Masters In Coaching Podcast

Tim Cates is joined by Concordia University Irvine head beach volleyball coach Jenny Griffith and national champion Olivia Medina for an inside look at the Golden Eagles' historic run to the program's first AVCA Small College National Championship. Coach Griffith reflects on building Concordia into one of the premier NCAA Division II beach volleyball programs on the West Coast, creating a championship culture, and what it took to finally reach the top after coming so close in previous seasons. Olivia Medina shares the student-athlete perspective, discussing the team's chemistry, leadership, and the unforgettable experience of winning a national title.

The conversation also explores the rapid growth of collegiate beach volleyball, with more universities adding programs and creating new opportunities for young athletes across the country. Coach Griffith offers valuable insight into the recruiting process, explaining what college coaches look for in prospective student-athletes, how high school players can stand out, and why character, work ethic, and coachability are just as important as talent. Coach Griffith also talks about some valuable lessons she learned while in the Masters In Coaching and Athletics Administration Program at CUI Irvine.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's inaugural Women's Flag Football coaches, Rod Sherman and Kristen Sherman, to discuss the exciting challenge of building California's first NCAA Division I women's flag football program from the ground up.

The Shermans share what it means to create a program with no previous blueprint—establishing the culture, developing the identity, and laying a foundation that will define Cal Poly Flag Football for years to come. They discuss the importance of recruiting not only elite athletes, but high-character student-athletes who embrace the program's vision and are eager to make history.

The conversation also dives into the rapid growth of girls and women's flag football, now one of the fastest-growing sports in America, fueled by explosive participation at the high school level, NCAA expansion, and the sport's upcoming Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028. Rod and Kristen explain why California has become the epicenter of the sport and how Cal Poly is positioned to become a premier destination for the nation's top talent as the NCAA continues to embrace women's flag football as an emerging sport.

Both Rod and Kristen Sherman both received their Masters in Coaching from Concordia University Irvine and talk about how that has helped them in their professional growth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates welcomes new Concordia University Irvine men's basketball head coach Scott Clark for an in-depth conversation about the next chapter of Eagles basketball. Coach Clark shares what drew him to Concordia, his vision for building a championship culture, and the values that will define his program on and off the court. They discuss recruiting in Southern California, developing student-athletes, navigating today's changing college basketball landscape, and the style of play Eagles fans can expect this season.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with USD Beach Volleyball head coach Derek Olson for an in-depth conversation about a life built around the sport. Olson reflects on his journey from player to coach, including formative stops at Cal and the University of Washington, where he helped shape competitive programs and sharpen his coaching identity.

Now, Olson faces his biggest challenge yet: building USD’s Division I beach volleyball program from the ground up. With the Toreros not scheduled to play their first match until 2027, he shares what it takes to start a program from scratch—recruiting, establishing standards, and laying a foundation built to last.

Olson also dives into how earning his Master’s in Coaching and Exercise Science from Concordia University Irvine has influenced his philosophy, coaching style, and approach to culture-building. It’s a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at long-term program development, leadership, and the patience required to build something meaningful before the first whistle ever blows.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.