Why Relationships Matter in Coaching and Athlete Development?
Welcome to Oak Performance Radio, the podcast dedicated to optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Hosted by Adam Lane, this episode features Coach Patrick Freeman, Executive Director of VC United, a leading junior volleyball club in Rockford, Illinois.
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Relationships in Coaching. Great coaching is more than drills and game plans—it’s about building trust, consistency, and understanding athletes as individuals.

Patrick Freeman shares his insights on why relationships are at the core of successful coaching and long-term player development. With experience managing 80 part-time coaches and overseeing club operations, he understands the balance between business, coaching, and athlete growth.
Episode Chapters: 

00:00 Intro

00:10 Introduction and Host

38:09 Patrick's Role and Responsibilities

38:22 Coaching Experience and Philosophy

38:37 Building Relationships with Athletes 

38:47 Challenges and Strategies in Coaching

39:01 Advice for Parents and Supporting Athletes

Key Insights from This Episode

• The Role of a Club Director: How Patrick oversees VC United and supports both full-time and part-time staff.
• The Importance of Consistency: Why athletes thrive when coaches provide stable and reliable guidance.
• Letting Athletes Fail: How failure fosters growth and resilience in young players.
• Parental Support Without Over-Coaching: The best ways parents can encourage their kids without adding pressure.
• Developing the Mental Game: Preparing athletes mentally, not just physically, for competition.
• Managing a Full-Time Sports Club: The challenges of running a top-tier volleyball program while ensuring sustainability.

Connect with Patrick Freeman & VC United
@wearevcunited
Enjoy this episode? Follow Oak Performance Radio for more conversations that help athletes, parents, and coaches navigate the world of competitive sports.

Wrestling isn’t just about wins—it’s about creating a lasting passion for the sport that fuels long-term success. But how do you avoid burnout and ensure your athletes stay engaged? Let’s break down the key to sustainable growth in wrestling.

Welcome back to Oak Performance Radio, the podcast where we help athletes, coaches, and parents optimize performance and minimize injury. Hosted by Adam Lane, we’re here to give you the tools to succeed on and off the mat.

Episode’s Main Topic

In this episode, Coach Tyler DeMoss, a former state finalist and head coach at Hononegah Wrestling, shares his coaching philosophy and insights. Tyler discusses how building a love for wrestling early on can prevent burnout and set athletes up for success—plus, he dives into the impact of parents, the recruiting process, and much more.

Key Insights

• The importance of developing a love for wrestling, not just focusing on wins.

• Why long-term athletic development is key to preventing burnout.

• What parents can do to support their child’s journey in wrestling.

• Insights into the college wrestling recruiting process and opportunities for female athletes.

• The significance of technique and enjoyment over immediate success in high school wrestling.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:35 Philosophy on Long-Term Athletic Development

07:00 Challenges and Importance of Parental Involvement

07:14 Transition from Kids to High School Wrestling

18:56 Recruiting and College Wrestling Opportunities

51:43 Personal Experiences and Transition to Coaching

51:55 Advice for Parents and Athletes

Call to Action (CTA)

Don’t miss out on more episodes that break down strategies for success in wrestling and beyond. Subscribe to Oak Performance Radio and stay tuned for more tips to elevate your performance.

Supporting Information

• Check out Oak Performance Radio on Instagram and Facebook for updates and more content.

Closing

Thanks for tuning in to Oak Performance Radio. We hope this episode inspires you to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenge. Be sure to subscribe for more expert advice and actionable tips. Until next time!

Navigating the world of recruiting and coaching in volleyball can feel overwhelming. 

What does it take to find the right fit as a player? And how can coaches foster trust and authentic relationships in today’s fast-paced environment?

Welcome to Oak Performance Radio!

