Connect with Brian Cope:

• X: @BrianCope23
• IG: @BrianCope23
• LBHSbroncosfb.com

About Brian Cope:

• Head Football Coach & Campus Coordinator, Lake Belton HS (TX)
• 20 years in education and coaching
• Husband, father, and former accountant with master's degree
• Parents were a football coach, and a business teacher
• Experience across multiple programs: Spring HS, Cy Creek, A&M Consol., Belton HS, Lake Belton HS

In this episode:

Talk That Talk

• Strong athletic programs: 16 of 17 sports made playoffs last year.
• Launching unified track and wrestling.
• Lone Star Cup: Highest point total in school history
• 450+ student athletes in summer Elite Camp

Unified Track & Field Explained

• UIL's model for inclusivity
• Why participation matters for EVERY student

Family Ties & Coaching Lessons

• Growing up the son of a coach
• Being coached by and then coaching with his dad

Coach Cope's Coaching Mt. Rushmore

• Nick Saban
• Urban Meyer

• and more

Recommended Reading

• Twin Thieves
• Lead for God's SakeWinning in the Locker Room First (or any Jon Gordon book)

Moving from Coordinator to Campus Coordinator

• Organizing, hiring, delegating, and growing a staff during COVID
• "Delegating without follow-up is just abdication."

The Blitz Breakdown Highlights

• Playbooks over checkbooks
• Checklist or gut feeling (Checklist guy)
• Morning or night work (Both)
• Defensive stop or offensive score? (Defense wins)
• Micah Hudson or CeeDee Lamb (Micah Hudson but he's biased!)

Crunch Time

Three in the Key - What All Athletic Professionals Need:

1. Pen & Whistle-always ready to document and correct
2. Understanding Spouse-Independent partner who loves sports
3. Relentless Drive-Passion that show sup with the 5:15 am alarm

Two Shots - Biggest Challenges:

1. Adults who don't follow protocol: Managing 22-62 year olds
2. Parent-Official relations: Protecting the integrity of competition

And One - Final Thought:

• "Coaching has to be a passion. The stipend isn't worth it in the grand scheme of hours...our youth need us more than ever."

Quotable Moments

• "Words start the fire, but your actions mean so much more."
• "It's lonely up top."
• "If you love it, show up to work everyday [is the easiest thing]."
• "Delegating things away...you better go back and make sure you talked about how you want it done correctly."
• "The standard is the standard-doesn't matter if you're D1 or walk-on."

Connect with The Co-Op

• Instagram: @podcast_with_prejean
• YouTube: Podcast_with_Prejean
• Podcast Platform: Search "Coaches Co-Op, The Podcast"
• Host: Coach P (Michael Prejean)

Coaches do what most people can't. So, stay ready so you don't have to get ready.

Connect with Brianna Taylor:

IG: @BreTaylor

About Brianna Taylor:

• Head Girls Basketball Coach, Lake Creek HS (TX)
• Big 12 Defensive POTY, University of Texas
• Houston TX native
• Dekaney HS alumna

In this episode:

The Viral TABC photo

Talk That Talk

• Strong admin support and community backing
• Building excitement around girls basketball in a traditionally softball/volleyball community

The Dekaney Legacy

• Playing under Stacy Stroman
• The winning culture where every Tuesday and Friday was a dog fight
• Comparison of past and present Houston-area basketball talent levels
• The mental toughness and grit that defined that era

Coach Taylor's Coaching Mt. Rushmore

• Dawn Staley
• Vic Schafer
• Geno Auriemma
• and more

Fast Break with Coach Taylor Highlights

✅ Austin BBQ > Houston BBQ

✅ MOST USED PRACTICE WORDS: "Get on the floor."

✅ SPEED > Instict

✅ DEFENSIVE STOP > Buzzer Beater

Crunch Time

Three in the Key - What All Athletic Professionals Need:

1. Discipline
2. A Mentor 
3. Passion 

Two Shots - Biggest Challenges:

1. Problematic Parents: Watching parents cuss out, belittle, or degrade players after a game.
2. Coaches limiting kids: Coaches can teach without humiliating or crushing a player's confidence.

