For the Love of Sport

2025 is here! Celebrate by listening to one of our favorite episodes featuring our partners at Diamond Allegiance this past year.

Dive in with hosts Simon and Marie as they chat with  Sandy Ogg and Erik Bakich from Diamond Allegiance, an organization dedicated to enhancing the travel baseball experience for families, teams, and coaches. Erik shares insights from his experience as Clemson's head baseball coach, while Sandy delves into the origins and future goals of Diamond Allegiance. The conversation also explores their journeys in youth sports, their approach to engaging clubs with extensive family memberships, and their upcoming business summit designed to enact impactful changes. Sandy And Erik also introduce The Curve Platform, a pioneering approach using technology to deliver personalized and impactful player development.

Learn more about the Curve App from Diamond Allegiance 

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Welcome back, dear listener. Just in time for the holidays, revisit this classic episode featuring some of our favorite guests—the Savannah Bananas.

So, let's get Bananas! The latest episode of For The Love of Sport features special guests Kyle Luigs and Tyler Gillum from the Savannah Bananas. Luigs, the starting pitcher for the team, and Gillum, Head Coach and a two-time winner of the CPL Coach of the Year award, discuss their own journeys in youth sports and how they have brought their passion to the Savannah Bananas organization.

The Savannah Bananas are known for their unconventional approach to baseball, prioritizing fun and excitement for both players and fans. Luigs and Gillum provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of youth sports and how the Savannah Bananas are shaking up the traditional approach to baseball. They discuss the importance of building relationships with fans and prioritizing their needs, and how this approach has led to the success of the Savannah Bananas organization. Check out this study that proves The Bananas perform better when they are having fun.

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In this final episode of the season, For The Love of Sport Podcast hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Gordon MacLelland, founder of UK-based Working With Parents in Sport (WWPIS). Gordon shares invaluable insights on fostering better relationships between parents, coaches, and young athletes.

As a thought leader and advocate for parent involvement in sports, Gordon emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect. We explore practical strategies for reducing conflicts, managing expectations, and ensuring that parents play a supportive, positive role in their child’s sports journey.

Whether you’re a coach looking to collaborate more effectively with parents or parental figures navigating the complexities of youth sports, this episode is packed with actionable advice to create a better experience for everyone involved.

1. The Power of Positive Parental Support: Gordon explains how parents can build confidence and resilience in their children through encouragement and understanding.
2. Building Trust Between Coaches and Parents: Open, honest communication is the foundation of successful coach-parent partnerships.
3. Managing Expectations: Aligning goals between parents, coaches, and athletes can reduce tension and enhance the youth sports experience.

Resources:

• WWPIS Website
• WWPIS Podcast

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Welcome back, dear listener!  

We have a special treat pulled from the archives that was recorded live at the 2023 AVCA convention. Hosts Simon and Marie welcome Clarence Hughes and Stephen Munson from the USA Volleyball Show. Dive in as they discuss their youth sports backgrounds, lessons learned, and volleyball's explosive growth, with record-breaking attendance and rising professional leagues. Learn about the mission of USA Volleyball’s podcast—connecting listeners with the people and stories behind the sport and highlighting how volleyball inspires teamwork, resilience, and community.

This episode is filled with insight, humor, and camaraderie, covering everything from youth sports experiences to the booming attendance records and newfound visibility of volleyball at collegiate and professional levels.

Key topics include:

• The Power of Youth Sports: Clarence and Steven reminisce about their early sports experiences and lessons in teamwork, resilience, and the drive to improve through every challenge.
• Growth of Volleyball: The episode highlights the rapid expansion of volleyball’s popularity, with recent record-breaking attendance at collegiate games and a new spotlight on the sport’s professional leagues.
• USA Volleyball's Mission: Through their podcast, Clarence and Steven aim to connect with listeners and highlight the human side of volleyball, sharing stories of players, coaches, and fans.

Links & Resources:

• Listen & subscribe to the USAV Podcast today!
• USAV Website 
• USAV YouTube
• AVCA Convention

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Welcome back, dear listeners!

This week, we’re bringing you a special post-show episode of For the Love of Sport recorded after our interview with USA Rugby Coach and Paralympian Joe Delagrave. This special episode takes you behind the scenes of our inspiring conversation with Joe, giving you a closer look at the moments that didn’t make it into the main show.

Join hosts Simon and Marie as they share everything that happened off-mic, from the hilarious bits that went wrong to the powerful moments that left a lasting impact. Plus, get the story behind a surprising twist: Joe and Simon’s ambitious (and maybe questionable) plans to start their own garage band! 🎸

Beyond the laughs, Simon and Marie reflect on Joe’s journey and the powerful lessons he brings to both youth sports and life. From resilience and adaptability to sports' role in personal growth, this episode celebrates our guest and everything that happens off-camera.

Missed Joe's Debut Episode?

Tune in now to hear the real story behind the episode with USA Rugby Coach Joe Delagrave—one that’s filled with laughs, lessons, and heart: https://link.chtbl.com/joe-delagrave

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joe Delagrave, the esteemed Team USA Wheelchair Rugby Coach. Joe opens up about his journey from a decorated wheelchair rugby athlete to a guiding figure for Team USA, emphasizing the values of resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. Through his story, listeners will uncover how wheelchair rugby isn’t just about the sport itself—it’s a powerful platform for empowering athletes and building community. Joe shares insights on coaching a national team, teaching life skills, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply a fan of remarkable sports stories, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on thriving through adversity and making an impact.

