In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we sit down with Ozzie Parente, head boys soccer coach at the Taft School and associate dean of students. Ozzie shares his journey from growing up in Connecticut to becoming a multifaceted leader in a boarding school environment. He discusses the importance of building team culture, forming meaningful relationships with players, and redefining adversity. Ozzie also covers his coaching experiences across different sports and how these have informed his approach to coaching varsity soccer. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the values of selflessness, humility, and community in sports.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:08 Ozzie's Early Life and Passion for Sports

01:57 College Years and Initial Career Path

03:25 First Job at Taft School

04:22 Mentorship and Early Coaching Experiences

05:53 Life in New Haven and Taft School Culture

07:38 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution

11:58 Balancing Multiple Roles and Family Life

16:29 Experimentation and Learning as a Coach

19:07 Challenges and Realizations as a Head Coach

22:24 Exploring the Concept of Culture in Teams

23:20 Building a Strong Team Culture

24:36 Traditions and Practices that Unite Teams

26:56 The Importance of Recognizing Individual Contributions

32:01 The Role of Coaches Beyond the Field

40:05 Redefining Adversity and Team Support

43:43 Concluding Thoughts on Team Culture and Support

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark interviews Charles Gordon Jr., the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Rutland High School in Macon, Georgia. Charles shares his journey from being a military kid with a passion for athletics to becoming an Athletic Director. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple roles, including coaching cross country and basketball, dealing with administrative responsibilities, and the importance of mentorship. Charles also talks about the significance of fundraising, transportation logistics, and managing limited resources. Tune in to learn about the insights and lessons Charles has gained throughout his career and how he's adapting to his new role as AD.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:52 Journey to Coaching

03:09 Returning to Macon

04:49 Educational Background and Coaching Roles

05:40 Challenges and Lessons in Coaching

13:50 Fundraising Strategies

19:10 Transportation and Facility Management

24:37 Transition to Athletic Director

32:56 Coaching Challenges and Adaptations

33:56 Managing Multiple Sports and Coaches

34:19 Uniform Management and Logistics

43:50 The Importance of Energy and Consistency

45:30 Evolving Coaching Philosophies

48:30 Empowering Assistant Coaches

54:59 Adapting to Team Needs and Overcoming Challenges

01:03:59 Reflecting on Growth and Future Plans

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ryan Diew, head basketball coach at Head Royce Boys basketball and proud alum of the school. Coach Diew shares his journey from being an athlete at Head Royce to playing basketball at Colgate University, and eventually returning to his alma mater to coach. He discusses his experiences as a walk-on, the valuable lessons he learned from his mentors, and his unexpected path into coaching. Coach Diew also delves into his entrepreneurial background, his coaching philosophy, and how he integrates data analytics into his coaching strategies. Tune in to hear insightful stories about resilience, leadership, and the impact of youth mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 Coach Ryan Diew's Athletic Journey

01:22 Transition to Coaching

02:09 Early Coaching Challenges and Successes

03:29 Return to Head Royce and Pandemic Impact

04:52 Coaching Philosophy and Adaptation

06:20 Balancing Coaching and Personal Development

09:25 Building a Basketball Program

14:33 Analytics in Coaching

19:27 Kids' Engagement and Tracking Performance

19:53 Grading System for Player Evaluation

20:23 Democratic Process in Team Selection

21:04 Analyzing Player Combinations and Effectiveness

22:49 Balancing Scoring and Team Dynamics

27:37 Evolving Coaching Philosophy

30:22 Impact of Venture Capital Experience on Coaching

35:59 Redefining Success and Personal Growth

38:07 Shark Tank Experience and Lessons Learned

39:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ryan Diew, head basketball coach at Head Royce Boys basketball and proud alum of the school. Coach Diew shares his journey from being an athlete at Head Royce to playing basketball at Colgate University, and eventually returning to his alma mater to coach. He discusses his experiences as a walk-on, the valuable lessons he learned from his mentors, and his unexpected path into coaching. Coach Diew also delves into his entrepreneurial background, his coaching philosophy, and how he integrates data analytics into his coaching strategies. Tune in to hear insightful stories about resilience, leadership, and the impact of youth mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 Coach Ryan Diew's Athletic Journey

