their time through coaching over the years. 3. “Where I’m from, playing sports is just part of life.” 4. Working through a challenging situation during his senior year of high school with the support of coaches and family. 5. Adjusting to college during his freshman year in Madison – including getting “lit up” in an early practice drill. 6. Learning the level of work and production at the college level. 7. Coaching the scout team – “sometimes you need to get their attention” – especially coming off a big win. 8. Following up with a player after a practice – wanting them to know that “it’s nothing personal when I yell.” 9. The relational bonds that form in position rooms: On video “you see guys at their highest of highs and at their lowest of lows…The guys are just really open and honest with each other. And that’s where those bonds are formed.” 10. Being vulnerable in front of and with peers. 11. “Culture shock” arriving at UW-Madison, where there are not as many African Americans as his home community. 12. Having “open dialogue” with teammates about being a black man on the UW campus. 13. “We had countless examples of guys coming in and working with the young guys..and just being mentors off the field.” 14. “Dan Ott, my learning specialist was great. He was always an open door. He would always make time. He was always there to talk. Or just to listen.” 15. “Not having had white teachers in my life before (college), it was difficult. It was kind of like, ‘why do I have to go talk to this person?’ And Dan was just great, just very consistent. Even when I came in with a bad day, he was just the same person. That was something that was huge for me. And that’s something that I try to emulate in my own life. Just being consistent, regardless of whether I’m having a good day or a bad day.” 16. How he got into coaching. 17. Getting to know the people on your team – not just as athletes, but as full people. 18. The special bonds of the 2019 Wisconsin football team, and how the “hero, hardship, highlight” sharings during the pre-season deepened their shared understanding and trust. “Everyone got a chance to see that guys weren’t afraid to share some of their darkest moments and some of their highlights and just be themselves in front of everybody…I felt like that exercise was one of the most powerful things we did all season.” 19. Highlights from his time in Madison: the relationships and memories and “Being able to travel and do things that I would not have been able to experience if I had not played football.” 20. The toughest aspects of his Wisconsin experience: injuries – including one particularly difficult challenge his freshman year. “Being injured and not being close to family, that was tough.” 21. What got him through difficult injury times. 22. Why he will continue pursuing coaching: “I genuinely love the game.” 23. Being an example to his eight younger brothers. “There are people who look like us who were deprived of education opportunities…It is a privilege for us to be able to do this…Having this education can impact your family for generations.”

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Rachid Ibrahim was a standout student and football player at the University of Pittsburgh and, after earning his bachelor’s degree, at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a master’s degree. Rachid won awards and accolades as a running back, but even more, was an exemplar son, brother, friend, student, and teammate throughout his athletic career. Rachid continues to inspire others with his message of resilience and positivity. He joined the SGG podcast and we discussed:

His father passed away when Rachid was five years old. His mother, an immigrant from West Africa, raised him and his brother on her own. “She saw that sports was something that would keep us out of trouble and keep us doing well in school.”
Being spotted with a Senegal soccer jersey in the grocery store… and starting football that same week.
Middle school coaches “saw potential in me that I didn’t even see in myself.”
“She (his mom) got herself a bachelors and a master’s degree while raising us. Academics were always the first thing for us.”
“She knew I was going to handle the football part. She was just concerned about the academics…When I had a chance to pursue a master’s degree, she was really excited. That was what she was most excited about when I came to Wisconsin…That was amazing to her. It was unbelievable to her…I had the opportunity to go to two great schools, Pitt and Wisconsin. Never in my life did I ever think I would be in Wisconsin.”
Facing a torn achillees tendon “I remember crying when they told me my season was over…It was tough, mentally. But then my roommate James Connor got hurt and we kind of fed off each other. We were going to help each other…That’s what the college journey teaches you. Adversity and getting through it.”
Supporting his teammate and friend in his battle against cancer.
“Adversity is something that, if you attack it with a mindset, you can overcome it. With great people in your corner, you can overcome it.”
His relationship with “Coach Chryst, Coach Rudolph, Coach Settle, they’re some of the best people out there. I’m real grateful for all of them. They brough me into the college football journey…I remember as a high school student, sitting in Coach Chryst’s office at the University of Pittsburgh and he offered me a full scholarship. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I’m forever grateful for him. He’s out there leading young men all over the country and giving them opportunities to get a college education and play football…Just having those relationships with those coaches meant a lot to me.”
“The coaches always believed in me.”
His opinions on student-athlete transfer policies.
What Rachid meant when he said, “These guys don’t know how good they have it” a year after he finished his career. “The college football experience is something so unique that very few people get to experience…I was just thinking, ‘Wow, there will never be another time that it will feel like this. That you’ll get to do this again…Nothing will compare. Nothing will bring that feeling again… These are the best times of your life. Being with your brothers…Being a part of that brotherhood, I was just real appreciative that I got to be a part of that for five years at Pitt and Wisconsin…Understanding the blessing we had.”
One of his favorite sayings: “Be where your feet are.”
“I don’t feel like I was supposed to be here. But I am. It would be a shame if I didn’t maximize it.”

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How can coaches and leaders make their ways through internal team challenges? In the third interview with Coach Alvarez for the football in Wisconsin series, he discusses challenges associated with keeping a staff hungry. Coach also comments on being the leader through difficult periods and indicators of which assistant coaches are ready for head coach positions.

Assembling his first staff and quickly recognizing that some of his coaches were not going to be able to keep up.
Advice he received from Lou Holtz: “”You work for the university. And if they’re (the assistant coaches) holding you back, they’re holding your program back. They (the university) put you in charge of that program and it’s your responsibility. If they can’t keep up, you’ve got to let them go.”
Having a staff that stayed with them for a long time: they got too comfortable, too complacent.
What are the signs of staff complacency? Recruiting corners being cut.
“It’s easy when you’re winning to get too comfortable.”
Nick Saban’s skill in keeping his staff hungry.
“If you have one guy who starts getting lazy, then everybody else sees it and they start cutting corners.”
Changing as a coach over the course of one’s career.
“I think my interactions with the players were always the same.”
Giving everyone in the program a questionnaire at the end of each season to get feedback on the program.
Navigating close relationships on coaching staffs. Drawing clear boundaries.
Showing strength in tough times.
“Don’t take yourself too seriously. I don’t have a problem laughing at myself.”
The importance of bringing in new coaches. “Don’t be afraid to lose coaches.”
How did he identify promising head coach candidates? “I think there are some guys who just present themselves as head coaches.”
Little signs that Coach Bielema was ready for the head job.
Getting losses out of the system. “Go in Sunday and put the game to rest. Find the good and the bad.”
Tommy Lasorda visiting with the team at Rose Bowls about believing you can win. And that, “you’re better prepared than the guy across the ball from you.”
On his wife, Cindy: “We’ve been a team.”
“There were times I was moping around the house and she’d say, ‘Where in the hell is this ‘deal with adversity’ speech that you give? How in the hell are you dealing with it?’...She’ll snap you right out of it!”

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SGG supports the development of coaches who can "grow the good" throughout their schools and communities. Coach Alvarez visited with an SGG room full of coaches and aspiring coaches to describe the plan he implemented when he first took the head coaching job at Wisconsin.

Before taking a new job as a coach, you better have a real clear idea of what is expected of you by the leaders who hired you. “Where is the program today, and how are you going to support me?” You have to know the lay of the land before you take a job.
The importance of identifying and securing the players you need and winning over their coaches. “The best players in the state weren’t staying here.” “I knew I had to win over the state high school coaches… I told them, ‘your program is important…You can visit anytime.’”
How off-the-field problems affect on-field performance.
Develop a thorough plan on how you are going to run your program.
Figure out the best recruits you can get at your school – those that are athletic, academic, and geographic fits.
Before you take the job, establish a detailed list of coaches you will try to bring with you. Know what kind of staff you want and get the staff you need.
You have to sell your plan to recruits and high school coaches – but also to your own new staff.
You must communicate your plan to “every person who touches the program.” You must be clear and precise about what you expect of everyone. You have to implement the day-to-day expectations. “If you do things properly during the day, during the week, things will go well on Saturdays.”
Develop a “staff policy book” that addresses every detail about what you want/expect regarding people’s behaviors and expectations, all the way down to the way you dress and the way you conduct meetings.
Among your staff, develop a specific recruiting plan. “What are we selling? What does this place have to offer.” Deliver a coherent, cohesive message.
Be very specific about the roles/expectations for each of the assistants – including their key role in supporting the academic side of their players’ lives.
Be clear and consistent as a staff about the way feedback is offered to players.
The three questions every coach needs to know of his players: “Can I trust you?” “Are you committed?” “Do you care?”
Develop a player policy book: What do you expect from your players? The importance of the “weekly truth statements.”
The importance of maintaining success by staying hungry and not making compromises.

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Coach Alvarez served as defensive coordinator for Notre Dame's 1988 National Championship season. He discusses his perspective on that experience, including important foundations that were developed for his head coaching career.

