A Coach's Perspective

Thank you to my co-host for the last three weeks as we took some time to explore the conversation of mental health in college athletes and what happens after their eligibility.   Heather Harman did a tremendous job bringing this series to the show.  It is a conversation that needs to continue and be revisited often.  It is so important to navigate the mental side of sports as well as the physical and sport specific sides. It is then that the athletes will reach their maximum potential. We appreciate the double perspective of our guest Nyla Milleson, as she explored the role of college coaches and athletic directors and how they can assist in this journey with the student-athlete. We appreciate the perspective of Heather Harman and Coach Milleson and their valuable points of view on this vital topic. 

We continued our conversation with former Drury University standout women’s basketball player, Heather Harman, about the challenges of mental health for college athletes and beyond after eligibility is up.  In this episode, we brought in the perspective of the Regional Administrative Director of Mercy Orthopedics Sports Medicine, Jim Raynor, as he explored the role of an athletic trainer and how this role can possibly help with the transition, along with the mental side of rehabilitation.

Next week, we wrap up this series as Heather Harman continues to co-host and we explore how athletic directors can assist in the transition of competitive athletes moving to life after athletics.

The mental health of athletes is becoming more and more of a focus.  What about after their careers are over?  How does transitioning from a competitive athlete to a non-competitive person affect one’s mental health?  We discussed this, among some possible solutions with former Drury University standout women’s basketball player, Heather Harman, and former Missouri State University men’s soccer player, Nick Dryden. Thank you to my guests for their valuable perspective and sharing their experiences as they navigated their identity transition. 

It is here!  The first of two weekends of the Show Me Showdown High School Basketball State Champions!  Class 1, 2, and 3 this weekend and next weekend Class 4, 5, and 6.  In this episode we hosted Missouri State High School Activities Association Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Assistant Executive Director Doug Fessler and previewed the upcoming Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships.  Thank you to my guest for their information, but more importantly for their passion for providing valuable opportunities for students in Missouri.

The Missouri State Women’s Handball Team did it again by winning another women’s title at the national collegiate handball tournament, with Minnesota State-Mankato coming in second. In the men’s division, Minnesota State-Mankato came in first, Lake Forest second and Missouri State third. The combined trophy went to Minnesota State-Mankato by three points over Missouri State. In tonight’s episode we catch up with the president of the United States Handball Association, Denis Hogan about his vision for growing the sport and encouraging those of all ages to give this game a try. We also spoke with Angelo State University Handball Coach Dr. Warren “Spider” Simpson about his longevity with this sport and the value of cross-training in handball. His growth of the game and the financial support he has received is an impressive avenue for growing the sport. He recently received a one-million-dollar endowment named in his honor and appropriately called the “Dr. Warren Simpson Excellence Fund for Handball”. We close out the show with a little coach’s inspiration as we move into the winter sports championship season.

Tonight, we celebrate the SIXTH Missouri Valley Conference Championship by the Missouri State University Women’s Swimming and Diving Team.  Joining us were record setters and champions Anna Miller and Sami Roemer.  We learned a little about the secret of their success and the potential to continue the tradition.  Thank you to my guests for sharing their championship experience. 

We also spoke with College of the Ozarks Head Women’s Basketball Coach Becky Mullis about the loss of coaching legend and icon George Wilson.  Coach Wilson was a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame. His 1,006 career victories pale in comparison to the lasting impact he left on his players and the people that knew him.  Thank you to Coach Mullis for her courage and strength as she captured the legacy of this man.            

With the Super Bowl being over, it signifies the end of football season. On tonight’s episode we take a moment and reflect on the season with National Coordinator of Instant Replay for the NCAA, Fox Sports NFL and NCAA Rules Analyst, and former coordinator of NFL officials, Dean Blandino. Along with Dean we hosted, Big 10 Referee Ron Snodgrass, and Mid-American Conference Referee Ron Hudson. We discussed the value and evolution of replay and my panel answered various questions sent in by college football coaches. I value their willingness to dive into those questions and I appreciate their competitiveness to always strive to make the right calls and decisions.

We talk often on this show how sports are a parallel for life. In this episode, we spoke with Missouri State University President Clif Smart and Provost Frank Einhellig. During this episode, we related what they do as administrators of a university and what coaches do running successful programs. It is important to see the similarities and how specifically it is guidance on how to be an effective leader for your team. My guests tonight demonstrated valuable direction and advice for embracing what it means to be a strong leader and implementing a positive culture within a team and organization. This is why they have been a dynamic duo at Missouri State University for eleven years. We want to also congratulate Dr. Frank Einhellig on his career and wish him the best in his future retirement. His impact is legendary.