3P Champions

Dr. Jeni Hopkins has dedicated her life to helping athletes and young people become champions—not just in sports, but in life.

In this episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, we sit down with Jenny Hopkins — coach, educator, broadcaster, sports counselor, and performance psychology expert — for a powerful conversation about youth sports, coaching, parenting, mental performance, and what it really means to create a great experience for young athletes.

Jenny brings a unique perspective shaped by 24 years of coaching, her work with athletes on the mental side of the game, her experience as a broadcaster and educator, and her own remarkable sports family background.

Jenny shares what she is most passionate about: helping young athletes have meaningful experiences in sports. She explains why success doesn't always mean winning a championship or earning a scholarship, and why young athletes need to discover their own definition of success.

We talk about the tremendous pressure young athletes face today — from social media and comparison to specialization, tournaments, recruiting, NIL, and the expectations placed on them by parents, coaches, and even themselves. Jenny explains why she believes much of pressure is self-imposed and how athletes can learn to manage and channel that pressure in a productive way.

One of the strongest messages throughout our conversation is the importance of FUN and FUNDAMENTALS. Jenny discusses why young athletes need time to develop, play multiple sports, experience different teams and roles, and simply enjoy being kids. We talk about the dangers of early specialization, burnout, perfectionism, and the loss of the natural creativity that comes from simply playing in the driveway or neighborhood.

We also take a deep dive into coaching.

Jenny explains why great coaches must do more than know the game. They need to be present, build relationships, care about their athletes, understand what motivates them, communicate effectively, and recognize where each young person is emotionally and mentally. As Jenny says, coaches need to build the relationships first and then coach the game.

We discuss the importance of coach education and why youth coaches need to understand not only the fundamentals of their sport, but also how to work with young people. Jenny shares her experiences working with coaches and parents and explains why parents need to be part of the conversation when it comes to creating a healthy sports experience.

Jenny also opens up about the tremendous influence of her parents and family. Her father was an accomplished athlete and sports psychology expert who introduced her to visualization, breathing, mental resets, and the mental side of competition at a young age. Her mother instilled accountability, nutrition, family, high expectations, and unconditional support.

One of the most powerful lessons from Jenny's upbringing was the importance of parents participating in their children's sports — getting outside, playing in the yard, rebounding, throwing the ball, and simply being present.

And, of course, we connect the conversation back to the foundation of the 3P Champions Podcast:

PASSION • PURPOSE • PRINCIPLE

Jenny talks about the importance of having passion for the sport and for the people you're coaching, understanding your purpose, and using principles to guide the experience.

This conversation goes far beyond basketball or sports.

It's about helping young people develop confidence, resilience, coping skills, relationships, character, and the ability to handle pressure — while remembering that sports are supposed to be something they PLAY.

Jenny Hopkins is a true 3P Champion because she isn't focused on telling people how great she is. She's focused on helping other people become great.

A powerful conversation for athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and anyone who believes that sports can be one of the greatest teachers in life.

Listen, learn, and discover what it means to become a champion — not just in sport, but in life.

3P Champions®

A Champion in Sport. A Champion in Life.

What happens when an NBA All-Star reaches one of the darkest moments of his life—and then discovers a new purpose on the other side?

James Donaldson spent 14 seasons in the NBA. He played for five franchises, became an NBA All-Star in 1988, and lived the dream that millions of basketball players chase.

But his most important story isn't about basketball.

In this deeply personal and emotional conversation, James opens up about a period in his life when he found himself at the brink of suicide.

There are moments in this conversation when James becomes emotional as he reflects on what he experienced, the people who helped him, and the realization that his life still had a greater purpose.

What followed wasn't simply a return to normal life.

James began turning his experience into a mission.

Today, he is an advocate for mental health awareness, encouraging people—especially men—to talk about their struggles, seek help, and understand that they don't have to suffer alone.

This conversation takes you from the basketball court to some of the most vulnerable moments of James's life.

We talk about:

🏀 His journey to the NBA and becoming an All-Star

🏀 The mentors who shaped his life

🏀 The challenges of life after professional basketball

❤️ His personal battle with mental health

❤️ The experience that brought him to the brink of suicide

❤️ The emotional moments of sharing his story

🙏 Faith, hope, and the people who helped him

🎯 How his darkest experience became a source of purpose

🧠 His commitment to mental-health advocacy

🤝 Why asking for help is a sign of strength

🌱 How one person's pain can become a mission to help others

James's story is ultimately about something bigger than basketball.

It's about what happens when you reach your darkest chapter—and find a reason to keep going.

It's about turning pain into purpose.

And it's about using your experiences to help someone else.

From the NBA… to the brink of suicide… to a life of purpose and mental-health advocacy.

This is James Donaldson's story.

Passion. Purpose. Principle.

What does it take to live a life with Passion, Purpose, and Principle?

In this powerful episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, Greg Stern and Rob Stoller sit down with Paul Sorensen — former NFL player, Washington State football HOF, coach, official, broadcaster, businessman, mentor, and community leader.

Paul's story is about far more than football.