01:22 Transition to Coaching

02:09 Early Coaching Challenges and Successes

03:29 Return to Head Royce and Pandemic Impact

04:52 Coaching Philosophy and Adaptation

06:20 Balancing Coaching and Personal Development

09:25 Building a Basketball Program

14:33 Analytics in Coaching

19:27 Kids' Engagement and Tracking Performance

19:53 Grading System for Player Evaluation

20:23 Democratic Process in Team Selection

21:04 Analyzing Player Combinations and Effectiveness

22:49 Balancing Scoring and Team Dynamics

27:37 Evolving Coaching Philosophy

30:22 Impact of Venture Capital Experience on Coaching

35:59 Redefining Success and Personal Growth

38:07 Shark Tank Experience and Lessons Learned

39:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark speaks with Trey Brown, Head Football Coach and Associate Director of Admission at Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts. Trey shares his journey from growing up in Livingston, California, to becoming a key figure at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the USA. He discusses the importance of building personal connections with players, fostering a strong team culture, and the challenges and rewards of coaching at a high academic institution. Trey also emphasizes the need for adaptability, delegation, and continuous learning in coaching, as well as the unique dynamics of working within the prep school sports ecosystem. His insights provide valuable lessons for both current and aspiring coaches on balancing performance with personal growth and well-being for student-athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Coach Trey's Background and Journey

01:33 The Andover Experience

02:26 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose

03:58 Returning to Andover and Career Growth

07:08 Coaching Philosophy and Advice

16:52 Building Team Culture and Connections

19:54 Learning from Other Sports and Team Bonding

21:54 Adding Fun and Competition to Practice

22:07 Balancing Practice and Team Bonding

22:24 Learning from Other Coaches

22:54 The Importance of Time Management

23:04 Reflecting on Practice Priorities

23:46 Starting Practice with Full Games

24:31 Conceptual Offense in Football

26:21 Live Read Components in Practice

30:56 Delegating Responsibilities as a Coach

35:48 Evolving Coaching Approaches

39:13 Sustainability in Prep School Sports

41:53 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

In this episode of the Contacts coaching podcast, we sit down with Tyler Whitley, the head football coach at Taft School and Associate Athletic Director. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Torrington, Connecticut, to becoming a multi-sport athlete in high school, and eventually finding his passion in coaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling multiple roles at a boarding school, his approach to building an inclusive team culture, and how he navigates the complexities of recruiting in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. Tune in to hear valuable insights on managing expectations, trusting your assistants, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:32 Coach Whitley's Background and Journey

04:36 Boarding School Experience and Accessibility

10:14 Challenges and Realizations as a New Head Coach

14:22 Creating a Culture of Inclusivity and Service

17:40 Game Schedules and League Details

20:40 The Rise of Northeast Football

21:02 Evaluating Talent Without Crossover Play

21:32 Transitioning to Athletic Administration

23:26 Learning from Other Coaches

27:51 The Value of Diverse Perspectives

30:06 Challenging Personal Beliefs

35:26 Balancing Coaching and Family

37:32 Adapting to Modern Recruiting Challenges

40:55 Final Thoughts and Tools for Success

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin interviews Justin Ferdinand, Athletic Director at a prestigious high school in San Mateo, California. They discuss Ferdinand's journey from growing up in San Ramon, California, to playing water polo at Chaminade University in Oahu, and his subsequent transitions through various coaching and administrative roles. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of being an athletic director, the importance of creating a supportive and equitable sports environment, and the differences between private and public school athletics. Ferdinand also shares insights on managing time, navigating sportsmanship issues, and balancing parental expectations with the needs of student-athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Justin Ferdinand's Early Life and College Journey