Hosted by Adam Lane, this podcast is about optimizing performance and minimizing injury. It offers actionable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents alike.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Coach Ben Briney, a seasoned volleyball coach with over 18 years of experience, including 12 years as the head coach at Truman State University. Now coaching at the high school level and working as a wealth advisor, Ben shares his invaluable perspective on recruiting, player development, and building trust in the ever-evolving volleyball landscape.

What You’ll Learn

 • Key Recruiting Insights: Why doing your homework and having meaningful conversations with coaches is essential for finding the right fit.

 • Building Trust: How authentic relationships can set players and coaches up for success.

 • Volleyball Culture: Why effort, dedication, and character matter just as much as skills on the court.

 • Challenges in Modern Recruiting: Exploring the pressures coaches face and the impact of the transfer portal.

 • Parental Roles: How parents can support their athletes in making the best college decisions.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:10 Introduction and Background of Ben Briney

02:41 Recruiting and Player Evaluation

04:34 Building Relationships and Trust

07:09 Skills and Team Dynamics

12:55 Challenges in College Volleyball 

17:21 Preparing High School Players for College

27:41 Building a Strong Volleyball Culture

28:26 Communication and Trust in Coaching 

35:49 The Role of Parents in the Recruiting Process

Coach Ben Briney reminds us that volleyball is more than just a sport—it’s a tool for growth. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, building authentic relationships and maintaining high standards is key to long-term success.

For more insights, follow Oak Performance on Instagram and Facebook.

Can great coaching go beyond the gym and into understanding human nature?

This episode explores the psychology behind coaching and what it truly takes to lead with impact.

Welcome to Oak Performance Radio, a podcast hosted by Adam Lane. This show is passionate about optimizing performance and minimizing injuries. Its goal is to equip coaches, athletes, and leaders with the tools to thrive.

This episode features Brett Bartholomew, a renowned strength and conditioning coach, leadership consultant, and best-selling author of Conscious Coaching. Brett dives into the vital role of psychology in coaching, emphasizing trust-building, navigating conflict, and leadership that embraces humanity over perfection.

Key Insights

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:29 The Importance of Psychology in Coaching

04:10 Challenges in Coaching and Teaching

06:10 The Role of Relationships in Coaching

06:22 The Concept of the Shadow and Self-Awareness

06:36 The Heroic Blueprint and Leadership

06:52 The Role of Communication in Coaching

07:13 The Importance of Feedback and Self-Improvement

07:30 Advice for Parents and Athletes

08:15 Transatlantic Accent Discussion

1:02:53 Curiosity and Engagement

Curious to learn more?

Tune in to Brett’s stories, strategies, and leadership lessons that will reshape how you coach and lead.

Resources & Links

 • Brett’s Book: Conscious Coaching

 • Learn more about Brett’s work at Art of Coaching.

 • Follow Brett on Instagram: @Coach_BrettB

 • Book a call with Brett: https://calendly.com/coachbrett/bbasguest

https://brettbartholomew.net/

Thank you for tuning in to Oak Performance Radio! Stay connected with us for more insights and conversations that inspire growth and performance. 

See you next time!

What does life after the NFL look like for a 10-year veteran?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, Jonotthan Harrison, a 10-year NFL veteran and former offensive lineman, shares his professional football experiences and transition to life beyond the game.

Having played for six teams and primarily excelling as a center, Jonathan reflects on the realities of the NFL—from the constant competition and roster changes to the business-like approach that often treats players as commodities.

He shares his journey from a non-athletic background to becoming a standout player in high school and college and eventually being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.

Despite reaching his decade-long NFL goal, Jonathan faced challenges like injuries and team releases, shaping his resilience and adaptability perspective. 

Now, as an entrepreneur, Jonathan runs a metabolic training business and ventures into real estate, embracing this new chapter with the same focus and drive he brought to football.

00:00 Intro

03:40 Transitioning Out of the NFL

06:03 The Reality of the NFL

08:01 Growing Up and Early Athletic Experiences

42:15 College and NFL Journey 

42:27 Challenges and Setbacks in the NFL

42:43 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Future Plans

If you want to learn more about Jonathan’s journey and his insights into life as a professional athlete and entrepreneur, tune in to the episode!