And One - Final Thought:

"Don't carry us, lead us."

Quotable Moments

"Don't carry us, lead us. I don't need you to carry the load. I need you to be a servant leader."

"Remove yourself from the center of your universe."

"Everything was consistent across the athletic department. You just won at Dekaney. You just won."

"Young athletes today think everything has to go well or they're so easily embarassed...it's hard for them to move on because everything has to go perfectly."

Connect with The Co-Op

• Instagram: @podcast_with_prejean
• YouTube: Podcast_with_Prejean
• Podcast Platform: Search "Coaches Co-Op, The Podcast"
• Host: Coach P (Michael Prejean)

Coaches do what most people can't. So, stay ready so you don't have to get ready.

Connect with EJ:

X: @EHairstonJ

About EJ Hairston:

• Experience: 25 years in athletic training
• Education: Master's from North Carolina Central University, Durham
• Background: Originally from North Carolina; former D3 basketball player
• Career Path: NC State University → Western Carolina → Stetson University (FL) → University of North Texas → Waxahachie ISD → Mansfield ISD
• Current Role: Athletic Department Coordinator, Mansfield ISD (overseeing 7 middle schools)
• Sports Coverage: Has worked with every sport except field hockey and ice hockey

In this episode:

Athletic Training Fundamentals

• Proper etiquette: How to address athletic trainers ("Call me by my first name - my name is my title")
• Common misconceptions: ATs don't get paid more for having injured athletes
• Prevention vs. treatment: Focus on preventative care model
• Evidence-based practices over traditional methods

Career Transition Insights

• Moving from collegiate to high school athletics
• Transitioning from hands-on training to administrative leadership
• The six-month observation strategy for new leadership roles
• Learning to evaluate and support coaches vs. treating athletes

Leadership Philosophy

• Leading from the back vs. front
• The importance of face-to-face conversations over emails
• Showing vulnerability as a leader
• Building trust through consistency and authenticity

Athletic Training Best Practices

• Warm-up recommendations: 10-12 minutes for optimal preparation
• Recovery methods: Why normatec compression beats cold tubs
• Concussion protocols and return-to-play decisions
• Nutrition advice: "Eat off a plate, not out of a bag"

Rapid Fire Agree/Disagree Highlights

✅ AGREE: Building rapport with athletes is critical
✅ AGREE: Injury prevention > rehabilitation
✅ AGREE: Mental health is key in athletic training
✅ AGREE: Too much focus on return-to-play timelines (from players, parents, coaches)

Crunch Time Segment

Three in the Key - What All Athletic Professionals Need:

1. Patience - Essential when working with athletes and recovery timelines
2. Willingness to work with people - Athletes, coaches, parents, administrators
3. Leadership - Can lead from the front or back; both are valuable

Two Shots - Biggest Challenges:

1. Career transition: Overcoming "you've never coached" objections to move into administration
2. Toughest injury: Hip dislocation during lacrosse practice - heard the pop across the field

And One - Final Thought:

"Nobody can tell you who you are or what you can do. Don't let anybody tell you what you can't do."

Quotable Moments

"I don't want to be disrespectful, but I'm not a coach. I never coached anything. My name is my title."

"You need to eat off a plate, not out of a bag."

"I don't get a bonus because I have more kids in my training room. I want kids on the field, not in the training room."

"This is not an email conversation - I got to drive to that campus and apologize face to face."

"Life rhythm is greater than life balance - you got to flow with your season."

Connect with The Co-Op

• Instagram: @podcast_with_prejean
• Podcast Platform: Search "Coaches Co-Op, The Podcast"
• Host: Coach P (Michael Prejean

Buy The Path for Coaches Vol 1, Mentoring

• https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML1D2T1YKA6AN/checkout/DHKSBTBKWURK3K4K23VQUTG7?src=embed

Connect with Coach George Lee:

• X (formerly Twitter): @coach_G_Lee_TC
• Instagram: @coach_G_Lee

About Coach George Lee

• Native of Houston, Texas, raised in Greens Point, Acres Homes, and Spring Branch communities.
• Played college football at Texas College in Tyler, Texas; All-American and two-time all-conference selection.
• Earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
• Over 10 years in education with roles spanning teaching, coaching, ministry, and community organizing.
• Head Powerlifting Coach and Football Coach at New Caney High School, TX.
• Devoted husband and father of three.