01:41 Coaching Beginnings in Hawaii

02:27 Transition to Southern California

02:51 Advanced Education and Career Progression

03:40 Return to Northern California

05:01 Reflections on Public vs. Private School Experience

08:07 Advice for Young Coaches

11:22 Challenges and Insights in Athletic Administration

14:10 Building Community and Equity in Sports Programs

18:45 Participation and Specialization in High School Sports

22:40 Unique Challenges and Successes in Specific Sports

25:11 Brotherhood and Faith in Sports

27:40 Learning from Other Coaches

28:34 Effective Practice Planning

32:47 Balancing Pressure and Experience

39:41 Addressing Sportsmanship Issues

44:48 Challenging Beliefs and Parenting

50:39 Decision-Making Process for Young Athletes

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, Matt welcomes Jorden Radliff, a physiotherapist based in Melbourne, Australia. Jorden shares his journey from being a sports enthusiast to becoming an expert in ACL recovery and physiotherapy. The conversation dives deep into the differences between Australian and American sports systems, ACL injury recovery timelines, the role of muscle stimulation and blood flow restriction in rehab, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for injured athletes. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone interested in physiotherapy, this episode offers invaluable insights into sports injury recovery and prevention.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:24 Sports Journey and College Experience

02:10 Comparing Sports Cultures: Australia vs. USA

04:57 Transition to Physiotherapy

06:51 Understanding Exercise Science and Physiotherapy

10:40 Insights into ACL Injuries and Rehabilitation

19:01 Coping with ACL Injuries

21:29 Innovative ACL Treatment: Cross Bracing Method

22:09 Exploring ACL Tear Recovery in Australia

22:31 Pro Athletes and Quick Recovery Timelines

24:01 Surgical Approaches and Graft Types

24:22 Hamstring Grafts: Challenges and Considerations

25:44 Quad Grafts: Strength and Rehabilitation

26:46 Patella Tendon and Allografts

28:44 Innovative Techniques in ACL Recovery

30:40 Muscle Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction

35:05 Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation

36:09 Knee Braces and Joint Stability

40:13 Preventative Training and Long-Term Success

43:58 Remote ACL Rehabilitation Programs

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we pivot from our usual focus on coaching to gain valuable insights from current collegiate athlete Ella Emmert, catcher at the University of Kentucky. Ella shares her unique journey into athletics, starting softball at age 10, and overcoming challenges to play at the collegiate level. She discusses the importance of gratitude, identity, and living in the present, all crucial components of her athletic and leadership success. Additionally, Ella gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her roles on multiple NCAA and SEC advisory committees, offering perspective on the evolving landscape of college sports. This conversation is a treasure trove of advice and inspiration for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating competitive environments.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:50 Ella's Journey into Softball

02:11 High School and Recruitment Challenges

10:35 College Experience and NIL Impact

17:24 Athletic Leadership and Committees

25:46 Mental Strategies for Catchers

26:28 Building Confidence and Trust

27:22 Gratitude and Mindset Shifts

29:13 Facing Challenges and Growth

31:24 Leadership and Team Dynamics

37:43 Overcoming Performance Anxiety

46:08 The Importance of Being Present

50:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we're joined by Meghan Levers, the Athletic Director at Overfelt High School in San Jose. Meghan shares her inspiring journey from her beginnings in the San Fernando Valley to her experience as a JV soccer coach, and ultimately, to her current role as AD. She discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges of managing sports programs with limited budgets, and the importance of multi-sport participation for student-athletes. Meghan also highlights the collaborative efforts with her co-AD, the impact of raising academic standards, and strategies for effective athletic administration. Whether you're an aspiring coach, an athletic director, or just passionate about high school sports, this episode is filled with valuable insights.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 Meghan's Journey: From Student to Coach

03:02 Transition to Athletic Director

05:51 Challenges and Responsibilities of an AD

14:25 Funding and Resource Management

18:01 Academic Standards and Athletic Success

19:36 Raising Expectations and Student Success

20:00 The East Side Promise and Multi-Sport Participation

20:52 Promoting Multi-Sport Participation

21:37 Coaching Strategies for Multi-Sport Athletes

23:44 Challenges and Successes in Multi-Sport Programs

26:53 District Collaboration and Challenges

29:57 Insights from Overseeing Multiple Programs

34:31 Effective Tools and Changing Perspectives