In this powerful episode of Coaching Minutiae, Nic Carothers sits down with Decatur Central’s own mental health coach, Nina Winsick, to uncover the hidden side of athletic development—the part that starts long before a kid ever picks up a ball. Together they dive deep into the real battles today’s athletes face: fear of failure, confidence struggles, identity confusion, social pressure, and the overwhelming expectations of being a student-athlete in 2025.

Nina shares her journey from multi-sport athlete to mental performance expert, breaking down why high school athletes need mental skills training now more than ever. She and Nic explore the habits, the mindset shifts, and the emotional tools that help young people build resilience, embrace discomfort, and grow stronger through adversity.

This conversation will challenge coaches to coach deeper, help parents support better, and remind every athlete listening that they are more than their stats, more than their likes, more than their jersey.

This is the episode that builds people—

from the inside out.

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In this episode of The Coaching Minutiae Podcast, host Nic Carothers sits down with Jason Pruitt, Associate Head Coach at Indiana State University, for an unfiltered conversation about what really builds winning programs.

From Los Angeles gyms to the hardwood of the Missouri Valley Conference, Coach Pruitt has spent his career flipping struggling programs into champions — not by chasing hype, but by recruiting fit over fame. Together, Nic and Jason unpack the overlooked truths of modern recruiting, how player-led cultures are built, and why the best teams are rooted in trust, consistency, and love with standards.

This isn’t about highlight reels or social-media followers — it’s about the everyday habits that make teams last. You’ll hear how relationships turn into championships, how humility keeps coaches grounded, and how faith keeps the mission centered when the scoreboard doesn’t.

Whether you’re a coach building culture, a parent walking beside your athlete, or a player searching for your next step — this conversation will remind you that true success isn’t found in visibility, but in alignment.

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In this conversation, Coach Marc Mitchell sits down with Nic Carothers to break down what really wins—day after day—in women’s college basketball. We get beyond the highlight reels and the hot takes to talk about character, consistency, and the daily habits that shape a program.

You’ll hear Coach Mitchell’s unfiltered perspective on the recruiting process (and what he wishes every parent knew), how a player’s social media content, context, and frequency can help or hurt her opportunities, and the three pillars that hold up a healthy locker room culture. Coaches will leave with practical frameworks they can apply tomorrow. Parents will get clarity on how to support without smothering. Players will hear exactly what competitive programs look for and how to show they’re ready for the next level.

If you care about development over hype—and you want real, actionable game-plans for life and basketball—this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Coach Gabby Smith (Richmond High School, IN) sits down with Nic to talk about the real work behind player development, communication, and culture. From managing multi-sport athletes to rebuilding trust, from learning to coach with grace to teaching kids the power of next-play mindset, this conversation reminds us why we do what we do.

You’ll hear powerful moments on:
~The art of communication with this generation of players and parents
~Why giving athletes “the why” transforms their buy-in
~The “Disease of Left and Right” — how comparison kills growth
~Building confidence, leadership, and culture through accountability and love
~The emotional and spiritual side of coaching — where purpose meets preparation

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this one hits home. It’s not just a podcast — it’s professional development for the heart.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Grow.

Subscribe for weekly episodes that teach coaches how to communicate, connect, and build programs that last generations.

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In this powerful episode of the Coaching Minutiae Podcast, host Nic Carothers sits down with Indiana coaching legend DeeAnn Ramey to unpack the challenges and blessings of a 40-year career in basketball. From her Final Four playing days to leading programs through decades of change, Coach Ramey shares hard-won wisdom about:

• 🌱 The importance of relationships over wins—why consistency and character last longer than trophies.
• 🔄 How the new transfer rules in Indiana are reshaping high school basketball and testing team loyalty.
• 🏀 The truth about AAU—what families get wrong, what players need to know, and how to choose wisely.
• ❤️ Stories of impact: saving lives, shaping futures, and the unseen sacrifices of coaching.
• 📝 Her “Letter to a Young Coach”: 3 lessons she wishes she could’ve told her younger self.

Coach Ramey doesn’t hold back—this episode is equal parts raw, inspiring, and practical for coaches, players, and parents navigating today’s basketball landscape.

➡️ Stick around until the end for her must-hear guest nomination for a future episode and a story about the time she crossed paths with Rick Fox as an Indiana All-Star manager.

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In this powerful episode of Coaching Minutiae, Coach Nic Carothers sits down with legendary Coach Stacy Mitchell to unpack the journey of transforming a struggling program into a state champion powerhouse. They dive deep into what it takes to build trust after years of instability, the role of family and community support, and how to balance AAU ball with high school development. Coach Mitchell shares lessons on leadership, player confidence, recruiting realities, and the sacrifices coaches and families make behind the scenes. Packed with stories, strategies, and raw truth, this conversation is a masterclass for coaches, parents, and players who want to understand the details that create lasting success—on and off the court.

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This episode is a special one for me. Today’s guest is someone I’ve known since high school — someone who, to this day, might be one of the only people I never managed to beat in the 100 meters. From the moment he stepped on the track as a freshman, he was a force. Indiana State Champion, IU Track Alumni and Lawrence Central Legend… Coach Will Glover! 

It’s an honor to share the mic with him, not just to talk track, but to dive deep into what it takes to build athletes and programs that last.

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What happens when you stop clearing the obstacles for your players—and instead prepare them to face the struggle?

In this unforgettable episode, Coach Nic sits down to break down what it really means to develop athletes—not just as players, but as people. From the powerful Sea Turtle story about resilience, to the truth about parents, transfer culture, and predators in youth sports, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the toughest and most rewarding parts of coaching.

🔥 You’ll hear:

• How to use struggle as a teacher, not something to avoid.
• Why film study, transition drills, and individualized communication matter more than talent alone.
• The difference between coaching freshmen vs. seniors, and why voice and IQ often outweigh athleticism.
• How to balance honesty, love, and accountability without breaking your players.
• Why sports is more than a game—it’s preparation for life.

If you’re a coach, parent, or player who wants to understand the real journey to greatness—this is the episode you’ll never forget.

👉 Listen now, and learn why the best coaches don’t prepare the path for the child… they prepare the child for the path.

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