The first time he was contacted by Lou Holtz.
Hiring his first defensive staff at Notre Dame.
His working relationship with Coach Holtz.
Why he continually used the word “physical” with his team leading up to the first game of the 1988 season.
“Re-purposing” players who didn’t find success at other positions, including Chris Zorich (“washed up linebacker”), George Williams (“didn’t pass the eye test”), Jeff Alm (“a skinny drink of water”), Frank Stams (“a converted fullback”), Pat Terrell (“a washed up wide receiver”).
“Victory doesn’t always go to the biggest, strongest, fastest man, but to the man who thinks he can.”
“I always want my guys to think they have an edge…I find an edge every week. On Sundays, I’ll come up with some kind of a theme and some advantage that we have. And our coaches will use it all week.”
Coach Holtz was “really good on Friday nights.”
Using Thursday nights to build belief.
Keeping teams from getting uptight before big games.
“Pick up your step. The kids read the coaches. If the coaches are excited, the kids get excited.”
What it means to “think like a shortstop.”
Lou Holtz’s love of Notre Dame. And the importance of representing your school.
Making Michigan State “play left-handed.”
The famous Miami game.
How he built rapport with his defensive unit.
When to be tough on your team: after a big win.
Keeping up morale after difficult losses.
The importance of grading players in practice as an aid to communicating about their roles on the team.
The most gratifying aspect of coaching: following up with players years later and hearing about the impacts
The end of season USC game.
Making the transition from D-Coordinator to head coach – and waiting for the right timing.
The importance of building relationships with players.
Truth statements.
Joe Moore: “he was uncanny in how he taught.”
Joe Moore: “pretend like you’re going to pick that tree up.”
Joe Moore: “I don’t want to be a train.”

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What are the daily and weekly rhythms of a football team? How are relationships developed? What roles do rituals play in team culture? These and other questions are considered in this first episode of a special series examining the game of football in Wisconsin. Using an embedded approach, Professor Miller, describes one week of action... and considers how this one week is tied to multiple layers of preparation across broad time and places. The special series lends close attention to to coaching -- from youth on through college levels. SGG aims to support the development of coaches who "grow the good" throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

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Sydney Storey (formerly Sydney Smallbone) was an exceptional basketball player at South Bend St. Joseph’s High School and the University of Tennessee. She went on to coach at St. Joseph’s, where she led her team to another Indiana state basketball championship. Sydney, who later earned an executive MBA from Notre Dame and transitioned fully into the business world, joined the SGG podcast to reflect on her experiences playing for one of the all-time great coaches, Pat Summitt. We discussed:

The first time she saw Coach Summitt at a summer tournament: “When Pat walked in, I think the gym pretty much went silent…She really was a show stopper…I instantly wanted to play for her.”
How Coach Summitt carried herself, her charisma and demeanor.
Why Sydney and her teammates referred to Coach Summitt as “Pat.”
“She really took the time to get to know you individually…She wanted to know about our daily life and not just our life on the court.”
Where Coach Summitt held individual players.
Coach Summitt’s emphasis on communication, something you can always control: “A noisy gym is a winning gym.”
Coach Summitt’s excellence in teaching: “Her practices were long, intense, and intentional. Everything we did had a purpose.”
“We were held accountable on every drill. Everything mattered. Instant feedback was something we always got.”
How Coach Summitt communicated roles to players, many of whom were challenged to accept supporting roles after having been stars in high school: “We all got treated the same.”
“She always had a pulse on how you were doing and how you were handling any given situation…Everyone bought in.”
The time Coach Summitt made the team managers run sprints.
How Coach Summitt handled losses. “She was really good at judging where we needed to go to work.”
“It truly was her life… So when we lost, she took it on her shoulders really heavily.”
Coach Summitt’s limitations: “Because she cared so much, it was hard for her to dial that down.”
How Coach Summit addressed the team at halftime when they trailed Rutgers by 22 points at halftime: “We’re going to win this game.”
How she developed her own coaching identity, know what to draw from Coach Summitt and what was not reasonable to expect of high school players.
Her emphasis on developing her team’s “knowledge of the game” while coaching at the high school level.
Sharing coaching responsibilities with her assistant coaches.
Why she chose to not continue on the coaching path (for now).
Leaning on and learning from her athletic director, former Notre Dame volleyball coach Debbie Brown. “I confided in Deb Brown, as my mentor, every day before practice.
Her favorite memory of Coach Summitt: “I just remember her walking up to me, gave me a big hug, looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘Thank you.’ And that was all she had to say…Those two words meant the world to me coming from Pat.”

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Ty-Ron Douglas is an associate professor in the College of Education at the University of Missouri. He is also actively engaged in his community – as a pastor, parent, entrepreneur, and leader. Dr. Ty, a native of Bermuda, was an accomplished athlete as a youngster who continues to see sports as vehicle for individual and community improvement. He is an inspirational leader, teacher and author whose work has been profiled at the highest levels. Dr. Ty joined the SGG podcast to discuss:

Growing up playing soccer and cricket in Bermuda.
Hitting a ceiling in sport.
Lessons from his barber and mentor. “From him, I learned how to be a teacher.”
The black barbershop as an educational space.
“He saw me through the various stages of my journey. He literally gave me my first haircut. He saw me in boyhood. He saw me in my teenage years. And he was always there…For those of us who know of the transience of life, it is beautiful to have constants. He was a constant.”
“From him I’ve learned how to have joy.”
Finding joy in sports.
Athletic spaces as “sanctuaries.”
“Homophily”: finding commonality with others through sports.
“I have a theory that our athletes are probably and perhaps the most underutilized educators in the world.”
Border crossing – moving from space to space and building bridges.
“Where we come from experiences how we see things and how we engage the world.”
Thinking of “integration” instead of work-life balance.
His “So Amazing Life” perspective that permeates all that he does.
When things are broken, where do I go?
“Broken crayons still color.”
Where do you find your wholeness?
“Our brokenness is a platform for our purpose.”

Border Crossing «Brothas»: Black Males Navigating Race, Place, and Complex Space (Black Studies and Critical Thinking Book 101)

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Rich Halverson is a professor and associate dean in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A native of Manitowoc, WI and former school principal, Professor Halverson is a scholar, author and international leader on technology, leadership, and learning. In this episode of the SGG podcast, he addressed a key question facing many coaches: How can I use technology to help members of my team learn and my team get better? In our conversation, we discussed:

His early interest and work in technology.
Adapting technology to a pre-existing practice.
A big problem: When technology developers don’t have a sense for the settings where practice occurs.
William James: “People change their practice when they have a felt need.”
Technologies must answer questions that people cannot answer on their own.
“Human centered design.” If you’re trying to change people’s practices, you must understand those practices.
“Old-school” coaches and leaders accepting and adapting to innovation and technology.
“Sometimes you can measure things that you can’t see. Sometimes you can see things that you can’t measure. Good leadership is hybrid leadership.”
Relationships still matter the most for learning and trust-building. But relationship-building creates closed networks. Combining relationship networks with technology can deepen and enrich networks and practice.
How to better use video: The key is formative feedback. Specific, just-in-time feedback. As soon as possible! Video has the power of immediacy.
The learning principles that can be found in TikTok videos.
Technology does not replace work.
“If I was a coach or a principal at a school, I would liberate the tools that are in kids’ pockets (phones)…The machinery is absolutely accessible.”
Kids’ expertise with technology – and how we can better tap into it.
“Our obstacles are social, not technological. The delivery mechanisms and the technologies are fully available to solve all these problems, but it’s our beliefs that hold us back.”

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Sidney Moncrief was an NBA superstar with the Milwaukee Bucks, earning countless awards and accomplishments, including the ultimate honor of being selected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Sidney’s successes are not limited to the court, as he’s also emerged as a leader in business, coaching, writing, and consulting. In our conversation in the SGG podcast, we discussed:

What he learned from his high school coach, the legendary Oliver Elders: “He placed a very high emphasis on being a quality person. That superseded anything you did on the court… He made us realize that life was much more than just basketball.”
“We knew he cared about us as people.”
“Your impact lasts beyond those three or four years that you have with those players. It’s going to stay with them for a lifetime. If you instill just selfishness and you caring about being a winning coach without caring about them academically or as people, that’s what they’re going to spill out for the rest of their life. If you show them love, you show them compassion, you show them that accountability matters, that being a good teammate matters, being a good person matters, character matters, that’s what they’re going to show for the rest of their lives.”
The critical time that Coach Eddie Sutton offered compliments to Sidney and his teammates – an occasion that built their confidence and spurred them on to the Final Four the next season.
The importance of Coach Sutton’s assistant coaches giving him advice to instill confidence in his players… and Coach Sutton’s willingness to listen to them.
What it felt like to get “called to the coach’s office.”
“Greatness was not even part of our mindset. He interjected that greatness theory.”
The importance of timing in coaches’ conversations with their teams.
His wake-up call to the physicality of the NBA – and how Coach Don Nelson guided him to playing defense at the highest level.
The thing that really makes you a great coach: Maintaining high expectations of players.
“Players today need to know why they’re doing certain things.”
The influence of his upbringing on his development as a tenacious competitor.
The importance of having experienced players as models for younger ones to learn from.
Discipline as an everyday part of life.
His new book.
Exercise, rest, rejuvenation, and personal care: “There’s only so much film you should be watching…The players don’t get the best you when you’re constantly watching film and are constantly stressed out.”
Knowing and respecting the different motivations that players bring to the table.
What he means by “tenacity” in his new book. “Pace, aggressiveness, focus, determination…”
“Love what you do and do what you love…and change the world!”

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Jay Bilas authored the book Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court. He provides a detailed analysis of specific aspects of toughness, including what it looks like in a sports setting and how it can be developed. Jay draws upon his experiences as a Duke basketball player, as an attorney, and as a commentator for ESPN to shed light on multiple dimensions of toughness. Coaches of all levels can find meaningful insights in Jay’s book. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

The impact that a drama teacher had upon him: “He was as influential upon me as any coach I’ve ever had.”
What he learned through public speaking and forensics competitions as a high school student.
The role his mom played in requiring him to take on uncomfortable challenges – including ballroom dancing.
John Ebeling, “the toughest guy I ever played against…When I played against him I realized, ‘that’s what I should aspire to be.’”
Growing in toughness through your teammates: “toughness is contagious.”
Duke teammate David Henderson’s competitive spirit: “You were going to try to match him because of the amount of respect you had for the way he went about things…You didn’t want to let him down in that regard.”
“Whether you’re the best player or the last person on the depth chart, you can raise the level of your organization by your performance and by the way you do your role.”
On former Duke player Grant Hill: “You can be incredibly tough and incredibly nice at the same time…He had a wonderful balance of being a cut-throat competitor when he was playing and then being the nicest, most thoughtful, and polite person you could ever meet.”
Being smart about playing – or not playing – through pain.
The importance of saying no: “Sometimes the most important word in your life is no. And in order to say yes to your priorities, there are times you need to say no to other things.”
“Sometimes it’s the tough thing to do to sit out and take care of yourself the right way.”

