Building a Champion

What does it take to build one of the nation's most successful high school athletic departments?

In this episode of Building a Champion, we sit down with Brett Phipps, Athletic Director at West Forsyth High School (GA), to discuss the leadership principles behind sustained success. From the Wolverines' girls soccer team capturing its fourth state championship in six years to multiple state titles across several sports, Brett shares why winning is never the primary focus—and why developing better people always is.

Learn how West Forsyth's Leadership Academy is shaping hundreds of student-athletes, why culture always outweighs talent, and how focusing on accountability, character, and relationships creates championship programs year after year.

Whether you're a coach, athletic director, educator, or sports leader, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons that extend far beyond the scoreboard.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Why West Forsyth Doesn't Talk About Winning

01:13 Introducing Brett Phipps & West Forsyth's Championship Success

02:11 Building a Nationally Elite Girls Soccer Program

09:39 Sustaining Excellence Across Multiple Sports

12:00 Hiring Coaches & Creating the Right Culture

17:01 Managing Expectations Without Adding Pressure

18:57 The Leadership Academy & Developing Better People

20:25 Four State Championships in Four Days

22:21 Building Leaders Beyond Athletics

27:26 Better People Make Better Wolverines

33:43 What Brett Hopes Every Athlete Remembers

37:03 The Future of West Forsyth Athletics

40:03 Advice for Future Athletic Directors

46:53 Game Time Decisions

In this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Carmel, Indiana — home to one of the most dominant high school athletic programs in the country. With 31 state championships in six seasons, national rankings, and a reputation for excellence across 29 varsity sports, Carmel has built a true dynasty.

Athletic Director Jim Inskeep joins the show to break down what really drives sustained success — and it’s not just talent. From high expectations and consistent leadership to deep community support and elite youth development systems, Carmel’s formula is rooted in culture.

We explore how long-term vision, coach consistency, and a commitment to developing young people — not just winning titles — have created a program that continues to raise the bar year after year.

If you’re looking to build a program that lasts, this episode is packed with insight.

⏱ Chapter Markers

00:00 – The foundation: High expectations & consistency

01:00 – Carmel’s national dominance and program overview

02:28 – Building excellence across all sports (not just one)

03:12 – The history behind Carmel’s sustained success

04:38 – Leadership consistency and long-term vision

05:37 – Youth development and the Carmel Dads Club model

07:28 – Building from the ground up: feeder systems that work

08:26 – Why consistency in coaching matters at every level

09:33 – Competing in Indiana’s one-class individual sports system

10:43 – Facilities, resources, and community investment

12:07 – Creating systems that keep athletes engaged long-term

14:57 – “Swim City USA” and elite program development

16:22 – The formula: expectations, experience, and leadership

17:45 – Coaching consistency and setting the tone

20:06 – What separates Carmel from other top programs

23:13 – Building trust with parents and the community

25:06 – Growing up in athletics and leadership influence

27:44 – The role of athletes in sustaining culture

30:49 – Preventing complacency and motivating coaches

32:42 – Managing pressure as a top-ranked program

36:09 – Winning vs. developing people

38:05 – What’s next for Carmel athletics

40:20 – Long-term vision and legacy

41:47 – Game Time Decisions (rapid fire)

In this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Fayetteville, Texas (population 252) where Head Coach Jake Diggs and the Fayetteville Lions did something no team in high school basketball history has ever done — they hit 40 three-pointers in a single game, breaking the national record in a 120–25 win.

But this story isn’t just about shooting. It’s about culture.

Coach Diggs shares how his program is built around AAE — Accountability, Attitude, and Effort — and how relentless positivity, player buy-in, and small-town unity have transformed a 1A basketball program into a consistent postseason contender. From chasing records to chasing state titles, this conversation highlights what happens when a team commits fully to togetherness and work ethic.

This episode is a reminder that big dreams don’t require big enrollment numbers — just belief, culture, and commitment.