Producer note: We apologize for the audio quality in this episode and appreciate your understanding. Despite the technical hiccups, we believe the insights shared are too valuable to miss, and we hope you’ll stick with us for this great conversation. Thanks for tuning in!

Show Resources:

• Sign up for TrueSport's Mental Wellness Event
• Support Wings for Life
• Book Joe for a Speaking Engagement

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In this encore episode of For the Love of Sport, Marie and Simon are joined by Darrell 'D.K.' Taylor, the self-proclaimed 'Youth Sports Guy' and 'Engineer of Engaging Experiences.' As the director of BNA Sports, D.K. is dedicated to developing youth athletes and providing them with pro-like experiences. With a background in player development for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, D.K. brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation.

In this episode, D.K. shares his insights into promoting inclusion in football, creating opportunities for young girls, and the significance of building a legacy and strong personal brand. Don't miss this re-aired episode packed with valuable lessons on empowering the next generation through youth sports.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Khalid Cannon, President and Chief Program Officer of Put Me In!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to sports for children of incarcerated parents. Khalid shares his personal journey, from playing professional rugby for the Austin Gilgronis to leading a national nonprofit. He discusses the transformative power of sports and how his organization fosters hope, structure, and a sense of belonging for children facing significant life challenges. Tune in to learn more about Khalid's innovative approaches to expanding sports access and empowering the next generation of athletes.

1. The Power of Sports for At-Risk Youth: Khalid emphasizes how sports can offer structure, build self-esteem, and create a sense of community for children of incarcerated parents, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
2. Strategic Growth with Heart: Khalid explains how Put Me In! has grown nationally while maintaining its deep connection to its core community, utilizing his professional background in strategy and consulting to scale impact.
3. Lessons from Rugby: Drawing from his own experience as a professional rugby player, Khalid talks about the life lessons he gained from sports and how they shape his leadership at Put Me In! today.
4. Addressing Unique Needs: Khalid shares innovative solutions his organization has developed to address the specific emotional and logistical barriers children of incarcerated parents face when trying to participate in sports.

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Today’s episode features Kyle Weindel, Associate Club Director at Sunshine Volleyball Club, a volleyball powerhouse in Southern California. Founded in 1998, Sunshine Volleyball Club has cultivated a culture of excellence, earning over 150 bids to Junior Nationals and producing numerous collegiate athletes. Kyle shares his journey in the volleyball world, his coaching philosophy, and how Sunshine Volleyball balances elite athleticism with holistic development. Dive into the strategic growth of Sunshine Volleyball and learn how Kyle and his team foster academic and athletic excellence, maintaining their reputation as one of the top volleyball clubs in the nation.

1. The Power of Connection – Kyle emphasizes the importance of relationships built over the years, whether through coaching or mentorship, in shaping successful careers.
2. Cultivating Excellence – Sunshine Volleyball Club stands out due to its commitment to academic and athletic excellence, consistently sending athletes to top academic institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and UCLA.
3. Adapting for Growth – Sunshine has grown exponentially, expanding into multiple locations and embracing a holistic approach to athlete development by incorporating strength training and mental conditioning.
4. Building a Brand—The club’s yearly logo and uniform redesigns keep it relevant, while its online retail presence expands its footprint beyond volleyball.
5. Community Focus—Sunshine Volleyball is as focused on developing its elite teams as it is on nurturing young athletes, ensuring opportunities for all levels of players.

Get inspired by Sunshine:

• 2025 Team Gear Store
• Nike + Sunshine Collab

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Join us in an inspiring conversation with Brenda Hilton, the founder of Officially Human, an organization dedicated to restoring respect and dignity to game officials at all levels of sport. Brenda, who has over 22 years of experience in collegiate officiating, shares her insights on the vital role that referees and umpires play in sports events and the growing need to address the mistreatment of these professionals.

This episode explores how the decline in respect for officials impacts youth sports and the broader sports community. Brenda reflects on her career journey, her lessons, and how Officially Human strives to influence change. We also discuss the key programs and initiatives that help schools, volunteers, and families better support officials and ensure a positive sporting environment for everyone.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, administrator, or athlete, this conversation is packed with practical tips on how we can all help make sports better for officials—and, by extension, everyone involved in youth sports.

The Crucial Role of Officials: Brenda emphasizes that referees are integral to the integrity of sports. Without them, competition would lack structure, and the games wouldn’t function smoothly.

Respect Starts with Education: Officially Human's mission is to educate parents, athletes, and fans about the importance of respecting officials, reminding everyone that they are human beings with lives, families, and emotions.

Solutions for Youth Sports Organizations: Practical advice on incorporating Officially Human’s PSA resources into youth sports programs to foster respect and empathy for game officials.

Recruitment and Retention of Officials: Strategies to combat the growing shortage of referees by improving working conditions, providing recognition, and creating a positive environment.

The Long-term Vision: Brenda discusses how her organization plans for the future, aiming to partner with more youth sports organizations and institutions to improve the treatment of officials at every level of the game.

Hear more from Officially Human on their podcast, Behind the Stripes!

Subscribe here >

Watch the latest episodes here >

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