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Pat Rice is a Hall of Fame coach at Waunakee High School. Coach Rice’s teams have won six state titles and his overall winning percentage is among the highest in state history. More importantly, Coach Rice has positively impacted countless lives over the course of almost 30 years as head coach. He’s recognized as one of the best coaches in state history and as a leader from whom young coaches can learn. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

How coaching is different from when his dad coached at McFarland HS: it’s a year-round process.
“My dad always put kids first…It starts and ends with the kids.” How Pat’s tried to model this lesson in his own coaching life.
Being a “coach of coaches” – using the curriculum for player development and coaching development.
How technology has changed coaching – and how Coach Rice views “techy young guys” as important members of his staff.
The development of pillars and identities on the team.
Getting buy-in on the offensive line by developing the “Hogs” and making the offensive line a high-profile position.
Staying on the trending, forward-thinking side of the game and not lagging behind in innovation. “You have to stay in front of the curve.” Continually learning and not being satisfied -- including making the change to the spread offense even though the team was in the midst of a long streak of great success.
Not going half-way in making changes – being fully committed to changes that are made. (including the example of Nick Saban making the change at Alabama)
“My staff knows that their thoughts and opinions are respected and we’re in it together.”
The nuts and bolts of end of season meetings on “where can we get better.”
Working with a neighboring school to evaluate each other’s programs.
“If you’re going to make changes, you’ve got to be willing to listen to other people.”
Having a staff that is passionate, committed, loyal, and knowledgeable.
The positive, meaningful role created for parents via the booster club. “Make the parents part of the equation…We’re all trying to move this forward together.”
Keeping interactions with parents positive and fun.
“We don’t want football to be the pinnacle of their life…We want football to be a part of their life. Something they can build from.”
End-of-practice conversations with the team that center on bigger life issues and developing into better young men.
Focusing on the journey and appreciating it. “Once Friday night comes, the hay is in the barn and we’re going to give it our best shot…If you aim completely at wins and losses, then you’re missing the mark.”
Always staying together, getting up, and bouncing back together. The opportunities provided by setbacks – “that’s when they need you the most.”

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Diana Hess is the Dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a leading expert on productive classroom discussion. As many coaches in and beyond Wisconsin are regularly challenged to lead their teams through challenging issues, Dean Hess presents a range of research-supported, practical insights on listening, learning, and moving forward together. We discussed:

Coaching gymnastics at the YMCA and at Downers Grove High School, and the lessons she learned from coaching.
Her research on how middle and high school teachers can help their students discuss controversial issues.
Disagreement about issues is not a bad thing.
Distinctions between “topics” and “issues.”
Live controversies vs. settled topics.
“When students learn how to participate in discussions of controversial issues, they learn an awful lot about how to think, how to articulate their views, and how to listen to people with whom they disagree.”
“We want our students to learn how to talk with people they disagree with.”
Asking students to prepare in advance of discussions about controversial issues – but not necessarily to have a firm opinion about them.
The importance of getting everyone to participate in discussions – and how to do it.
If you want everyone to participate, preparation is the best way to do it.
Sports provide us a wonderful opportunity to learn with and from others who are different from us in a number of ways.
“It is important that the coach sets a really high standard for how we’re going to respect one another.”
Listening.
“What I want on my leadership team is genuine disagreement about what we should do...But at some point, we have to make a decision.”
“There are some times when a group makes a decision that, for whatever reason, you just can’t support. And then, you really have a hard decision to make. Do I stay with this group or not?”

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Chris Span is Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Professor Span also serves as a Faculty Athletics Representative to the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA. Chris is a prolific scholar – a historian of American education – who is widely regarded as one of the leaders in his field. Notably, he is the author of the acclaimed book From Cotton Field to Schoolhouse: African American Education in Mississippi, 1862-1875. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Professor Span is also an elite pocket billiards player who learned the game as a youngster in Chicago and went on to travel the country competing at the highest levels of his game. He shares rich research and life-informed insights for coaches on history, knowing context, mentoring, and parent involvement. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

His “accidental” journey to becoming a professor – including the advisor at Illinois (JoAnn Hodges) who supported him at a key juncture…And why he still shovels her driveway all these years later!
How another mentor, his former professor Paul Violas, encouraged his trajectory to graduate school: “Maybe you should have a little more confidence in yourself because there seems to be people who have a lot of confidence in you.”
Why JoAnn Hodges made a difference: “She spoke to me like we were family… I had never met anyone in college who spoke to me like a family member.”
“I believe that maybe she saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself at that point in my life.”
How he became an elite pocket billiards player – and the relationships he formed along the way.
What his mentor, Bugs, “the Michael Jordan of pocket billiards,” said to Chris when Chris considered leaving school to pursue billiards full time.
The importance of knowing the history and context of the places we work. “How am I a part of this larger narrative?”
“No matter your station of life, you should be able to relate to people at their level.”
The danger of hubris when coming into a new place or a new position.
“Don’t shy away from the past, but don’t let the past guide you to the point where you are debilitated by it.”
Mentoring by showing and listening instead of speaking.
Dean James Anderson’s mentoring by storytelling.
The kindness and compassion of his wife, another important mentor in his life.
Being flexible and adaptive.
“All young people need to grow into adulthood through trial and error.”
“If parents lay the foundation for their kids, it will bear fruit.”
“I’ve learned far more from my failures than from my successes.”

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Bob Enright is a professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the founding board member of the International Forgiveness Institute, Inc. He pioneered the social scientific study of forgiveness and is the author of over 120 publications, including seven books. Professor Enright is not just a leading scholar, but also a world leader in fostering forgiveness in conflict zones such as Belfast, Athens, Liberia, and Galilee. Many of the coaches we’ve learned from on the SGG podcast have noted the importance of overcoming conflict on teams and developing trusting relationships. Forgiveness is at the heart of this trust and Dr. Enright shares some insights on forgiveness that can greatly help coaches and team. We discussed:

How he came to the study of forgiveness…and the risk he took in doing so.
When you forgive, “you get your life back, your energy back.”
Why forgiveness is important in competitive settings, like team sports.
The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is a “moral virtue that we offer when we are mistreated.” It is unilateral. Reconciliation is “when two or more people come together again in mutual trust.” It is dependent upon both parties.
When we forgive, we seek justice.
Forgiveness is not an acceptance of injustice or an excusing of injustice.
Why it is important for leaders of teams – coaches in particular – to model forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a counter to resentment that can linger for many years.
Aristotle says you grow in any virtue through three things: “practice, practice, practice.” How do sports help us with this practice of forgiveness?
One who forgives on a team is saying, “This is a human being and a teammate who is more important than what just happened.”
Preparing for the injustices that are to come for us…and still being committed to ending the injustices.
Forgiveness deals with the effects of injustice. The effects themselves are often worse than the injustice itself. The injustice may be one particular act in time (or even numerous acts), but the effects go on and can be passed on through generations.
Coaches can play a role in stopping the hurt of injustice.
Bob’s experiences working on forgiveness in Palestinian communities.
Aristotle: “Never practice a moral virtue in isolation from the others.”
Why just “fixing” an injustice does not bring about healing.
Eight Keys to Forgiveness and the Forgiving Life as tools for coaches to begin learning about how to cultivate forgiving cultures on teams.
Self-forgiveness is harder than forgiving others. One step to begin: forgive someone else first, then apply the same process to yourself.

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Thom McDonald is the Commissioner of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference and the Director of Basketball at Championship Productions. Thom was a successful high school and college coach before becoming one of the game’s important shapers of teaching and learning through innovation. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

The value of growing up near coaches and being an elementary school teacher.
Becoming known as a “camp guy” as a high school coach and at Drake.
What Rudy Washington saw when he watched Tom at the state tournament: “You don’t know who’s watching you, when they’re watching you, or why they’re watching you.”
Gene Keady: “The first thing you should do every day is shave. Because you never know who you’re going to meet. And that person could change your life.”
His trip to Philadelphia with Rudy Washington to learn from John Chaney and how it made so many future opportunities possible.
Being willing to “take steps backwards in order to move forward.”
How he went about building huge camps: hard work and getting the best people to come.
Camps: “It made me a better coach and it gave me instant credibility.”
“If you’re in the profession but not with someone who can help you, it’s not worth it.”
Being offered the Florida State position from Leonard Hamilton.
Making the decision to leave coaching.
How championship productions has changed the ways coaches learn. (Pat Knight example). “We have the best authors on the planet.”
Bill Bergan as worthy of being a Hall of Famer: “He’s a pioneer. For what he did, when he did it, and how he sustained it.”
Bob Knight: “When you watch his videos, it’s pretty basic. It’s about expectations and imagination. Some of the most successful coaches on the planet are the most simplistic and demanding coaches on the planet.”
“The coaches who stand out are the ones that know how to teach.”
“Video is really important, because video does not lie.” (even when it comes to communicating with parents – you have all those factual things you can go to)
Using both “gut” and analytics.
The many “peripheral” people who make a living off the game of basketball: “They’re all needed, all wanted. You’ve just got to find what is best for you and go from there.”
Webinars and the future of learning as coaches: accessibility and sharing. “I think the future is here. This is the new normal.”