Is it time to rethink how volleyball programs grow and thrive?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Today, your host, Adam Lane, is joined by Eric Schultze from VC United to explore the dynamic world of volleyball.

This conversation dives into the evolution of a volleyball program that has grown from humble beginnings to one of respect and competitiveness. Eric shares insights on the recent record-breaking tryouts with over 750 athletes and the introduction of a revamped team selection process designed to reduce stress while improving training and retention. 

They also highlight the program’s administrative strides, including a fresh marketing strategy and improved tournament management, all aimed at elevating the athlete and spectator experience.

The episode isn’t just about systems, relationships, community, and personal growth. Eric and Adam reflect on the journey of building a supportive environment for athletes to excel, whether on the court or in life. 

From fostering connections to better preparing young players for the challenges of college volleyball, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the impact of dedication and innovation in youth sports.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Explore new opportunities to support the athletes' health and physical development.

07:57 Impact of New Team Selection Process

10:30 Administrative Changes and Staff Structure

13:22 Professional Volleyball and League One

33:11 Preparing Athletes for College Volleyball 

1:00:57 Building Relationships and Trust with Athletes

1:01:56 The Role of Coaches in Shaping Athletes' Lives

1:02:08 Preparing for the Future and Continuous Improvement

1:02:51 The Importance of Enjoying the Process

1:03:23 Building Relationships and Community in Volleyball

1:07:13 Gratitude and Reflection on Past Achievements

1:12:34 The Role of Key Individuals and Community Support

If you want to hear more about how this program shapes the future of volleyball and its athletes, tune in to the episode!

Connect with Eric Schultze

@vcunited

What does it take to create a truly connected and resilient team?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, Jenny McDowell joins us to share her incredible journey from being a three-time team captain and all-region setter at the University of Georgia to becoming one of the most respected volleyball coaches in the country. With 27 years of coaching experience at Emory University, Jenny delves into the key principles that have shaped her leadership and team development approach.

Jenny discusses the significance of authenticity, trust, and meaningful connections in coaching, emphasizing how these elements foster a positive and productive environment. She highlights practical strategies like "sacred circles" to build personal connections and gratitude exercises to strengthen team dynamics.

She also explores the role of rest and recovery in preventing injuries, stressing the importance of balance and overall well-being for athletes and coaches.

00:00 Intro

01:23 Jenny's Coaching Journey

24:10 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching

39:29 Impact of Coaches on Athletes

41:54 Building Trust and Connection with Athletes 

54:04 Team Building and Gratitude Practices

58:35 Advice for Parents and Coaches

If you're curious about creating stronger team bonds and enhancing performance, tune in to the episode!

Connect with Jenny McDowell: 

https://www.lovb.com/news/get-to-know-jenny-mcdowell-lovb

What happens when young athletes face increased injury rates? 

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio, where we are passionate about optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Scott Ferry, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon from OrthoIllinois. With a B.S. in bioengineering and a medical degree from the University of Illinois, Dr. Ferry brings knowledge to the discussion on athletic injuries in young athletes. 

He highlights a concerning trend: the significant rise in ACL injuries among this population, noting that cases have surged from 10-20 annually to 40-60. This increase is primarily attributed to single-sport specialization and heightened competition levels.

Dr. Ferry emphasizes the need for moderation in sports participation, advocating for proper rest and recovery to prevent injuries. He also addresses modern medicine's challenges, including the influence of social media and a growing trend toward subspecialization.

Throughout the conversation, he shares his journey of balancing his professional obligations and family life.

This episode is an important reminder for coaches to prioritize recovery time and discourage year-round specialization in a single sport for young athletes. 

Parents are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach, focusing on enjoying sports, teamwork, and overall development instead of chasing elite-level aspirations.

