What happens when a driven competitor is faced with something he can’t fix?

Coach Rod Ray has coached at Wofford College for over two decades, leading Division I tennis players to success on and off the court. But what’s shaped him even more than competition is something far deeper— raising a son with autism, building resilience through difficulty, and learning to love people where they are.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff sits down with Coach Rod to talk about:

• How sports and mentorship paved his way from childhood to a 25-year coaching career
• What it’s like raising a neurodiverse child—and how that changed his coaching and his heart
• His definition of greatness (hint: it’s not the scoreboard)
• The mindset shift from “fixing” to “growing through” challenges
• How loss, failure, and letting go are the greatest tools for transformation
• College sports in the NIL era and how coaches must now adapt to evolving values
• Why love, consistency, and grit matter more than raw talent

This is an episode for every parent, leader, coach, and dreamer who’s ever wondered if it’s worth staying in the hard.

Spoiler: It is.

Rod Ray is a bestselling author and active Division 1 college coach whose message is flipping the script on what it means to compete. 

With over 25 years on the frontlines of college athletics, Rod continues to shape athletes and leaders with a unique philosophy: that the strongest competitors are the ones who care the most. 

His work invites us to reimagine success, not as a solo grind, but as a purpose-driven path rooted in love, courage, and connection. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone trying to become more of who you were meant to be—Rod’s message will move you to lead differently.

📘 Book: Hard Comes First

🔗 Website: hardcomesfirst.com

📸 Instagram: @rod_r_ray

🐦 Twitter: @Rod_R_Ray

📩 Blog: Join the Winning Team (sign up at hardcomesfirst.com)

• Stop trying to fix the unfixable. True growth starts when we adapt rather than control.
• Coach the person they can become—not the one in front of you. Vision is everything.
• Resilience is built through losing well. Practice responding with grace. That’s the win.

Books:

• Hard Comes First by Rod Ray
• Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller

Past Show Mentioned:

• Episode with Dr. Tommy Martin 
• Coach Mason’s interview on developing grit and long-game potential

Stats Shared:

• Over 80% of college graduates with autism are unemployed
• Divorce rates for families with children on the spectrum are double the average

Organizations Mentioned:

• Wofford College
• Duke University Medical (referenced during player cardiac arrest story)

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.