In this Episode:

This week, Coach P sits down with an absolute gem of a human and coach, Coach George Lee. With over a decade in education, serving as a minister and community organizer, Coach Lee truly lives his calling: serving others.

Hailing from Houston, Texas, and an All-American athlete himself, Coach Lee now impacts lives daily as the Head Powerlifting Coach and Football Coach at New Caney High School.

In this powerful episode, Coach Lee shares profound wisdom from his chapter in the new book, "The Path for Coaches, Volume 1: Mentoring." We dive deep into the mantra that drives his coaching and life: "Everything you want is on the other side of hard." 

Discover how this philosophy, inspired by NBA Coach Monty Williams and reinforced by Duke WBB Coach Kara Lawson's "Handle Hard Better," shapes his approach to developing young athletes.

This isn't just a podcast; it's a masterclass in life gems. Coach Lee reveals his innovative method for empowering kids to push through adversity, the critical role of sports in teaching resilience, and why, as he puts it, "When God wants to bless you, he doesn't send you stuff, he sends you people." He opens up about the pivotal influences in his life, from his resilient mother to key mentors who held him accountable.

Don't miss the rapid-fire "Agree or Disagree" segment, where Coach Lee tackles tough questions on leadership, loyalty, and connecting with today's athletes. Plus, find out his "three things all coaches need," the "foulest things" in coaching, and his powerful "And One" closing message that will inspire you to serve others well.

Get ready to take notes – this episode is packed with insights that will sharpen your coaching sword and empower you to build championship-level systems on and off the court!

Key Takeaways & Discussion Points:

• "Everything You Want Is On The Other Side Of Hard":
• "Handle Hard Better":
• The "People" Business:
• Rapid Fire & Coach's Insights:
• Crunch Time - 4 Downs, 3 in the Key, 2 Shots, And 1:

Connect with Coaches Co-Op!

• Instagram: @podcast_with_Prejean
• Like, Follow, Subscribe, and Leave a Review wherever you listen to podcasts!

"Coach do what most people can't."

"Stay ready so you don't have to get ready."

Featured Guest:

• WNBA Tay: Our resident WNBA expert and insightful voice, bringing the energy and the inside scoop.

Coaches Co-Op x WNBA Tay is your go-to resource for thoughtful, experienced perspectives from within the coaching world, giving you the edge to understand the game like never before. Whether you’re a casual basketball fan, a coach, or a bettor, Tay’s unique approach bridges the gap between sports analysis and actionable insights.What’s inside this episode?

• Season snapshot: Analyzing current WNBA trends and standout athletes who are making waves

• Player breakdowns: Detailed looks at Alyssa Thomas, Shakira Austin, Sabrina Ionescu, and more
• Tay’s Parlays: Strategic over/under predictions designed to help you make informed plays (with a responsible gambling reminder). Tay's sharp insights are designed to help you get your money right with smart picks grounded in the latest WNBA player trends.

Connect & Support:

• Loved the insight? If you walked away with new insight or energy for the WNBA, please hit that LIKE button!
• Don't Miss Out! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the Coaches Co-Op for more exclusive content.
• Show Your Love! Leave us a 5-STAR REVIEW on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow!
• Dive Deeper! Purchase the book: "The Path for Coaches Volume One: Mentoring on Amazon.com. Tay says it's 5 stars, 10 out of 10 – you won't want to miss it!
• Follow the Show! Find all episodes, including every one with WNBA Tay, and stay connected with the Coaches Co-Op on social media: podcast_with_prejean

Connect with Chip Baker:

Website: https://www.wroteby.me/chipbaker

Email: [email protected]

FB: chipbakertsc

X: chipbaker19

IG: chipbakertsc

TikTok: chipbakertsc

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Coaches Co-Op, the go-to podcast for coaches looking to elevate their leadership, culture-building, and team success. In Episode 20, we team up with Chip Baker.