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Marques Flowers is the head coach of the girls basketball team at James Madison Memorial High School. After a highly successful playing career alongside his brothers, Coach Flowers has elevated the Memorial team to new heights. His program is one of the best in the state and Coach Flowers is making a positive impact on many lives – both as a coach and as a social worker at the school. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

His early love of sports and how his moves from Chicago to Iowa to Wisconsin shaped his family’s opportunities.
Being the big brother in his family: leading by example.
Playing for Cecil Youngblood at Beloit College, who invested in Marques “not just as a basketball player, but as an African American young man.”
His mother: the values that she modeled every day, her sacrifices, and her commitment to finding ways for her boys to pursue their talents and interests, even amid financial challenges.
The funny story about when his mom assembled a basketball hoop.
Why Marques keeps costs down for participating in his program.
Basketball as a meditative and therapeutic activity for kids.
“Sometimes you just gotta roll the balls out and let the kids play.”
Why having safe spaces for girls to play hoops is especially important.
“The way you play is the way you live…If you want to become a better basketball player, you also have to think about what’s happening in other aspects of your life.”
“Our goal is not to make themselves the best basketball players they can be, but the best people they can be.”
The importance of connections: “You can’t win with people you don’t know.”
The value of having a diverse program and school.
The complementarity of his social work and coaching roles.
“Sports give kids a low risk environment to practice resiliency. Nobody’s lights are going to get turned off, nobody’s going to lose a meal if they turn the ball over.”
“If you’re doing it right, your kids should be connected to each other to the point where they can tell when someone’s going through something.”
“Sport is a place where kids can learn to trust.”
“Sport forces you to be vulnerable. Being on a team forces you to be vulnerable. It also forces you to learn how to connect with people. And empathize.”
“I wish everybody in our country could get that understanding that we are all connected. If I’m not doing well, you’re not doing well…If we’re not aligned as a community around the idea that all of us have value and all of us matter, it’s hard to be successful…If we have pockets of our community that are not thriving, then that brings us all to a place where we’re not thriving. And that’s what team sports teach you.”
“The goal was to create a community and to create a sense of belonging.”

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LaMar “Soup” Campbell, a native of Chester, PA, is the director of player engagement for the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed a successful playing career with the Wisconsin Badgers and Detroit Lions before transitioning to a variety of leadership positions and front office settings. Soup completed his masters degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Wisconsin and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Growing up in Chester, PA.
Transferring to Strath Haven and playing for Coach Clancy and Coach Jesson.
Looking up to LeRoy Burrell.
His mom hanging up the phone on Joe Paterno.
Repeatedly making successful transitions.
Barry Alvarez coming to his house to recruit him.
Valuing conversation and getting to know others.
Returning to Madison to get his undergraduate degree…and then moving on to masters and PhD programs.
Being smart about proximity and daily routines in developing trust.
Always keeping his door open.
Modeling the behaviors you seek from others.
Having meaningful conversations during the “in-between” time.
His daily “walk of the building.”
His experience in the Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis Department at the University of Wisconsin.

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Claudia Reardon is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. Claudia works with Badger athletics, the International Olympic Committee, the NCAA, and other leading sports in supporting the mental health of athletes. She’s published widely in the field and is recognized as one of the leaders in the field of sport psychiatry. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Growing up in a household of high-level athletes – and what research tells us about having parents who exercise.
How she got into the field of sport psychiatry.
What her article, “Mental Health in Elite Athletes,” says about sleep and its impact on athletes (and why coaches need to be aware of this).
Insignificant sleep leaves athletes at higher risk of injury.
How can coaches optimize environments for mental health.
Common situations that can stress athletes’ mental health: times of high training load and injury times.
Communicating with parents about mental health.
Promoting psychological flexibility.
“Having a game-face on the field doesn’t mean you have to have a game-face off the field 24/7.”
Poor mental health is associated with heightened injury risk.
Mental health differences across sports. Reasons why individual sport athletes are at significantly higher risk of depression than other athletes.
Issues relating to body image and eating disorders.
Taking on a process-oriented outlook to foster growth.
The golden age of mental health.
The IOC’s diploma and certificate programs focusing on mental health in sport

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Art Rainwater was the superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District from 1998 until 2008. He later served as a revered faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Art was formerly a football coach in Arkansas and Texas, as well as a school principal in Alabama. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

His high school football and basketball coaches being “people I could talk to.”
Starting a little league in his Arkansas hometown.
Why he asked the coach of his college if he could join the team as a scout team member: “You really need to experience the things you’re asking people to do.”
Keeping in touch with players he coached 55 years ago.
The school administrator in Texas who first recognized his administrative potential, and the innovative way he prepared Art for a leadership role.
In the coach-player relationship, “kids see through you… you can only be honest if you’re going to be successful with them.”
“The ability to lead is based solely on trust and trust can only occur if you’re truthful.”
Success stories of families he’s worked with, including the Flowers family at LaFollette High School in Madison.
What he looked for in building a leadership team.
Non-negotiable beliefs.
Providing developmental and leadership opportunities for members of your staff.
His daily routines as a leader, including detailed planning, early starts, and generous time allotted each week for individual team members.
Carving out time for reflection.
Being conscious of power in relationships.

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Marisa Kresge is an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin’s women’s soccer team and also a youth-level coach in the Madison area. After a successful college career, where she served as captain of UW’s team, Marisa’s coaching career is off to a quick start. Marisa’s players speak very highly of her – and she’s learning the ropes from Paula Wilkins, one of the most respected coaches in the game. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Playing competitive youth soccer with coaches who challenged her and instilled values in her.
Understanding the developmental levels of the players she coaches.
Leadership and cultural changes on the UW team during the 2013-14 seasons: “It changed our entire program.”
Serving as captain of the UW team – and why she took on a vocal role.
How an injury sowed the seeds of a coaching career in her mind – the injury was “a blessing in disguise.”
The importance of kids loving the game and investing in it at a young age. “It has to be player driven.”
Routines she uses with her teams – keeping it fun and engaging.
Remaining open to new environments when transitioning into a new assistant coaching job.
“It takes time to get to know someone, and the more time you invest in someone, the better thing will be.”

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Vance Walberg is the head coach of Clovis West’s basketball team. Over the course of his long and distinguished career, he’s thrived at high school, community college, Division 1 college, and NBA levels. Coach Walberg is highly-regarded by coaches across the country, and in creating and generously sharing the dribble-drive offense, is known as one of the best innovators of the modern basketball era. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

The impact of growing up as the middle child in a household with six boys.
Getting cut multiple times in sports as a middle schooler… and always bouncing back, ultimately becoming the top player in the league.
His wife Rose’s impact on his career as a coach.
The 6:30am shooting opportunity that he presented to his teams: Going from 2 to 40 “everyday” kids in developing a hard-working program.
Chris Hernandez. “When your best player is your hardest worker, you’re in for a special season.
Why his teams don’t shoot free throws or have water breaks during practice.
The long-term dividends of Chris’ “10,000 free throw summers” – and the thank-you call he placed after a big Stanford victory.
His open-door policy with parents – including at practice. “Come by and see how hard your son works.” Rules: “Don’t come see me right after a game (24-hour rule). Don’t ask me to compare your son to another player.”
His daughter as a coach at the cross-town rival school.
The importance of his family in his life – and the way he prioritizes his role as a husband and dad above basketball.
“Getting my team to be 2, 3, 4 points better the following year.”
His purposeful commitment to learning and innovation, including the 1987 deal he struck with his athletic director that allowed him to learn from the best coaches in the country.
“Seeing the game through angles.”
Gaining ideas from other coaches – including what not to do.
Giving back to the game by sharing ideas with the thousands of coaches who contact him.
Working with George Karl and John Welch.

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Pat Connaughton is not only a popular player for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, but also the President of the With Us Foundation, which creates access to sports for all kids. A native of Arlington, MA, Pat went on to excel in both basketball and baseball at the University of Notre Dame. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles prior to his senior year of college, but ultimately chose to pursue his NBA dream. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

“A lot of who I am stems from my parents” …who taught him… “don’t let something frustrate you, let it fuel you.”
Fidelity House and one of his early coaches, Tim Graham.
How his parents and coaches “challenged me in the right way.”
Why he started With Us in 2016.
The importance of actually being present at the camps and in developing relationships with the kids.
The impact that can be made through developing and re-developing everyday athletics facilities.
What influenced him to develop an “other-centered” focus: his parents and his university.
His mom saying “do your best” rather than always focusing on others. And his parents’ encouraging him to be well-rounded (including the dreaded piano lessons on Wednesdays at 2:30!).
Making efficient use of gap time during the season.
Developing a resourceful network of people to learn with and from.
Doing Zoom calls with kids to talk about life, developing good habits… and letting them know that “I was in your shoes at one time.”
“I want them to feel like they are a part of something. You’re not alone. You’re with us.”
Aspirations for the future, on and off the court.
Living and playing in Milwaukee, where the Bucks are building a “family-like culture.”

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Casey FitzRandolph is an Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and one of the great speed skaters in history. A native of Verona, WI, Casey’s journey is inspiring for competitors and instructive for all coaches and leaders. Casey gained widespread fame and admiration on the world stage, but his success was the result of years and years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. In this SGG episode, we discussed:

Gaining early inspiration from Eric Heiden.
Coach Bob Corby.
His parents’ remarkable support and commitment (and their cool family van).
Setting the goal to win Olympic gold at a very early age – and a willingness to do whatever it took to get there.
Coach Lyle Lebombard – who was both “old-school” and “cutting edge” – and emphasized technique in becoming one’s best.
The importance of having an elite training facility in Wisconsin, the Pettit National ice Center.
Hard working, tight-knit Wisconsin families being well-suited for speed skating (e.g., Eric Heiden, Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen, Chris Witty, Kip Carpenter). to th
Learning a lesson from every situation – and getting better after his first Olympics.
Being welcomed as a training partner and friend by Mike Ireland and Jeremy Wotherspoon, top Canadian skaters. “We shared blood, sweat, and tears.”
“At the end of the day, this is all about getting to our personal best.”
The critical importance of instilling belief.
Finding advantage over competition on the mental side. Three aspects: a) visualization; b) relaxation; c) perspective.
The current state of coaching in youth sports.

