In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Coach Hawkins, head coach of the men’s and women’s soccer teams at East Gaston, to explore the intersection of coaching and teaching. We discuss his journey through sports, the difficult decisions that led him to coaching, and where he sees himself in the future. Coach Hawkins shares his coaching philosophy and how he focuses on teaching through sports, helping student-athletes develop a growth mindset, mental toughness, and leadership skills that extend beyond the field. If you're passionate about coaching in the classroom, balancing sports and school, and building future leaders, this episode is for you!

From walk-on at Clemson to mentor—Coach Murray’s journey in teaching, coaching, and inspiring

In this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, we sit down with Coach Murray, the East Gaston Track & Cross Country Coach and high school math teacher, to explore his incredible journey. From his days as a walk-on at Clemson University to shaping young athletes in the classroom and on the track, Coach Murray shares his coaching philosophy, teaching strategies, and how he inspires student-athletes to push beyond their limits.

Whether you're a coach, teacher, runner, or sports fan, this episode is packed with leadership insights, mentorship advice, and motivation for educators and athletes alike.

🔹 How did Coach Murray go from student-athlete to mentor?
🔹 What lessons from college athletics shape his coaching and teaching today?
🔹 How does he motivate and develop high school runners in track & field and cross country?

Don't miss this inspiring sports and education podcast episode—hit play now!

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, I sit down with Forestview High School Basketball Coach and educator, Steve Bartlett, to explore the power of coaching in the classroom and on the court. We dive into what it truly means to impact students beyond the game, highlighting the teacher-coach connection and the life lessons that extend far past basketball.

Coach Bartlett shares his coaching philosophy, the mentorship role of coaches in education, and how sports leadership in schools shapes student-athletes for lifelong success. From leadership and discipline to resilience and teamwork, we discuss how coaches who teach inspire personal growth, confidence, and character development in their players.

Whether you're a coach, educator, or someone who believes in the power of mentorship, this episode is packed with insights on teaching through sports. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how coaches who are also teachers make a lasting difference in students’ lives!

In this episode of Play, learn, Lead , I sit down with Coach Bowen, the passionate and inspiring PE coach at Pinewood Elementary in Gaston County, to discuss the impact of teacher-coaches in education. We explore his approach to keeping students active, engaged, and excited about physical education, highlighting how movement supports learning in the classroom and contributes to student-athlete development from an early age.

Coach Bowen shares his insights on building character through sports, the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, and how coaches who teach play a crucial role in shaping healthy habits and lifelong fitness. Whether you're a coach, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies for using sports leadership in schools to empower students through physical activity.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the role of coaching in education, and discover how teaching through sports can create lasting change beyond the gym!

In this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, we sit down with Coach Medici, the new head football coach at East Gaston, to explore his journey from youth sports to high school coaching and the teacher-coach connection. Coach Medici shares how his experiences as a player, mentor, and educator have shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the impact of teacher-coaches in education and their role in student-athlete development.

We dive into the leadership lessons learned through coaching, the connections between coaching and the classroom, and how sports leadership in schools fosters discipline, teamwork, and character building. Plus, Coach Medici discusses his vision for the future of East Gaston football, his approach to mentorship in athletics, and the lasting legacy he hopes to build for his players.

Whether you're a coach, educator, or someone passionate about leadership and teaching through sports, this episode is packed with insights on how sports shape young athletes beyond the game. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, education, and the power of sports! 🏈🎧