This episode isn't just about listening; it's about doing. We build on the foundation laid by Chip, diving deep into actionable strategies for fostering resilience, sharpening communication, and cultivating a winning culture that players and staff thrive within.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to transition from powerful insights to practical application: Turning "aha!" moments into daily habits that drive success.
• Strategies for fostering a culture of resilience: Equipping yourself and your team to bounce back stronger from challenges.
• The art of continuous personal and professional development: Because the best coaches never stop learning.
• Tactics for inspiring and motivating your athletes: Igniting their passion and potential.
• Reminders that "coaches do what most people can't": Reaffirming your unique value and impact.

Key Takeaways:

• "Live, Learn, Serve, Inspire." How are you embodying this ethos in your coaching today?
• The profound ripple effect of intentional leadership, both on your program and your community.
• The importance of self-reflection and continuous growth in the demanding world of coaching.
• The best teams are built by coaches who lead with intention.

Links and Resources:

• Chip Baker’s Success Chronicles (YouTube)
• The Success Chronicles Book & Merch Store
• The Path for Coaches – Book

Connect with The Co-Op:

I want to hear from you! What resonated most from Chip Baker's interview?

Subscribe & Review: If you're walking away with new insight or energy, hit that like button, follow, and subscribe! Your ratings and reviews help other coaches find us. Share the show and help us grow the Coaches Co-Op community,--where coaches do what most people can't.

• Instagram: @coachescoopodcast

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@PodcastwithPrejean
• Email: [email protected]

Stay ready so you don't have to get ready--see you next time in the Co-Op!

Follow the Co-Op on IG: @podcast_with_prejean

Coach Van Malone:

• Best-selling author and respected thought leader in coaching culture.
• Soon to be inducted into the Houston Hall of Honor, Class of 2024.
• A mentor to coaches, players, and parents nationwide.

In Episode 19, I sat down with the legendary Coach Van Malone—best-selling author, incoming member of the Houston ISD Hall of Honor, and true influencer the world of coaching.

Van unpacks stories from his own journey, revealing how a simple word in an elevator, or reaching out to a timid new kid, can reverberate for years. He shares powerful insights on why it’s essential to both seize and celebrate these small opportunities for connection.

• The Power of Presence: Discover how seemingly insignificant interactions can have life-altering impacts on athletes and coaches alike.

• Why Sharing Your Journey Matters: Learn why recounting your experiences and insights isn't just self-serving, but a crucial step in confirming your purpose and inspiring others.

• Beyond the Wins and Losses: Understand the deeper meaning of coaching and how to find success and fulfillment beyond traditional metrics.

• Leadership Lessons: Why courageous coaches are made in the moments most people overlook.

• Practical Wisdom: Immediate ideas you can bring to your team, staff, or classroom this week.
• A Peek Behind the Pages: The inspiration and intent behind Coach Van’s new book, The Path for Coaches, Volume One.

“People need to know that those small moments—something as small as speaking in the elevator, something as small as noticing a kid who might be a little timid—literally can be life-changing.”

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, leaders, educators, parents, and anyone invested bringing out the best in others. If you leave with new insight, energy for your mission, or even just a spark of inspiration—we’ve done our job.

🚀 Don’t forget: If today’s episode hit home, please like, subscribe, and leave us a five-star review! Every bit helps us reach coaches who need this message.

• The Path for Coaches, Volume One – [Get the book here]
• Connect with Coach Van Malone
• X: VanBMalone3rd
• IG: CoachVanMalone

Follow Coach Harris:

Twitter/X: CoachHarris04

Follow Coach P on Twitter/X: @CoachPrejean1

Follow CoachP on IG: CoachPHoops

Get ready to elevate your WNBA game! In this quick-hitting episode, Coach P welcomes the one and only WNBA Tay, our go-to expert for all things WNBA. Tay brings her unparalleled knowledge, breaking down the league, its top players, and the key matchups you need to know.