He shares the experiences, people, and principles that shaped his life — from growing up as an undersized athlete with a chip on his shoulder, to playing at Washington State, becoming a First-Team All-American, and earning an opportunity in the NFL. But perhaps the most powerful part of Paul's story comes after his playing career.

Paul talks openly about mentorship, overcoming adversity, serving others, giving back, youth sports, leadership, teamwork, and the importance of character.

He explains why his purpose has always been rooted in "service above self" and how the example of his grandmother, who lived with paralysis for 55 years without feeling sorry for herself, profoundly influenced the way he approaches life.

Paul also delivers a passionate perspective on today's youth sports environment — why kids need to learn how to win AND lose, why parents sometimes need to step back, why relationships and teammates matter, and why adversity can be one of life's greatest teachers.

You'll hear incredible stories about:

• His journey from junior college to Washington State

At the heart of this conversation is one simple message:

You may not be the biggest, fastest, strongest, smartest or most talented person in the room — but you can control your effort, your attitude, your energy and the way you treat people.

Paul Sorensen doesn't just talk about Passion, Purpose and Principle.

He lives it.

This is an inspiring conversation about making the most of the limited time we have, helping others along the way, and leaving a positive impact wherever you go.

This is the 3P Champions Podcast.

PASSION • PURPOSE • PRINCIPLE

Watch, listen, subscribe and connect with the 3P Champions community.

#3PChampions #PaulSorensen #PassionPurposePrinciple #Leadership #Mentorship #YouthSports #Character #GivingBack #Football #WashingtonState #NFL #LifeLessons

What would you do if you were told “no” 15 times?

Tyrone “Hollywood” Brown never stopped.

At just 9 years old, Tyrone wrote down a goal: “I want to become a Harlem Globetrotter.” Years later, after setbacks and being cut from professional basketball opportunities 15 times, he achieved the dream he had written down as a child.

But becoming a Harlem Globetrotter was only part of the journey.

In this inspiring episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, Greg Stern and Rob Stoller sit down with Tyrone to explore the experiences, people and principles that shaped his remarkable life.

Tyrone shares:

🏀 His journey to becoming a Harlem Globetrotter

🔥 How he responded to being cut 15 times

🎯 Why writing down your goals can make a difference

💪 The importance of persistence, resilience and belief

❤️ How his mother and community influenced his life

🤝 Why kindness, dignity and respect matter

🧠 The power of positive habits and eliminating negativity

🌎 His passion for inspiring and motivating others

👥 His work with young people and his “We Don't Stop” mission

🏆 Lessons learned from basketball legends and his years with the Globetrotters

Tyrone's story is a reminder that a setback doesn't have to become your stopping point.

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply keep moving forward.

WE DON'T STOP.

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What if just five minutes a day could completely transform your life?

In this powerful episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, Greg Stern and Rob Stoller sit down with legendary Gonzaga University strength coach, leadership educator, investor, and former Gonzaga basketball standout Mike Nilson for one of the most inspiring conversations we've ever had.

Mike shares the timeless principles that have guided his life—from walking on at Gonzaga to becoming Defensive Player of the Year, mentoring elite athletes, building successful businesses, raising remarkable children, and helping today's NIL athletes create lasting wealth.

You'll discover why:

Mike also shares incredible stories about John Stockton, Gonzaga Basketball, Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, Tony Robbins, parenting, youth sports, and the lessons that have shaped his extraordinary life.

Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, entrepreneur, educator, or simply someone striving to become your best, this episode will leave you inspired to take action.

Because greatness isn't built in one day... it's built one commitment at a time.

• The Power of the 5-Minute Commitment

Connect with Mike Nilson

Compound Commitment Podcast

The Compound Commitment | Financial Insights | Ten Capital

The Compound Commitment - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Mike Nilson | LinkedIn

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What truly makes a champion?

In this inspiring episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton joins Greg Stern and Rob Stoller for one of the most personal conversations of his career.

While many know Stockton as the NBA's all-time leader in assists and steals, this discussion goes far beyond basketball. John shares the timeless principles that shaped his life—from the influence of his parents and legendary coaches to the importance of humility, work ethic, family, mentorship, and living with purpose.

Together they explore:

• Why purpose becomes more important as we grow older

Throughout the conversation, Stockton reflects on the relationships, mentors, and life lessons that mattered far more than statistics or championships.

Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, educator, or someone striving to live with greater purpose, this episode delivers practical wisdom that transcends sports.

This is more than a conversation with a Hall of Famer.

It's a masterclass on becoming a better person.

🏀 Why assists meant more to John than scoring

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family before fame

💙 How mentors change lives

🏆 The truth about winning and competition

📚 Why fundamentals create lasting success

🎯 Developing habits that build champions

🤝 Leadership through humility

💪 Work ethic over talent

Has youth sports lost its way?

In this powerful episode of The 3P Champions Podcast, hosts Greg Stern and Rob Stoller sit down with Scott Laigo, founder of Student Athlete Advocates, to discuss the biggest challenges facing young athletes and their families today.

