In this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal continues her March Madness series with Mitch McHenry, head coach of Kickapoo High School basketball. Raised in a coaching family and obsessed with the game since childhood, McHenry brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build a winning team—but more importantly, what it takes to shape young athletes beyond the court.

From managing egos to navigating the relentless pressure of social media, McHenry shares the challenges modern coaches face. He also pulls back the curtain on the growing financial arms race in youth sports, where some families pour in thousands chasing scholarships that may never come. With high expectations from parents, players, and the community, how does a coach balance it all?

This episode dives into the realities of coaching in today’s world—where the stakes are high, the pressure is relentless, and the lessons go far beyond the game.

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