Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 13 - Mike Murray - The Power of Connection

In this episode host Samantha Livingstone dives into the complexities of parenting in the world of sports, from youth to professional levels. The guest, Mike Murray, head coach and assistant athletic director at Albany Academy, shares his diverse experiences from being a swim coach, business owner, and sport parent. Their discussion explores the importance of centering human connections in athletics, reflecting on the pressures and ambitions that come with coaching and parenting. Strategies for managing athlete stress, maintaining family values, and the evolving dynamics of college sports recruitment are also discussed. Murray emphasizes the significance of fun and connection in sports and the importance of personal reflection and prioritizing family well-being.

· 02:03 Mike's Coaching Philosophy and Career Evolution

· 03:55 Balancing Roles: Coach, Parent, and Administrator

· 07:17 The Importance of Connection and Humanizing Sports

· 09:01 Challenges and Reflections in Youth Sports

· 13:58 The Impact of Over commitment on Coaches and Families

· 20:51 Creating Balance and Prioritizing Well-being

· 31:38 Building Relationships and Learning from Mistakes

· 37:31 Supporting Different Interests and Personalities

· 43:07 Reflecting on Coaching and Parenting Mistakes

· 53:07 Finding Joy in Sports Again

Quotes

• " Whether it's swimming or whether it's pickleball. We're, doing it for fun. For socialization, for creating platforms for our kids to explore discipline and commitment and enjoyment and lifelong health and fitness." [12:32]

• "I've always thought that it, it's the greatest honor in the world to have the ability to work with a team, to coach athletes, and to make a difference." [13:58]

• " The reason that you play lacrosse, that you play football, that you play softball, that you play squash or swimming or whatever it is, is because when you were little, it was really, really fun." [53:14]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· Instagram: @coachmurray3m

· Mike Murray's Website

· Albany Academy Athletics

Bio:

Mike Murray is dedicated to shaping the next generation of coaches & athletes by instilling values of balance, purpose, and success. With years of experience in coaching, he is committed to empowering coaches, athletes, and parents to reach their full potential.