Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers

🎙️ Building a Significant Athletic Department | Dr. Michael McFarland 

On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Dr. Michael McFarland, Athletic Director at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and what it really takes to build a thriving athletic department.

Dr. McFarland shares the philosophy that drives Bloomsburg’s success—Recruit. Retain. Graduate.—and breaks down how that mindset shows up every day through relationships, accountability, and a relentless focus on the student-athlete experience.

From developing coaches to improving retention and academic success, this episode is a masterclass in building something that lasts—something that goes beyond wins and losses.

If you’re a coach, athletic director, or leader looking to create a stronger culture and more meaningful impact, this conversation delivers real, practical perspective you can apply immediately.

🎧 Listen at coachmattrogers.com/podcast
 🎥 Watch at youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

And don’t miss Part II, where we take this conversation into the recruiting landscape and what it means for today’s student-athletes and families.

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Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com.

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting | Ep. 168 

On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes. 

Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like. 

This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy. 

Topics include: 

•  Mental toughness vs. mental health 
•  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes 
•  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media 
•  Creating healthy team culture 
•  The relationship between identity and performance 
•  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits 

Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and experts helping athletes build stronger futures.
 
Visit coachmattrogers.com for books, recruiting help, speaking inquiries, blogs, and resources for coaches, athletes, and parents.

Follow Coach Val on Instagram @iam.coachval or visit her website at mentallystrongher.com

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

 🧠 The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting  | Ep. 168 

On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes.

Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like.

This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy.

Topics include:

•  Mental toughness vs. mental health 
•  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes 
•  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media 
•  Creating healthy team culture 
•  The relationship between identity and performance 
•  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits 

Learn more about Coach Val here:  https://www.instagram.com/iam.coachval/

Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and experts helping athletes build stronger futures.

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com.

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

🎙️ The Reality of How Softball Coaches Evaluate | Larry Yoder | Ep. 167

In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what really matters in the recruiting process.

This is a real, honest conversation about what coaches are actually looking for, how athletes can separate themselves, and why finding the right fit is more important than most families realize.

Coach Yoder shares his perspective from over 17 seasons of building and leading a successful NAIA softball program—offering insight into communication, evaluation, and what helps recruits stand out for the right reasons.

 🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/softball/coaches

 ⏱️ Chapters

 00:35 What Coaches Are Really Evaluating
 03:10 First Impressions & Initial Contact
 06:00 What Separates Recruits Early
 09:20 Skill vs. Intangibles
 12:15 The Importance of Fit
 15:10 Common Recruiting Mistakes
 18:05 Communication That Stands Out
 21:00 Evaluating Competitiveness & Body Language
 24:10 What Parents Need to Understand
 27:00 Late Bloomers & Development
 30:00 What Success Looks Like in College
 33:00 Final Recruiting Advice 

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

🎙️Building a Program That Lasts | Larry Yoder | Significant Coaching Ep. 166

In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what it takes to build—and sustain—a successful college program over time.

This is a real, honest conversation about how programs are actually built, what coaches go through in the early years, and how discipline, accountability, and consistency shape long-term success.

From starting with limited resources and learning on the fly, to creating a program that players and parents trust, Coach Yoder shares what it really looks like behind the scenes—and why staying committed to the process matters.

Yoder is in his 17th season at Mount Mercy, where he has compiled over 400 wins while leading the Mustangs to multiple conference championships, NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a fifth-place finish at the NAIA World Series. His program has rewritten the record books offensively, while continuing to excel in pitching and defense, and he played a key role in the development of Busse Field—one of the premier softball facilities in the NAIA.

🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/soft...

CHAPTERS
00:40 “What Are You Doing?” – First-Year Reflection
02:00 Taking Over a Struggling Program
03:30 Rebuilding a Roster from Scratch
05:30 Early Wins & Finding Momentum
08:15 Lessons from the Early Years
12:00 Building the Culture Over Time
16:30 Sustaining Success for 17 Seasons
21:00 Leadership Growth as a Coach
26:00 Raising the Standard Every Year
30:00 Advice for Coaches Building Programs
35:00 Closing Thoughts

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com.

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

 🏐 Coleman Lee: What College Coaches Really Want |  Ep. 165 

In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Central Methodist Head Volleyball Coach Coleman Lee to break down what really matters in the recruiting process.

From communication and evaluations to visits and long-term fit, Coleman shares what separates recruits who get opportunities from those who get overlooked.

They also discuss how recruiting has changed, what athletes and families misunderstand, and how players can take ownership of their process.

If you're serious about playing at the next level, this is a conversation you need to hear.

🔗 Learn more about Coleman Lee:
 https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wvball/coaches/Lee_Coleman?view=bio

🎙️ Significant Recruiting Podcast – Episode 165
 🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast
 📺 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

🎙️ Coleman Lee: Doing It Your Way and Building a Winner |  Ep. 164

In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Central Methodist University Head Volleyball Coach Coleman Lee, who has led the Eagles to six straight NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Coleman shares how his program is built through high-level training, long-term player development, and a commitment to doing the work—especially in those early years when nothing is guaranteed.

They dive into the realities of recruiting in today’s landscape, the impact of the transfer portal, and why developing freshmen has been essential to CMU’s success.

The conversation also explores leadership, team culture, and how intentional relationship-building—from book studies to “speed dating” teammate exercises—has shaped his teams both on and off the court.

This is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.

🔗 Learn more about Coleman Lee:
 https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wvball/coaches/Lee_Coleman?view=bio

🎙️ Significant Coaching Podcast – Episode 164
 🎯 Followed by Significant Recruiting – Episode 165

🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast
 📺 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com.

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

🏀 Do You Have What It Takes to Play D2? | Paula Krueger 

In Part II of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Paula Krueger, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II Northern State University, to break down what college recruiting really looks like from the coach’s perspective.

This episode dives into how recruiting lists actually work, the reality of the transfer portal, why opportunity is more than just playing time, and how recruits should communicate with college coaches the right way.

A must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting journey.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:30 What It Takes to Play D2
02:00 How Recruiting Lists Actually Work
05:00 Why Coaches Already Have Their Lists
07:30 What Coaches Watch at AAU Events
10:00 Defense, Rebounding & Effort
12:30 Stats vs Real Evaluation
15:00 The Reality of the Transfer Portal
18:30 Why Players Transfer
21:00 Opportunity Beyond Playing Time
24:00 Competing Within Your Own Team
27:00 Communicating with College Coaches
30:00 Common Mistakes Recruits Make
33:00 Final Advice for Recruits
36:00 Closing Thoughts

🎧 Listen at coachmattrogers.com/podcast
 📺 Watch at youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com.

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

 🏀  Can You Love Your Team? Lessons from Paula Krueger at Northern State 

What does it really mean to love your team as a coach?

In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Paula Krueger, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Northern State University, for a real and reflective conversation on coaching, growth, and perspective.

A question Paula was once asked in an interview—“Can you love your team?”—has stayed with her throughout her career and continues to shape how she leads today. 

This conversation dives into:

•  How that question became a foundation of her coaching philosophy 
•  Why coaches can’t build their identity solely around the game 
•  The importance of seeing a coach’s full body of work, not just one season 
•  Lessons learned from stepping away—and coming back better 
•  How she approaches player development through staff, detail, and trust 
•  The role of mental performance and simple tools to help athletes reset during games 

Paula also shares powerful moments from her journey—like the advice that helped her leave a team she loved: “Don’t ever take or stay for a roster.” 

This is a conversation about more than basketball. It’s about identity, relationships, and becoming a better coach by becoming a more complete person.

👉 Learn more about Paula Krueger: https://nsuwolves.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/paula-krueger/1598

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com.

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.

⛳ A 39-Year Masterclass in College Fit and Recruiting

In Episode #161 of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with Scott Fjelstul, Director of Golf at Luther College and a 39-year head coach with a remarkably decorated career.

This is a 39-year masterclass in how to think about recruiting the right way.

Too many athletes and families make decisions based on offers, rankings, and coaches.

But what happens if the coach leaves?
 What happens if the sport is taken away?

This episode challenges you to think differently—and focus on what truly lasts.

Coach Fjelstul shares insight on:

•  Why the school has to feel like home 
•  What college coaches actually look for in recruits 
•  Why character, work ethic, and passion matter most 
•  How to evaluate fit beyond rankings and stats 
•  The importance of academics and time management 

If you’re a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation will help you make a decision that holds up long after the game is over.

🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast
 📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

🔗 Learn more about Scott Fjelstul: https://luthernorse.com/staff-directory/scott-fjelstul/143

Send us Fan Mail

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes

Don't rely on mere chance.  Be significant with your future.

The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment.

Get your copy here at Amazon.com

Support the show

📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com

📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together:  Schedule FREE Recruiting Session

🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education?  Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak:  Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call

📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow?  Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.

📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow?  Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.