⏱ Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – The culture code: AAE (Accountability, Attitude, Effort)
• 01:20 – 40 three-pointers: When the record became realistic
• 02:16 – The decision to chase a national record
• 03:02 – Race & Space offense explained
• 03:32 – 98 three-point attempts and total team buy-in
• 04:22 – Building a winning mindset in a 1A school
• 05:17 – Changing the culture at a baseball-first school
• 07:36 – Small-town sports and community pride
• 08:03 – Getting every player involved in the record night
• 08:58 – Sustained success beyond one historic game
• 09:32 – Identity of Fayetteville basketball
• 10:57 – Adjusting when shots aren’t falling
• 11:38 – What Coach hopes players remember most
• 12:36 – Game Time Decisions (rapid fire)
• 14:21 – Playoff push and chasing a state title

In this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Corvallis, Montana, home of one of the most consistent small-school track dynasties in the country. Longtime head coach Spencer Huls joins us to unpack how the Corvallis Blue Devils captured their third straight Class A boys state championship—this time by a single point—and how the program has now earned 18 combined boys and girls state titles.

Coach Huls walks through the dramatic 3200m that decided it all, the selfless move from a runner who sacrificed his own race to pull teammates back into scoring position, and why their titles are built on accountability, loyalty, and a program-first mentality. He shares how a community-funded track facility transformed the culture, why they treat an individual sport like a true team, and the bus-ride tradition of predicting next year’s state meet points before the celebration is even over.

This is a blueprint in consistency, standards, and small-town pride for any coach or AD trying to build sustained success.

⏱️ Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – The selfless move that saved a state title
• 01:00 – Welcome & Coach Spencer Holes’ incredible resume
• 01:45 – Three straight championships decided by a combined 3.7 points
• 03:10 – Inside the 3200m: chasing 7 points to secure the win
• 04:55 – Crowd energy, athletes stepping up, and the one-point margin
• 07:40 – Community-built facilities & why Corvallis rallies around track
• 09:37 – 18 combined titles & building one unified boys/girls program
• 12:30 – The bus-ride tradition: predicting next year’s state meet points
• 16:40 – Learning from heartbreak & the balance of celebrating vs. what’s next
• 18:00 – Standards, consequences, and holding even stars accountable
• 23:50 – Five generations, loyalty to Corvallis & why this place is “part of me”
• 31:50 – What’s next: realistic goals & keeping track “important”
• 35:00 – Game Time Decisions: favorite moments, Montana pride & next year’s prediction

In this episode of Building a Champion, we visit Cherry Creek High School, home of the 2024–25 MaxPreps Cup national champions — recognized as the top high school athletic program in America.

Athletic Director Jason joins us to share how the Bruins captured nine state titles, achieved multiple national rankings, and built a model culture of excellence grounded in tradition, accountability, and community pride.

From third- and fourth-generation Creekers to a new athletics-only facility breaking ground soon, this episode dives deep into what makes Cherry Creek’s success so sustainable — and why it’s about much more than trophies.

🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional leadership and strong community ties build champions year after year.

⏱️ Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Generations of Creekers & community pride
• 01:00 – Being named the nation’s top athletic program
• 04:30 – Balancing expectations and handling the spotlight
• 07:15 – Nine state titles and unforgettable championship moments
• 10:20 – Youth programs, feeder schools, and community engagement
• 13:00 – Legacy families and multi-generational pride
• 16:30 – The “secret sauce” behind Cherry Creek’s culture
• 18:30 – What’s next: a full campus rebuild and new athletic facility
• 23:25 – Game Time Decisions: rapid-fire questions with AD Jason

🎯 Show Notes Highlights

• Nine state championships in one school year — including football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, and golf
• First Colorado school ever to win the MaxPreps Cup for the nation’s top athletic program
• How Cherry Creek maintains a culture of high expectations and humility under constant spotlight
• The power of youth programs and community engagement in building long-term success
• Legacy families: third- and fourth-generation Creekers keeping tradition alive
• The importance of leadership that values both preparation and presence
• A sneak peek at Cherry Creek’s new athletics facility, opening 2028
• Why Jason believes leadership starts with making someone else’s day better