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Turina Bakken is the Provost at Madison College and a long-time competitor, coach, commentator, and leader in a variety of sports contexts. Turina also holds multiple academic degrees, including a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis. She’s widely respected for her dynamic leadership – and her story is full of rich lessons for coaches and all leaders who aim to promote the good through sport. In this episode, we discussed:

Growing up playing multiple sports in a small Minnesota town – including the creative games she would play with her brother.
Picking the least talented kids first on the playground – valuing everybody and the contributions they can make.
Her father’s influence and his steadfast support over the years – even to the point of purchasing Badgers gear (quite a commitment from a life-long Gopher fan!).
How her creativity as a teacher was influenced by her participation in sports.
Lessons learned from her grandma – who was elected mayor at age 75 by a write-in vote.
Management by wandering around.
Playing for a soccer team in France – taking risks, being a “complete and utter outsider for the first time in my life.”
Being “a very intentional observer” who “is always on the lookout for the hidden gem, the underdog.”
“Authentically being me has helped me gain respect.”
Her grandma’s saying, “do it your own wrong way.”
Not taking oneself too seriously, keeping a “lightness” in her work, and remaining approachable.
“Take yourself off the stage and put the spotlight on other people.”

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Freddie Owens is an assistant basketball coach at Loyola University in Maryland. Coach Owens was previously a star player for the University of Wisconsin and, over recent years, he’s gained a reputation as an outstanding coach in his stops at multiple colleges. Even as he has moved around to coaching positions throughout the country, Coach Owens has maintained a deep commitment to his hometown, Milwaukee. Most notably, he started the Milwaukee Coaches Association, who develops and supports coaches in the city. In this episode of SGG, I was joined by Freddie and fellow UW basketball alum, Wquinton Smith, to discuss:

Growing up playing basketball in Milwaukee.
His father’s influence on him on and off the court – including working toward the goal that Freddie set as an 8 year-old boy to be a Division 1 basketball player.
Coach James Gordon, his coach at Milwaukee Washington High School, and the identity that his teams took on.
Coach Curtis Weathers and his everyday support helping to get Freddie prepared for college.
“Taking bits and pieces of each coach I’ve worked with to build my own identity.”
His ongoing commitment to Milwaukee and why he started the Milwaukee Coaches Association.
The impact of the charter school movement on Milwaukee basketball.
Interviewing for coaching positions.

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Andy North is a two-time U.S. Open champion and one of the most respected names in golf. After his long, successful professional career, he’s enjoyed a great run at ESPN – along with a wide range of other pursuits on and off the course. Andy’s also a loyal, lifelong supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers. Andy joined the SGG podcast, where we discussed:

His dad’s background as a coach – and the innovations he made capturing video and focusing on the mental sides of the game.
His dad’s lessons about the difference between “just goofing around” and “purposeful practice.”
The value of playing a team sport for individual sport athletes.
Being a “good player on a bad team” and being a “bad player on a good team.”
The injury that catapulted him into golf.
Lee Milligan’s long-time influence in his life.
The competitive fire of his friend Michael Jordan…and the fire within all great competitors.
How many golfers get too “bound up technically.”
His college coach understanding “if you need help, come to me” as opposed to trying to get overly involved in changing kids’ games.
Differences between his generation of athletes and today’s athletes. How playing multiple sports assisted in “learning how to use your body.”
Keeping things simple.
The importance of knowing yourself as an athlete.
Helping UW football team’s kickers.
“The great players are the guys who can go out there with nothing (on an off day) and figure out a way to get it done.”
Not letting others know you’re nervous and talking yourself into everything being ok. “Get to where you enjoy being there.”
Visualizing his next day’s round as a method of preparation.
The value of “figuring things out” without an entourage of supporters.
Common attributes of the great coaches he’s been around.
Byron Nelson’s comment that to be good in golf “you have to be really, really smart or really, really dumb.”
Making it through ongoing injuries, mentally and physically – and “never-ending” rehab.
What he learned about working on TV from Hubie Brown and John Madden – “they told me something I didn’t realize.”
“Empathy” in coaching (including the example of his dad communicating with his high school players’ girlfriends.)
“Sometimes the smartest thing a coach can do is sit down and be quiet for five or ten minutes.”
The young coaches he’s impressed by.

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Jerry Petitgoue is the head basketball coach at Cuba City High School in Wisconsin. He is the all-time leader in wins in Wisconsin (over 900 wins!), he’s won three state titles, been elected to multiple halls of fame, and received countless other awards. After more than 50 years of coaching, he’s still going strong, serving as executive director of the robust Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association – and was even voted as the Wisconsin state coach of the year in 2020.

Getting his work ethic from his parents. His father was a miner and his mom worked in a factory.
His high school coach, who only recently passed away.
His advice to new coaches: “I would take all the psychology classes that I could take” and “I would have a mentor.”
Learning to play Euchre from his grandfather.
Being a teacher and coach in Cuba City.
Why younger coaches should have “someone with gray hair on the bench” as a mentor.
“I want to coach kids the way I would want to be coached. And I look at them like my sons.”
Stirring up interest in the game by distributing mini-basketballs to newborns at the local hospital.
The importance of being a teacher in the school where you coach. “I wanted to be the best history teacher I could be.”
The importance of being able to read body language.
How his year of studying broadcasting in Chicago helped him as a teacher and coach.
Balancing coaching and family (how Hudl has helped). And the important role his wife Joan has played in his life over the years – including with the WBCA.
The life lessons learned through athletics. “You get yourself up off the ground and you compete.” “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”
Continuing to learn the game with other coaches, including good friends Will Rey and Jeff Boos.
Keeping things simple.
Keeping things engaging and fun (even telling pre-game knock-knock jokes).

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Michael Harris is the head football coach at Madison Memorial High School. He has achieved great success, including leading the Spartans to an undefeated 2019 season. Coach Harris is widely respected across the community as a positive leader on and off the field. On this SGG episode, we discussed:

A significant life challenge that he experienced in 8th grade – and the important role that a coach played in helping him through it. “He recognized that I was longing for a sense of belonging.”
Playing football at UW-Whitewater.
“There are some kids who need football more than football needs them.”
The importance of sharing his own story with the team – and asking the players to share their own stories.
His team’s four core values: courage, integrity, positive work ethic, and unconditional love.
“I want them to leave here as better people.”
The importance of being in the building as a teacher at the school. “The students want to see how you respond to uncertainty or uncomfortable situations…It’s up to us to be ambassadors in the building.”
Pausing during his team’s games to ask younger children, “what do you see here?”
The importance of routines and rituals, including his game-day distribution of black-eyed peas to his team.
The importance of life-long bonds being formed through sports.

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Bo Ryan is a Hall of Fame basketball coach, who achieved great success at multiple levels of the game. Notably, Coach Ryan led UW-Platteville to four national championships and the UW Badgers to more victories than any other coach in school history, including multiple Big Ten conference titles, and two Final Fours. His awards and accomplishments are too numerous to list and his impact on the game throughout the US is widespread and lasting. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Watching his dad’s influence on young people as a three-sport coach in Chester, PA.
How his dad kept things simple in sports – not trying to trick anyone or play favorites.
Coaches being in it for the kids, not themselves.
Always learning and working toward getting understanding between coach and players.
“It’s not so much what you say, but what you accept.”
Why “walk-throughs are a no-no.”
The “voice in the locker room when the coaches aren’t around” can mean 5-10 more wins a season.
The value of experience – you can’t learn a lot of these things in a book.
Growing up across the street from Coach Jack McKinney.
The role of camps as a developmental opportunity for young coaches.
“Do what you do, and do it better than what the other team can prepare for. We have never tricked another team or coach into a victory.” Stick to the absolutes.
The great compliment that Coach Wooden gave him.
Keeping players focused and “present” amid high-pressure, big-hoopla game environments.
“The best teachers are the ones that always make the students feel like they’re the ones that got the answers.”
How video from his UW-Platteville days helped some of his Badger teams learn.
The “impact of a hard cut”… an example of how each small part affects the whole unit.
“Spreading your wings” to learn from different types of coaches and settings.
“Getting five defensive players to guard three offensive players” and being guided by a few simple concepts.

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Dick Bennett was one of the great coaches in Wisconsin basketball history. In part 2 of our SGG conversation, Coach Bennett discussed: 1. The “brotherhood” among coaches. 2. How his son Tony and bible study influenced the formation of Dick’s beliefs and core pillars: humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness. 3. Modeling his life and ways of coaching after Christ. 4. Getting “players you can lose with” – those who will stay the course during difficult times. 5. How do you get players to play defense like that? “Every night!” (…and pay attention to the ball pressure) 6. A lesson from Vince Lombardi: Execution comes through repetition…and keep it simple. 7. The third great coach in the Bennett family. 8. Wisdom from Ben Hogan on how to get really good at something. “It’s every day.” 9. “Stay the course, push them – without being nasty.” 10. His annual summer gathering with former players. 11. The importance of the time you spend with players, especially at the high school level: “They’re like sponges.” 12. Owning up to mistakes and apologizing.