Scott shares decades of experience helping student-athletes navigate college recruiting while exposing the realities of today's youth sports culture—from the rise of travel sports and increasing costs to the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and the pressure placed on young athletes.

What does it truly mean to be successful?

In this powerful episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, hosts Greg Stern and Rob Stoller sit down with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, whose career has inspired generations of athletes, leaders, and even Hollywood's iconic Jerry Maguire.

Representing hundreds of professional athletes—including numerous Hall of Famers, first-round draft picks, and championship-caliber players—Leigh has built his reputation on something far greater than negotiating contracts. His life's mission has always been to use sports as a platform to improve lives and make a lasting difference.

Throughout this inspiring conversation, Leigh shares the importance of servant leadership, integrity, resilience, mentorship, giving back, and living a life driven by purpose instead of ego.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, business professional, entrepreneur, or someone searching for greater meaning in life, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom that extends far beyond sports.

🏈 How sports can become a vehicle for changing lives

❤️ Why character matters more than talent

🤝 The power of servant leadership

🎯 Finding purpose beyond success

🏆 What separates great leaders from everyone else

💡 Lessons from representing elite professional athletes

🌍 Why giving back creates lasting fulfillment

📖 The importance of integrity and relationships

💪 Overcoming adversity through resilience

🔥 Building a legacy that impacts future generations

Leigh Steinberg is one of the world's most influential sports agents, representing hundreds of professional athletes throughout his remarkable career, including numerous Hall of Famers, All-Americans, and first overall NFL Draft picks.

Widely recognized as the inspiration behind the Academy Award-winning film Jerry Maguire, Leigh is equally respected for his commitment to athlete advocacy, concussion awareness, charitable work, and leadership development. His career has always been guided by the belief that success is measured not only by professional achievement but by positive impact on others.

Hosted by Greg Stern and Rob Stoller, the 3P Champions Podcast features meaningful conversations with world-class athletes, coaches, educators, entrepreneurs, authors, and leaders who embody the values of:

Passion • Purpose • Principle

Each episode explores the life experiences, challenges, and lessons that inspire listeners to become champions in sports, business, leadership, and everyday life.

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What separates elite performers from everyone else?

In this inspiring episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, hosts Greg Stern and Rob Stoller welcome renowned performance coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Alan Stein Jr.

Having worked with NBA superstars, NCAA programs, and some of the world's top organizations, Alan shares the mindset, habits, discipline, and leadership principles that create sustained success—not just in sports, but in business and life.

This conversation goes far beyond basketball. Alan explains why true greatness isn't built on talent alone, but on daily choices, consistent habits, humility, accountability, and relentless personal growth.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, business leader, entrepreneur, educator, or simply someone striving to become your best, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can immediately apply.

🏀 What elite performers do differently

🧠 How to develop a championship mindset

💪 Why discipline always beats motivation

🎯 Building confidence through preparation

🤝 Leadership principles that inspire others

📈 Why continuous improvement matters

🔥 Creating habits that lead to long-term success

👨‍👩‍👧 Lessons for parents raising confident athletes

🏆 What championship cultures have in common

❤️ How Passion, Purpose, and Principle lead to lasting fulfillment

Alan Stein Jr. is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, performance coach, bestselling author, and leadership expert. He spent over 15 years working with some of basketball's highest-performing athletes and coaches before becoming one of the world's leading voices on leadership, culture, mindset, and sustained excellence.

His work has impacted organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams, helping individuals and teams perform at their highest level.

🌐 Website:

📸 Instagram:

💼 LinkedIn:

▶️ YouTube:

𝕏 X (formerly Twitter):

📘 Facebook:

📚 Books:

Hosted by Greg Stern and Rob Stoller, the 3P Champions Podcast features inspiring conversations with leaders, coaches, athletes, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who exemplify:

Passion • Purpose • Principle

Our mission is to inspire people to become champions in sports, business, leadership, and everyday life through authentic stories and practical wisdom.

🎙️ Subscribe for new episodes every week.

🌐 Visit: www.3PChampions.com

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

In this powerful episode of the 3P Champions Podcast, Greg Stern and Rob Stoller sit down with LPGA teaching professional, author, motivational speaker, and golf pioneer Avis Brown Riley.

From becoming the only African American female golfer to win four Junior World Championships to sharing a historic distinction with Tiger Woods, Avis recounts a remarkable journey built on passion, purpose, and principle.

Avis reflects on growing up in San Diego under the guidance of her father, legendary amateur golfer Gordon Brown, whose unwavering belief and mentorship helped shape one of the most accomplished golf families in history. She shares stories of overcoming racism, isolation, and adversity while competing as one of the few Black female golfers in the country and reveals the emotional truth she learned years later about the barriers placed in her path.

The conversation explores the critical role of mentorship, leadership, mental toughness, and family values in building champions both on and off the golf course. Avis also discusses surviving stage four breast cancer, earning long-overdue recognition for her accomplishments, becoming a respected coach and mentor, and her mission to inspire future generations through her book Building Of A Champion.

What You’ll Learn

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction