Guest: Nolan Recker, founder of Hey Coach
Host: Scott Schimmel
Duration: ~24 mins
Theme: Using sports as a meaningful space for character development, reflection, and identity formation in kids

In this episode, Scott is joined by long-time friend Nolan Recker, a coach, entrepreneur, and former pastor who is building Hey Coach, a platform to bridge communication gaps between coaches, kids, and parents.

They explore:

Why youth sports might be the best environment for identity development

The emotional and relational challenges coaches face in mentoring kids

How Hey Coach creates structured reflection through journaling via text

Why kids today need private spaces to process identity—especially in a social media-driven world

The tension between competition and character development

How journaling and thoughtful coaching can counteract the pressure kids feel to perform or “be liked” online

Scott’s experience coaching 25+ youth teams

Nolan’s journey from vocational ministry to building a tech platform

The “third space” idea: where identity is formed outside of school and home

Why coaches feel under-equipped to mentor kids beyond the scoreboard

Social media’s impact on kids’ sense of worth and the rise of performance-based identity

Using asynchronous reflection questions to foster inner growth

“I don’t know a coach who doesn’t want to develop kids—but most don’t know how.”
– Scott Schimmel

“Journaling helps you wrestle with things and form a grounded sense of self.”
– Nolan Recker

“Sports are the perfect setup for conversations about failure, resilience, and identity—if coaches are equipped.”
– Scott Schimmel

Use reflection questions to help kids explore their identity (e.g., “What are you learning about yourself through competition?”)

Coaches need tools, not just good intentions

Journaling—even via text—gives kids a private way to explore thoughts without peer pressure

Parents also need coaching on how to support their kids after a tough game or loss