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Dick Bennett was one of the great coaches in Wisconsin basketball history. Coach Bennett mastered the “re-building of programs,” achieving success at every stop from small high schools to major Division 1 programs – including leading the Wisconsin Badgers to the NCAA Final Four. Coach Bennett has served as a mentor to countless players and coaches, and he impacted countless lives along the way. In part one of our conversation on the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Reconnecting with his high school basketball coach, Jerry Grunska, who had a significant influence on Coach Bennett wanting to become a coach.
Why high school was his favorite level at which to coach. “All there was to the job was a love of the game and a love for the kids.”
Making early mistakes and learning on the job during his first years as a high school coach: “I don’t think I made it quite simple enough.”
Taking a coaching class from Marquette’s Al McGuire, attending clinics around the Midwest – and sitting, listening to Adolph Rupp, John Wooden, and Henry Iba.
Seeing the game the same way as Bob Knight – who almost became the Wisconsin Coach.
The Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association.
Advocating for Terry Porter in tryouts for various national teams.
Having dinner with Coach Knight in Bloomington the night before playing the Hoosiers, and maintaining a long-term friendship with him.
Coach Knight’s proposed “son swap” that never happened.
Al McGuire’s advice about scheduling opponents.

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Ben Askren was an accomplished college wrestler, winning two national championships and a Hodge Trophy. He then wrestled for the US in the 2008 Olympics and, later, achieved success and notoriety in MMA. These days, Ben is active on multiple fronts in the sport of wrestling, including his work with young wrestlers through the Askren Wrestling Academy. Ben joined the SGG podcast and discussed:

Playing multiple sports as a kid.
“The only thing you can really control is effort.”
Giving kids responsibility and allowing them to experiment.
Remaining open-minded.
Performing in high pressure situations, the game is the same, don’t worry about what you can’t control.
Competing under pressure.
Building relationships first.
“Think about the best coach you ever had.”

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Bruce Larson is the head football coach at Somerset High School. He’s recognized as one of the best in state of Wisconsin and, actually, in the whole country, having won the Don Shula National High School Coach of the Year award in 2015. Coach is renowned for winning championships on the field and, more importantly, instilling life-long values and habits in those who play for him. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Somerset as a working class community.
Growing up on a dairy farm in Spring Valley, Wisconsin…where he learned to get things done.
The impact of his high school coach, Bob Thomas – how he made his players feel and the time he invested in them.
UW-River Falls coach Mike Farley.
“Don’t worry about winning – just do it the right way and things will be ok.”
Arriving at Somerset in 1987 as an assistant coach to Brad Nemec.
When everything “fell apart” during his third year as head coach, writing down everything he didn’t like in the program.
DW Rutledge and Dennis Parker, two of his coaching influences.
“What you see is what you coach.”
“If you don’t like it, change it.” The coach is the person in charge.
Using Army values in his program. “Everything we do is built around that.”
“What it comes down to more than anything is attitude.”
“The world is full of educated derelicts.”
The Friday morning routines with the team.
The army transforming a person “into a machine” in 14 weeks.
2002 state semi-finals vs Auburndale: kids falling back on what they know best.
Making changes to the weight training program.
The coaching advice to his sons – it starts with relationships.
When “what you believe in got beat” it hurts.
What makes Wisconsin football unique: tough, hard-nosed kids. Ass-kickers.

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John Koronkiewicz served as a coach and teacher at Waupaca High School for 40 years. He spent 24 years as head coach of the baseball program and 32 years as head coach of the football program. He was elected into the WFCA High School Coaches’ Hall of Fame and also into the National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. “Coach Kronk” won many championships over the years and is respected by coaches across the state. Coach is admired by former players, families, and community members for his positive impact over the years. In this episode, we discussed:

1.Playing football for Wisconsin Hall of Famers Jerry Schliem and Russ Young.

Growing up playing sports on the farm.
His emphasis on creating a positive, fun environment during his initial years at Waupaca—and his emphasis on developing lessons that could be used for life.
Leaving the field in a positive mood each day.
“Attitude, character, enthusiasm, team.”
Playing the Beach Boys on Friday afternoons in the classroom.
Being yourself, not faking it, and having a passion for the game.
Creating the team as a “home away from home.”
Coaching as a gift.
Finding a niche for each player – and the coaches “owing it” to each player to get him on the field with a meaningful role.
Working in the best interest of the kids by being honest and caring.
Coaching as a service to others – not an enhancement of one’s own ambitions.
Continuing to learn, even amid long periods of success. “Losing can become a habit – as can winning.”
Building a program that the community could be proud of.
Doing the best you can and setting a good example for kids.
Being proud of and keeping friendships with past players and assistant coaches, including Amherst’s Mark Lusic.
The identity of Wisconsin football.

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Bob Hurley coached the St. Anthony’s team in Jersey City for 50 years – 45 as head coach. He is recognized as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game, having won innumerable championships and being one of just a few high school coaches to be voted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. In this episode of the SGG podcast, Coach Hurley discussed:

Growing up playing sports at St. Paul’s in Greenville.
High school coach Jack McCoy giving him a chance to play in a summer basketball league.
Becoming an athletic director at age 19.
The impact of being the oldest of four children.
How the “recreation man” helped improve his self-esteem.
“The anonymity of fighters” – the unrecognized people who lay the groundwork for us all.
Behind the scenes moments that helped shape David Rivers’ future.
What he prioritized when consulting his players on college recruiting decisions (quality of school and a coach “on the way up”).
Why it’s important to maintain contact with his former players during their first semester away at college…and his perspective that a “high school coach is coach for life.”
Basketball being “over-coached and under-taught.”
Keeping the gym open for young kids and teaching them the game via the Hurley Family Foundation.
Advice from Chuck Daly to pay your dues as a young coach: “It takes five years to get comfortable.”
Why he pushed so hard to make his players better.

Chasing Perfect: The Will to Win in Basketball and Life

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Mike Zdebski is the head football coach at Hamilton High School, the biggest school in Arizona and a traditional football force. Before beginning at Hamilton, Coach Zdebski spent 29 years on the sideline in Michigan, where he achieved at the highest levels and was elected to the Michigan High School Football Association’s Hall of Fame. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

The scale of high school football in Arizona, including high-level media attention.
The friendships he developed through football.
Learning the game while coaching with Pat Fox.
Giving assistant coaches opportunities to continue learning while he was at Walled Lake in Michigan.
Why he took over as head track coach… and encouraged his football players to run track.
Identifying college coaches to learn from – including Urban Meyer and Dan Mullen – and the importance of developing trusting relationships with them.
Using Zoom to promote learning for his football staff.
Weekly leadership meetings for his players.
Once a month team-building activities – centered on community service and fun.
Reading together as a team. (you win the locker room first)
Weekly team meetings.
Why he took on a new challenge…and some of the specific elements of turning around a team that had experienced difficult times.
Building a youth program.
The impact of personal training on young football players.
Providing support to his players in contacting colleges and supporting them through the recruiting process.
Why there’s no need for “rah rah” speeches before games – but how important routine and focus are in developing mature teams.
“Learning to be yourself” as a coach.

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Marques Johnson is a commentator for the Milwaukee Bucks on Fox Sports. Marques had a distinguished career as a player: from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, to UCLA, and then in the NBA. One of the great players of his generation joined the SGG podcast to talk about his dad, some of the famous coaches he played for, and other coaches he’s observed over the years. We discussed:

Marques’ father’s background coaching in Natchitoches, Louisiana and his “basketball bible.”
Learning the game from his dad and competing at Sportsman’s Park (now called Jesse Owens Park).
Growing up with future NFL great James Lofton.
What he and his friends learned by playing the game with a ball of aluminum foil.
Playing for Crenshaw High School’s legendary coach Willie West.
Coach Wooden’s saying, “You don’t treat every player the same, because they’re not the same.”
Coach Wooden’s meticulous notes after each practice.
What Coach Wooden did for the only time before the title game in 1975.
Don Nelson’s willingness to ask players for input.
The Bucks’ 1983 sweep of the Celtics and why Coach Nelson didn’t want to “poke the bear.”
Keeping a team “even keel” and keeping emotions in check through the ups and downs.
Coach Mike Budenholzer’s growth as a head coach including the use of strategies such as “breaking bread,” “daily vitamins,” and knowing how to keep players’ best interest at the forefront.
How he’s changed the ways he works on basketball with his own kids over the years – “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Rupp's Championship Basketball : For Player, Coach, and Fan

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Donovan “Donny” Dooley owns and runs “Quarterback University,” where young quarterbacks are trained and developed “52 weeks a year.” In the growing industry of private skills development in youth sports, QBU has emerged as one of the football leaders in the Midwest. In this episode of the SGG podcast, Donny and I discussed:

Learning the cerebral side of quarterbacking at a young age as he grew up in Detroit.
Less than 1% of young quarterbacks making it.
His parents’ influence on his and other kids’ lives through football.
Detroit's PAL, inner-city black quarterbacks, and the early beginnings of QBU.
Being a mentor, friend, and critic to his players.
“What are you gonna do when you meet you?”
The private coaching industry – and his concerns with parents.
Parents as social media promoters of their kids.
Providing access for inner-city families.
His relationship with high school coaches.
When counseling his players on how to make college choices, “don’t chase the logo.”
Success stories off the field.
His continuous learning from trusted leaders in the field.

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Jim Delany served as Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference for over 30 years. Jim played basketball for Coach Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina. He is recognized as one of the most influential leaders in all of sports. Jim learned from, worked with, and helped shape a long list of great coaches. In this episode, we discussed:

His remarkable direct and indirect lineage, which includes the likes of: James Naismith, Ernest “Prof” Blood, Jim’s dad, Jack Dalton, Joe Lapchick, Dean Smith, Larry Brown, Eddie Fogler.
Why his dad advised him to pursue law school.
Coaching as “an art not a science” – which makes it difficult to predict who will be good at it.
The value of experience… and the misleading indicators that the NCAA tournament can provide.
Being an extrovert – who likes to “joust and laugh” – and growing up in a diverse, complex community.
Sharing ownership of ideas and initiatives and building a culture of collaboration among competitors.
Dean Smith as an innovator and builder of a “community of trust.”
Why UNC won the close games.
Why Coach Smith designed some defensive schemes to give up easy shots.
Being passionate, curious, frank, prepared, and creative every day.
Learning the “gestation period” for ideas.
Guiding, supporting, and leaning on his Big Ten team.
Re-committing to physical activity in his 60s.
Learning from others (Gavitt, Byers) – and “not needing to make every mistake yourself.”