This isn't just a casual chat; Tay educates, entertains, and then delivers with our signature segment: "Tay's Parlays."  If you're looking for an edge, insights into player performances, and predictions for upcoming games, you've come to the right place!

We delve into specific player stats, over/under predictions, and game schedules, giving you the inside scoop on the WNBA's biggest clashes. Whether you're a dedicated fan, a fantasy league competitor, or just looking to deepen your understanding of this incredible league, WNBA Tay provides the "tea" at the top, the "picks" at the end, and all the "good stuff" in between!

Key Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss:

• Expert WNBA Analysis
• "Tay's Parlays" Revealed
• Player Performance Breakdowns 
• The Pulse of the League
• 
  

Featured Guest:

WNBA Tay – Our resident WNBA oracle and expert analyst, sharing her deep knowledge and sharp predictions to help you better understand and engage with the league.

Connect with Coaches Co-Op & WNBA Tay:

If you walked away with new insight or energy into the WNBA, then we did our job! Please help us reach more listeners by:

• Liking this episode
• Following our podcast
• Subscribing so you never miss a new release
• Giving us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Your support helps us grow and continue bringing you these powerful conversations.
• Leave your comments and tell us how we did – we love hearing from you!

Remember, here at the Coaches Co-Op: Coaches do what most people can't.

Follow The Coaches Co-Op on IG: podcast_with_prejean

Follow Coach Semler:

X/IG/Tik Tok: @coachsemler

Follow The Coaches Co-Op on IG: podcast_with_prejean

Follow Coach P on X: @CoachPrejean1

Follow Coach P on IG: CoachPHoops

Carl (Hank) Semler has 31 years’ experience in education and has been an Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach at North Forney High School and Aldine High School.

He’s a coaches kid who has taught just about every subject in Social Studies, coached just about everything a kid can do, with well over 100 athletes moving on to compete at the college level on scholarship, and some moving on to professional careers in the NFL and MLS.

Right now, Hank’s exactly where the Lord wants him as Associate Head Football and Head Boys’ Track Coach at Lubbock High School. He felt God’s gentle push to be a lifelong learner, so in December 2025, he will graduate from Arkansas State and become Dr. Semler. Hank is always looking for high-character men and women for coaching positions, and he can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for him next. “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua).

Hank is married to his best friend and the love of his life, Meg, for 30 amazing years, and a father to the 2 biggest blessings in his life, Alex and Evie.

In this episode, Coach Semler shares the type of wisdom that can only be gained with 30 years of experience in the education and athletics.

Coach also shares nuggets of wisdom from his book, "The Path for Coaches, Volume 1: Mentoring."

If you lead people, I strongly recommend purchasing the book, no matter what profession you're in.

Coach Semler "Talks that Talk," shares his agreements and disagreements in a round of rapid fire. Last but not least, Coach Semler gives us AND 1; one piece of unsolicited advice that you didn't ask for but you probably need to hear.

Like, Subscribe, Follow, and tell a friend!

Follow Coach Jacinto:

Twitter/X: @ajacinto3

Follow The Coaches Co-Op on IG: podcast_with_prejean

Follow Coach P on Twitter/X: @CoachPrejean1

Follow Coach P on IG: CoachPHoops

In this episode, Coach Jacinto shares his story growing up in the Waco area. The Boys Club in Waco is where Coach developed his love and acumen for athletics. Advice from a high school coach, is what led Coach Jacinto onto the path to coaching.

Coach also shares nuggets of wisdom from his book, "The Path for Coaches, Volume 1: Mentoring." If you lead people, I strongly recommend purchasing the book, no matter what profession you're in.

Coach gives us his agreements and disagreements in a round of rapid fire. Last but not least, Coach Jacinto gives us AND 1; one piece of unsolicited advice that you didn't ask for but you probably need to hear.