In this conversation, Keegan Smith details his path from high school football in Alabama to working under Scott Cochran at Alabama and now coaching Olympic sports at Georgia Southern. He reflects on the emotional demands of coaching, building authentic relationships with athletes, and creating a culture rooted in trust and personal growth. Keegan emphasizes the value of early strength exposure, team-driven success, and the importance of coaching style in building athlete buy-in.

Key Takeaways

• Strength culture starts early and is shaped through consistent habits.
  

• Team culture and leadership are daily practices, not slogans.
  

• Coaching relationships must evolve with the realities of the transfer portal.
  

• Coaching Olympic sports requires adaptable, athlete-centered styles.
  

• Emotional intelligence is essential for long-term success in coaching.
  

• Personal and career growth comes from learning from your staff and peers.
  

• Details in training environments impact athlete mindset and motivation.
  

• Developing the whole athlete—beyond sports—is key to program longevity.
  

  Quote “Get close with the people on your staff… Learn their styles. Take what works. Leave what doesn’t. That’s okay.” — Keegan Smith