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Craig Bundy is an Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer whose impact on players, teams, and communities transcends the football field. Coach Bundy “sees the big picture” in sports, focusing on not just wins and losses, but upon the ways we can grow the good through teamwork and competition. In this episode of SGG, we discussed:

The impact that his high school football coach had on his life.
Becoming a head high school coach “way, way too early.”
What he learned when he left coaching to try a career in sales.
Learning the game at the University of Illinois and other stops along his journey.
When yelling is necessary.
Seeing the big picture when working with kids.
Communicating with parents.
The Best Buddies partnership.
The “Team Together” concept – which emphasizes selflessness.
How service-related work can contribute to winning on the field.
The unique role of football in individual and community lives.

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Jeff Duncan Andrade is widely revered as a leading professor and dynamic speaker. He’s also a public school teacher, author of books and articles, and the founder of a school. But did you know that he was also a championship-winning high school basketball coach and, before that, an elite athlete? In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

How travel basketball opened the world (and universities) to him beginning in middle school.
How sports revealed his “inner math and science nerd.”
Developing an identity, becoming a better person, and having fun in sports.
What he wished coaches would have helped him understand.
The end of his college athletics dream…and Dr. Harry Edwards’ life-changing hour with him.
Why he (literally) burned his college sports gear.
The good and bad aspects of the trend toward more coaches being “institutionally detached.”
Why schools should recruit teachers of color with coaching backgrounds.
Why he asks leading university schools of education if they have consulted with their football and basketball coaches.
“Presence is profound.”
The multigenerational “community participation” lessons that schools should learn from sports and churches.

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Paul Chryst is the head football coach at the University of Wisconsin. He’s led the team to great heights, both on the field and off. Recognized as a leading mind in the game, Coach Chryst serves as a model from whom other coaches in Wisconsin and beyond can learn. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed:

Shattering the backboard during a high school basketball game.
Noticing high school football programs that have organized “systems” and passion around their programs.
His impressions of the benefits and potential problems associated with the growing private coaching industry.
Being the “young guy in the staff room” for many of his formative years as a coach.
What he looks for when hiring young coaches.
How he organized all the coaching information he picked up over the years.
Deek Pollard’s motto: “It’ll feel better after it quits hurting” … and Coach Chryst’s emphasis on working hard and having fun together.
Why he wanders among the players during each day’s pre-practice stretching time.
Starting over on Sundays each week during the season.
Listening to other coaches, and asking the right questions at the right time.
Continually seeking new and better ways to coach and lead.
“Football brings us all together, but at the end, if all we have is football, then we’ve missed something.”

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Muffet McGraw is the head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Her teams have won two national championships and competed in nine final fours. Coach McGraw was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and is widely recognized as one of the all-time great college basketball coaches. In this episode of SGG, we discussed:

Going into a bubble on gamedays.
Being grateful and supporting others during difficult times.
Learning from former St. Joseph’s Coach Jim Foster.
Coach Pat Summit as a gracious leader in the game of basketball.
The impact of social media on her relationships with players.
Various strategies she’s used to get to know her players.
Why she loved Niele Ivey the first time she saw her play.
Talking with players about “the three things you need to do” this season.
Asking questions to the team instead of always telling them what to do.
Giving players a voice in game preparation.
Watching other coaches’ practices and having conversations about making the right systems work.
Why she watches football practice… and how she collaborates with other coaches on her campus.
Learning about leadership from ROTC.
Areas where she is still trying to develop.
How she monitored her “tone” with her players.

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Paula Wilkins is the head coach of the University of Wisconsin’s women’s soccer team. After competing at Division 1 and national levels, she’s been a successful coach in major college soccer – at both Penn State and Wisconsin. Coach Wilkins is full of wisdom. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed: 1. The advantages of playing soccer with boys until age 16. 2. Her first soccer coach – and his long-term impact on her trajectory. 3. The ways her college coach trusted her – and prepared her for a coaching future. 4. The characteristics of successful youth soccer coaches – including honesty. 5. Learning about recruits from opposing club coaches and opposing club players. 6. Looking for a special talent/skill in a young player, and how the skill shows when times are tough. 7. The changes she made in 2013-14, including improvements in communication. 8. Defining effort. 9. Her everyday habit of touching base with each of her players during warm-ups. 10. Writing out each day’s practice plan and theme so players know what to expect before they begin. 11. Letting former players know about their lasting impact on the program. 12. Getting things in order before something bad happens.

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Fran McCaffery is the head basketball coach at the University of Iowa. He was the youngest Division 1 head coach in the country at Lehigh University at age 26 and has enjoyed numerous successes and accolades at multiple stops in the ensuing years. Coach Fran is one of the best. In this SGG episode, we discuss:

Getting noticed and supported at a young age in Philadelphia by Sam Rines, who ended up coaching Kobe Bryant.
What he’s looked for in an AAU program as a father of four kids.
The funniest teammate he’s been around – and the importance of humor on a team.
Team personality as part of culture.
Having purposeful conversations with players who are different – and knowing how to reach each of them in meaningful ways.
Basketball not being “a game of perfect.”
Getting through the long winter grind of the season – and locking in on hoops while class is out of session.
Building confidence in players.
Being there for players when the going gets tough.

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Greg Gard is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin. As a winner of multiple conference titles and numerous awards, he’s recognized as a leader in the profession. Those who work with Coach Gard admire his skill and steadiness as a leader in Madison. In this SGG episode, we discuss:

His early interests in college basketball – and why he was initially an Iowa Hawkeye fan.
His experience as an eighth-grade basketball coach.
Attending Bob Knight clinics as a young coach.
Coaches as teachers who pay attention to detail.
The importance of interpersonal communication on teams.
Being vulnerable as a head coach.
Developing a staff that has diverse ideas, but a unified voice.
His relationships with other head coaches, including Bo Ryan, Tom Izzo, Dick Bennett, and Matt Painter.
The decrease in high school coaches working inside the schools.
“Being where your feet are” – paying attention to the job in front of you – not other jobs you covet down the line.
Researching the intangibles of potential recruits.
Where he sits (and why) when he attends a high school game to recruit.
Why he talks to secretaries and janitors at the schools he visits.
Seeking quality family time as opposed to chasing “balance.”

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Chris Bono is the head wrestling coach at the University of Wisconsin. He was a three-time All-American wrestler at Iowa State and was the NCAA champion at 150 lbs. Coach Bono has quickly developed the Wisconsin wrestling program into one of the best in the nation. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discuss:

Starting wrestling as a five-year old.
The difficult position he was put into as a new coach right out of college.
The importance of developing deep relationships with the student-athletes.
His daily routine – which starts very early (4:15am).
Pearl Jam.
The importance of positive habits…but also setting goals and enjoying “little successes” along the way.
Why he’s changing the team’s practice schedule for the season ahead (the importance of remaining adaptable and being willing to change).
How he’s responded to failures over the years: “Keep doin’!”
Forcing opponents to “wrestle our style.”
What’s involved with being a head coach – the “CEO” of the program.
Why he asks potential recruits to send videos of a match they lost.
What he pays attention to when he watches a potential recruit compete and when the recruits and their families visit campus.
Keeping up with the ever-changing ways that young people communicate technologically.

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Steve Jones is the head football coach at Kimberly High School in Wisconsin. He has won multiple championships as well as state and national coaching awards. Coach Jones also teaches leadership courses at the high school and is recognized as a dynamic speaker on leadership development. In this SGG episode, we discuss: To learn more, refer to Coach Jones’ Twitter feed; a brief article and video about the culture of Coach Jones’ program; a short article describing a couple of his keys to sustained success; and short article describing his team’s formula.

His family experiences growing up – especially learning from his brother with disabilities.
The impact that a fifth-grade teacher had on his life.
His daily habits: reading, taking care of his mind and body, early-day inspiration, making intentional contact with people who need him.
“Leading by ‘intentional’ wandering around.”
Servant leadership – what it is and how it takes shape on his team.
Why he doesn’t talk about winning, rather the “habits of winners.”
Kimberly’s camp for kids with special needs.
Centering love in the football program.
Planting seeds as a leader.
The unique positives offered by football.
The ultimate goal of the program.
Kimberly football’s mental skills program – focus on “being present.”
Getting players to find their “performance number.”
His struggle to enjoy the process.

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Marc Skelton is an author, teacher, and renowned head basketball coach at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in New York City. His teams have won championships and his students succeed beyond their time at the school. In this episode of the SGG podcast, Coach Skelton and I discuss:

Taking care of his students and players at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in New York.
Overlaps in teaching and coaching.
Being authentic to “who I am” as a coach.
The New York Times article about his team.
His “Trojan Horse Theory” of basketball.
Players making transitions to their post-basketball lives.
The importance of self-care for coaches.
What he’s learning these days.
Watching Brad Stevens coach.