Hoover doesn’t just talk about standards—they live them. In this episode of Building a Champion, Jordan and Brian sit down with Hoover High School Athletic Director Dr. Harley Lamey to unpack a historic year in Alabama high school basketball. The boys finished a perfect 35–0 to claim a third straight 7A state title, while the girls secured their fifth consecutive championship (11th since 2001). Dr. Lamey shares the mindset behind Hoover’s mantra—“Best is the standard”—and how the program develops unselfish stars, calm under pressure, and senior-led accountability. You’ll hear how the boys handled late-game drama in the title win over Florence, how the girls answered a second-quarter surge from Hillcrest to control the second half, and why community support and tough national schedules matter. Plus: culture, leadership, and why holding athletes accountable is a form of love.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 Expectations & “Best Is the Standard”
• 01:08 Why Hoover Basketball Is a Dynasty
• 02:38 Boys’ 35–0 Season & Title Game Poise
• 10:50 Girls’ Five-Peat & Senior Leadership
• 14:08 Other Programs Making Noise (XC, Track, Volleyball, Softball, etc.)
• 20:52 Community, Pressure, and Pride
• 22:36 What’s Next: Chasing National-Level Excellence
• 24:44 Scheduling the Best (IMG, Alaska trips, national tourneys)
• 24:44 Game Time Decisions (Rapid Fire)
• 31:12 Closing & Culture Takeaways

Show Notes Highlights

• Boys: 35–0, first undefeated 7A season; third straight title
• Girls: Fifth straight state championship; 11th since 2001
• Culture: “Champions in all we do,” senior-led standards, unselfish stars
• Community: Packed arenas, “Boneyard” student section, program-wide pride
• Broader success: XC near-miss, track dominance, volleyball back-to-back Final Fours, softball, baseball, eSports titles
• Coaching: Accountability as love; building players and people

In this episode of Building a Champion, we sit down with Anthony Azama, Athletic Director at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), to reflect on one of the greatest years in Bears athletics history.

From an undefeated NCAA Division III women’s soccer national championship to the first-ever women’s tennis national title, WashU added to its tradition of excellence with a total of 27 all-time national championships. Anthony shares how WashU sustains success through “competitive cooperation,” a culture where programs push each other while working together, and why alignment, relationships, and holistic student-athlete development are at the core of their approach.

We explore the role of academics, character, and culture in building lasting success — and how WashU’s values-driven model is preparing athletes for much more than wins on the scoreboard.

🎧 Listen in to hear how WashU is building champions in competition, the classroom, and life.

In this episode of Building a Champion, we sit down with Matt Hill, Athletic Director at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, to explore how faith, integrity, and character are shaping one of NCAA Division III’s most respected athletic programs.

Matt shares how Northwestern is excelling across multiple sports — from a national champion in women’s track & field to Final Four volleyball runs — while staying true to their Christ-centered mission. We cover powerful stories of sportsmanship (including the “honor call” that cost a national title but won a sportsmanship award), strategic program growth, and how “Compete With Purpose” has become the guiding philosophy for coaches and athletes alike.

Whether you’re a coach, athletic director, or student-athlete, you’ll find inspiring insights on building teams that win the right way — on and off the scoreboard.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Northwestern Athletics is developing champions through Christ-first leadership, strong relationships, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

On this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Northwest Iowa to talk with Darin Keizer, Athletic Director at Dordt University — one of the NAIA’s most mission-driven and dominant athletic programs.

Darin shares how Dordt Athletics has delivered back-to-back NAIA national championships in women’s basketball, a top-5 football ranking, and standout performances in track and cross country — all while staying rooted in a Christ-centered mission. 🎓🏆

You’ll hear how Dordt’s commitment to servant leadership, culture-first coaching, and deep community connections are creating consistent success across all sports. From building “the Defender Way” to mentoring over 700 student-athletes, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven athletics.

🎧 Listen in and get inspired by how values and victory can go hand-in-hand.

🎙 Building a Champion - Episode: Inside Grand Valley State’s Championship Culture with Carrie Becker

In this episode of Building a Champion, we sit down with Grand Valley State University Athletic Director Carrie Becker, the bold leader behind one of the most dominant programs in NCAA Division II. Since 2002, GVSU has captured over 30 national championships — and they show no signs of slowing down.

Carrie shares behind-the-scenes stories from this year’s historic run, including national titles in women’s basketball and track & field, the resilience her athletes showed overcoming illness and adversity, and how a culture of "team-mateship" fuels sustained success. We dive into how GVSU recruits, develops, and supports student-athletes not just for championships, but for life beyond competition.

Whether you're an athletic director, coach, athlete, or simply love great sports stories — this episode is packed with leadership insights, culture-building wisdom, and inspiring moments.

🎧 Tune in now and discover what it takes to build champions — on and off the field.