00:00 Intro

00:10 Dr. Ferry's Career Journey

04:47 Changes in Pediatric Orthopedic Services

10:52 Increase in Pediatric Orthopedic Injuries

11:47 General Orthopedic Practice and Subspecialization

40:32 Advice for Coaches and Parents

40:48 Impact of Social Media and Parental Concerns

To learn more about this topic, tune in to the episode!

Dr Scott Ferry’s Bio: 

https://www.orthoillinois.com/find-a-provider/pediatric-orthopedic-surgeon-dr-scott-ferry/

Are you truly tapping into what drives elite athletic performance?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we are joined by Darcy Norman, an esteemed Physical Therapist (PT) and Athletic Trainer (ATC), who has worked with top-tier athletes and teams across the globe. Based in Lake Tahoe, California, Darcy's extensive experience in sports performance spans from working with elite soccer teams like Bayern Munich and the German national team to supporting individual athletes in multiple sports.

Darcy dives into the core of athletic success, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication on and off the field. He shares his journey in sports and how foundational movements and consistent training are key to preventing injuries and enhancing long-term performance.

Through engaging stories, including his daughter’s experience with the US snowboard team, Darcy highlights athletes' challenges, from injury recovery to the emotional toll of travel and isolation.

Throughout the conversation, Darcy underscores the value of positive coaching and building solid relationships in sports. He reflects on his career, stressing how nurturing friendships and making an effort in relationships are as vital as physical training to achieve greatness.

He also touches on the upcoming World Cup, discussing the potential impact this global event may have on American soccer and the future of the sport.

00:00 Intro

04:10 Balancing Sports and Personal Life

14:34 The Role of Passion in Sports 

24:02 Challenges and Rewards of Elite Sports 

24:21 The Importance of Consistency in Training 

32:04 The Role of Movement Variability in Sports Performance

47:52 The Impact of Coaching on Athlete Development

52:25 The Importance of Foundational Movements

52:39 The Role of Technology in Sports Performance

If you’re eager to dive deeper into how passion, relationships, and consistent effort shape the lives of athletes, tune in to this episode.

Connect with Darcy Norman

https://www.darcynormanconsulting.com/contact

How Do Athletes Find the Perfect Fit? A Coach’s Perspective.

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We're passionate about optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, Peter Winters, a coach with 19 years of experience, shares insights from his journey from swimming to volleyball coaching at institutions like Eastern Michigan and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

As an assistant coach at VCU, Winters brings knowledge on guiding athletes through their college careers, helping them balance athletics, academics, and personal development.

Winters breaks down the recruiting process and explores parents' critical role in supporting their children’s journey into college sports. He emphasizes how important it is for athletes to find the right fit—not just in terms of the team, but for their academic and personal growth.

This episode dives deep into the realities of college athletics, including the growing impact of the transfer portal and how it’s changing the landscape of recruitment and competition.

Winters also highlights the importance of consistent effort and attitude in games, everyday practice, and life. He believes fostering critical thinking through asking the right questions is vital to long-term growth for athletes. By exploring the differences between coaching at various levels, he underscores the importance of helping athletes find programs that align with their values and goals.

00:00 Intro

1:03:27 Transition to Volleyball Coaching

1:03:37 Challenges and Experiences in Coaching

1:03:46 Advice for Athletes and Parents

1:04:00 Building Team Dynamics and Character

1:04:11 The Role of Parents in Supporting Their Children

1:04:28 The Importance of Long-Term Goals

1:04:41 The Impact of Coaching on Athletes' Lives

1:04:52 The Role of Coaches in Helping Athletes Succeed

1:05:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections 

If you want to gain deeper insights into college athletics, the recruiting process, and how to navigate the shifting world of sports, tune in to this episode!

Connect with Peter Winters

https://www.instagram.com/wearevcunited/

https://www.facebook.com/wearevcunited