Pounding the Rock: Basketball Dreams and Real Life in a Bronx High School

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Mark Lusic is a teacher and the head football coach at Amherst High School in Wisconsin. By developing an intensive weight training program, developing deep relationships, and building a winning culture, he’s led Amherst to four state championships and built one of the most respected programs in the state. In this episode of SGG, we discuss:

Learning from Coach John Koronkiewicz about how to listen and develop relationships.
Does “scheme” win games? (no) What does?
Make your average players good, your good players great, and your great players “studs.”
What does the team talk about in the weight room?
Developing a team identity, sticking to it, and putting time into practicing it.
The 600, 800, and 1000 pound clubs.
How kids develop confidence through weightlifting. (see excerpt from student essay below)
Kids needing football more than football needs them.
Asking kids to “pay it forward” one day.
It’s all about the players.
Why he asks his team, “Are you satisfied?” after each game.
His annual “life review.”
Knowing what to do on 3rd and 1.
Being ok with not always knowing the answer right away.

Excerpt from Amherst HS student essay on how weightlifting built his confidence:

"I didn’t always believe in myself. It finally clicked last year. To understand how I found my confidence, you need to know that I have always been a scrawny kid. I wanted to get stronger, so I started going to the weight room in the mornings in middle school. However, I never really saw or felt the results I wanted. Every morning, I would see everyone lifting heavier than me. Even though I felt like giving up, I continued waking up extra early every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and lifting. This went on until Junior year. I knew I was improving, but I thought it wasn’t much.

Junior year was when I figured it out. I stopped comparing myself to everyone else lifting. The only person I compared myself to was who I was the day before. I realized that I am myself, and no one else has any effect on me. Although I still don’t really look like it, I became much stronger than I ever had. I worked hard to improve myself every day.

At the end of the year, we had max out week, which is when we do as much weight as we can for one rep for bench, squat, and deadlift. All I wanted since I started lifting was to make it to the six hundred pound club, which is where your combined maxes added up to at least six hundred. I managed to get 165 pounds for bench press. For squat, I maxed out at 225, and, for deadlift, I maxed out at 275. If you do the math, those numbers add up to 665 pounds. I finally accomplished my goal from middle school. I got my numbers written on the paper in the weight room and a t-shirt, which I wear proudly.

My confidence spread through my life. I felt more confident with my school work. Whether it was someone I normally did not talk to or a complete stranger, I found it easier to talk to people. I also found it easier to ask for help. I always try to learn from my mistakes, but this helped me learn to ask for help, so that I did not have to make mistakes that could be prevented."

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Josh Niblett is the head football coach at Hoover High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Coach Niblett’s teams have won multiple state championships and have been recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Coach Niblett is an educator who values the deeper life lessons that can be learned through sports. He described:

Agape love – and what it looks like on a football team;
Weekly “Mindset Wednesday” discussions with his team;
How he sharpens his edge;
His team’s core value of respecting cultural differences;
The “lighthouse” effect of lessons learned from the team;
Finding a common denominator among team members;
The team's word of the year: “E.D.G.E.”
What he still struggles with;
How he develops personal relationships with individual players;
Twenty years of Wednesday evening Bible study with his team and family;
“Change pace, change place, change perspective;”
Being honest with players;
Hating losing more than loving winning;
The books he recommends to developing coaches, especially the Program.

The Program: Lessons From Elite Military Units for Creating and Sustaining High Performance Leaders and Teams

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Coach Alvarez joins SGG to discuss readiness on the field and in the classroom. Coach Alvarez is the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin. Formerly, he was a championship winning coach at high school and college levels. Coach discusses: 1. Finding the right fit in the recruiting process; 2. How did he know which players to take a chance on? 3. What did he expect of his assistant coaches? 4. What supports young student-athletes need.

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We can learn valuable lessons about coaching and sports from Jane Addams, the famous social worker and leader in the early 1900s. This episode of SGG describes four specific ways that today’s leaders can learn from Jane:

Identifying the basic needs of your team in order to make bigger things possible;
Developing and sustaining teams as “places of enthusiasm;”
Starting with what is right in front of you; and
Gaining “sympathetic entry” into team members’ lives – meeting them where they are.

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Coach Dusty Mattison is the highly-regarded head coach of the University of Wisconsin’s Lightweight Rowing program. We met at the Porter Boathouse, where she described

Lessons she learned from her background in swimming;
Teaching “the basics;”
The importance of everyday steadiness;
Some of her key organizational strategies;
Her “practice binder” – and the down-to-the-minute practice plans that she develops;
Why she utilizes email instead of apps for team communication;
Her use of a “daily focus” for each practice session;
Why she pumps music during early morning practice sessions;
How organization at home affects her coaching;
Developing a balance between coaching and family life;
Finding the balance between technology and old-school work in training;
Encouraging athletes to develop life skills;
Weekly check-ins with individual athletes.

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As the youth sports industry continues to rapidly grow throughout the US, Professor Bell warns us of some problems with the athletics pipeline. He discusses:

What should parents and youth coaches know about sport?
What are the impacts of physical activity in youth and young adulthood years? There are widespread physical and social effects.
Why are more and more kids dropping out of sports at younger ages?
What is the definition of youth sport specialization? What does “highly specialized” mean? How is this different from just being a “single sport” athlete?
What does puberty have to do with specialization? What should parents know?
Why are there higher rates of specialization among young female athletes?
The importance of the triad between coach, parent, and athlete in creating a healthy sporting experience.
Recommendations: delaying specialization as long as possible; play on one team at a time; don’t play a single sport more than eight months per year – especially before puberty; play a sport no more hours per week than your age; and take two days off per week.
What can college-level coaches and leaders do to help foster a healthy pipeline?
Previous injury predicts future risk.

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Coach visited with us to describe the many details he addressed when taking over a struggling Wisconsin football program in the early 1990s:

Before taking a new job as a coach, you better have a real clear idea of what is expected of you by the leaders who hired you. “Where is the program today, and how are you going to support me?” You have to know the lay of the land before you take a job.
The importance of identifying and securing the players you need and winning over their coaches. “The best players in the state weren’t staying here.” “I knew I had to win over the state high school coaches… I told them, ‘your program is important…You can visit anytime.’”
How off-the-field problems affect on-field performance.
Develop a thorough plan on how you are going to run your program.
Figure out the best recruits you can get at your school – those that are athletic, academic, and geographic fits.
Before you take the job, establish a detailed list of coaches you will try to bring with you. Know what kind of staff you want and get the staff you need.
You have to sell your plan to recruits and high school coaches – but also to your own new staff.
You must communicate your plan to “every person who touches the program.” You must be clear and precise about what you expect of everyone. You have to implement the day-to-day expectations. “If you do things properly during the day, during the week, things will go well on Saturdays.”
Develop a “staff policy book” that addresses every detail about what you want/expect regarding people’s behaviors and expectations, all the way down to the way you dress and the way you conduct meetings.
Among your staff, develop a specific recruiting plan. “What are we selling? What does this place have to offer.” Deliver a coherent, cohesive message.
Be very specific about the roles/expectations for each of the assistants – including their key roles in supporting the academic side of their players’ lives.
Be clear and consistent as a staff about the way feedback is offered to players.
The three questions every coach needs to know of his players: “Can I trust you?” “Are you committed?” “Do you care?”
Develop a player policy book: What do you expect from your players? The importance of the “weekly truth statements.”
The importance of maintaining success by staying hungry and not making compromises.
Being honest with parents and players, including questions about playing time.
Putting players in uncomfortable positions in practice in order to prepare them to perform in difficult situations.
What Coach Alvarez learned from Bob Devaney, Hayden Fry, and Lou Holtz.

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What happens when families and communities come together every weekend for youth sports games? SGG presents ten minutes of condensed Saturday morning basketball action. What do we hear in these ten minutes?

A community of volunteers coming together…running concessions, coaching, running the clock;
Parents meeting each other and developing relationships;
Young athletes cheering for each other and have fun playing a game together;
A kid getting a bloody nose;
Teammates communicating with each other and coordinating their actions on the court;
Parents cheering for their teams;
Coaches giving the players instruction, encouragement, and correction during the game...and across the years.

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Yvette Healy is the head softball coach at the University of Wisconsin. She’s led the team to great heights during her ten years in Madison. Coach Healy discusses:

The value of small group practice sessions;
Why an indoor dirt field is important;
Her daily routine – splitting time between the office and the field;
One of her coaching models, Eugene Lenti;
Building a competitive atmosphere;
Developing belief on a team;
Designing practices that are fun and competitive;
Making players uncomfortable in drills;
What coaches can learn from watching kids run the bases;
The best advice she received from Barry Alvarez;
Being more present to the team;
Having “side-to-side” conversations with players;
Modeling self-challenge;
Building relationships off the field with the coaching staff.

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Kelly Sheffield is the head coach of the University of Wisconsin's volleyball team. Fresh off a run to the national championship game, Coach Sheffield discusses:

His initial team goals during his first season at Wisconsin in 2013;
Why he chose to hold a critical team meeting in the top corner of the field house;
His purposeful design of the team’s locker room;
The messages that are conveyed by different spaces where the team gathers;
The film room’s “classroom” feel;
Player seating in the film room;
His “goulash” style of learning from other coaches;
Being unafraid to ask questions;
How to make large amounts of information simple and useable for the team;
How he utilizes the days and weeks immediately following the season; and
Preparing for top rivals’ specific strengths and strategies.

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Chris Clark is the head coach of the men's rowing team at the University of Wisconsin. Reflecting on his years as leader and competitor across the world, he discusses:

Dwelling on failures (7:04).
Eliminating impediments (11:50)
The myth of Sysiphus and the momentum of a team (12:20)
Multi-sport athletes who "know they know nothing" (16:00)
The value of athletes with "the right attitude" (19:55)
Finding his first rowing mentors at Orange Coast College, the national team, and beyond (25:00)
Reassessing coaches years after being on their teams (27:45)
Oxford Coach Mike Spracklen's patience with young "Heater" Clark... and the lessons Heater learned (28:20)
Coaching at Navy...while delivering pizzas (33:50)
His perspective that "nobody is above or below anything" (34:30)

Sport and the Growing Good: Recent Episodes

Peter Miller