In this episode I speak with Coach Jason Oates, host of the podcast Whistle and a Clipboard, and coach of several youth football, baseball, basketball and softball teams over the years. Jason is a big reason this podcast exists, as he inspired me to begin talking with coaches and people who knew more than me, and as I became a big fan of his podcast and people he had on. In this episode we talk about"

-Emancipating excellence from our players, meaning they have all they need inside of them, it's our job to help bring it out

-The challenge of getting kids to develop on their own, in their sport and in life 

-How Learning hides in mistakes that we and our players make 

-Adapting to what our players needs helps them learn better and helps us connect with them better

-Communicating in a way that builds trust and strength vs. communicating in a way that builds fear 

-"The more we learn, the more we understand how little we really know"

Jason's recommendations for improving your coaching craft include:

Be Like Walt - Pat Williams

Wooden's forgotten Teams - Pat Williams

Marketing Outrageously -  Jon Spoelstra

You can find Jason on Twitter @jasonHoates, and his podcast's twitter account @WCPodcast1 and be sure to check out his podcast, Whistle and a Clipboard  wherever you listen to podcasts

Today I speak with Coach Joe Fussner, who served as the head women’s basketball coach at Stockton University in NJ for 26 seasons. He finished his career at Stockton with 410 wins, and his teams saw tremendous success including 2 conference championship titles in 2000 and 2005. Coach Fuss still enjoys breaking down film for local teams and his former assistant coaches and players who are now coaching at various levels. He is a true student of the game. In this episode we talk about

-the differences in coaching boys vs. girls hoops

-what it takes to be a leader

-what coaches should expect of their captains

-the importance of communication (athletes to athletes, athletes to coaches, and coaches to coaches)

-what accountability really is

-how important team chemistry is and some strategies to develop it

Coach Fuss’s resources include any of Coach Dean Smith’s books or articles

In this episode I speak with Coach Rick Brownell of Arcadia University Women's Soccer. Coach Brownell is in his 18th season at the helm for the Knights, and has had a unique journey into coaching, having never been an assistant coach and jumping in full time in a head coaching position. He has had tremendous success within his programs, but attributes those wins to staying committed to the process and doing the daily little things consistently. In this episode we discuss:

-How communication is the foundation to a successful program 

-Trusting your instincts when it comes to decision making and handling difficult situations 

-Leading by example and consistently supporting your athletes rather than 'pulling them along'

-How success comes when your athletes want it more than you do 

-Understanding where your players are coming from, so you can support them in their journey towards success and greatness 

-Keeping soccer in perspective, and allowing it to contribute towards a positive and well-rounded collegiate experience 

-Trusting that his players are holding each other accountable in the off-season and summer months 

-The foundation of confidence is doing something that you're proud of every day 

Coach Brownell recommends The Talent Code By Dan Coyle as his resource for coaches to improve their craft. 

He can be reached via his e mail [email protected], and you can learn more about Arcadia Women's Soccer Here 

Jeff Bezos said, "In he end, we are our choices" 

Myron Golden said, "The only reason anyone does anything is because they CHOOSE to do it" 

And Albus Dumbledore said, "“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”  

Today I talk about the concept of time management vs. choice management. How are you choosing to spend your time? WHY are you choosing to spend it that way? Have a listen and let me know what you think! 

 Keep getting better every day! -Coach Kelli

Accomplished leaders create an environment in which their people can develop their skills, their knowledge, and their character. This leads to a learning environment in a culture of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. - James Kerr, Legacy.  It's so important to understand your player's "why", and how they feel appreciated, so you can create an environment that they feel safe in and they can grow into their fullest potential. A good friend once reminded me that it's not the farmer's job to force the seeds to grow. It's the farmer's job to provide an environment in which the seats can flourish on their own. You are the farmer, your players are the seeds. Learn about them, and create an environment where they can thrive. 

In this episode we talk to Coach Sydney Davis who is the executive director of girls on the run New Jersey. Sydney opens up about making a difference in the lives of the women she has worked with, and the girls who are part of the program. She discusses the importance of giving these girls a tool belt with which to deal with the challenges that they might face in their lives, to help them live with confidence. She notes the importance of having a culture of gratitude and the power in being a team, and would tell her self that persistence, and not giving up is one of life's greatest blessings, because of the lives are affecting, the example you're setting, and the people that will help you along the way.  If you'd like more information or to get involved with Girls On The Run, visit GirlsOnTheRun.org, or GirlsOnTheRunNJ.org. Sydney recommends the following reads:

Dare To Lead- Brene Brown (book)

Unlocking Us - Brene Brown (podcast)

Becoming - Michelle Obama

Untamed - Glennon Doyle