In this holiday-season episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, we mix a little Christmas humor with powerful life lessons for parents, students, coaches, and leaders. From the legendary struggle of "easy, no-tools-needed" toy assembly to the pressure-packed moments of youth sports, we explore what courage really looks like—for kids and for parents watching from the sidelines.

Parents are reminded that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it, and that they remain the most important coach their child will ever have. Students are challenged to put the phone down, get curious, and actively search for knowledge—a habit that can elevate grades, spark new interests, and shape their future. Coaches and leaders are given a practical reminder that relationships matter, with a simple but powerful way to strengthen bonds with teachers, administrators, and families.

As we wrap up the first seven episodes, this show reflects on gratitude, generosity, and doing something good for someone every day. It's a timely reminder that whether in sports, school, leadership, or life—we're better when we're winning together. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Coach Hernandez shares practical ways coaches can build stronger partnerships with teachers (and why the teachers' lounge might be your most valuable "office"). He then shifts to "Parents as Coaches," urging families to be honest about athletic ability and to proudly support the athletes who don't get much playing time—often the toughest role in any program. The episode wraps with "corny" but powerful teammate habits: respect everyone, lead by example on the road, keep facilities clean, and show great body language in every handshake and high-five

In Episode 5 of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez kicks things off in the glow of Christmas lights, sharing childhood memories of New Orleans decorations, that unforgettable "Santa on an elephant" display, and why this season is the perfect time to teach kids about generosity, through things like Toys for Tots and visiting nursing homes with homemade cookies.

Then he turns to coaches and leaders with a creative team-building idea: custom t-shirts with "insider" slogans that only your group understands, making identity and culture feel special from the inside out.

For student-athletes, Coach offers a simple but powerful reminder: honoring your parents' rules, about chores, schoolwork, and how you handle yourself, strengthens the bond with the people who do so much for you.

Parents, he closes with a challenging perspective from Dr. Mary Pipher on modern parenting: are we more focused on our kids' feelings than their behavior, their happiness more than their character? Coach unpacks the dangers of empty praise, low expectations, and why teaching kids how to work may be one of the greatest gifts you can give.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez starts with a powerful moment from an unlikely place: a Disney World janitor who quietly delivers a life lesson about PRIDE and doing every job the right way. From there, Coach breaks down what pride really looks like for today's athletes—how you carry yourself, how you represent your school and team, and why your body language should shout, "I'm proud to be here."

Parents, Coach turns up the heat a little with a "Carpe Diem" challenge inspired by Dead Poets Society: your son or daughter only gets one chance to be a high school athlete. How are you helping them seize that moment and build memories that last a lifetime?

Finally, Coach speaks directly to leaders and coaches about always being ready to "say a few words" when called on—and how preparation, first impressions, and the little things can open doors or quietly close them. Wake up with determination, go to sleep with satisfaction… and remember, little things make a big difference.

In Episode 3 of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez guides athletes, parents, coaches, and students through the seasonal transition between fall and winter sports—and the personal choices that come with it. Using real-life stories, motivational locker-room wisdom, and some good old-fashioned common sense, he explains why every person needs a "life backpack" filled with discipline, effort, and enthusiasm.

This episode explores:

• How athletes can evaluate their season, recharge, or push forward

• Why body language never whispers—it screams, and how it affects performance, team morale, and recruiting

• What truly defines great parenting (hint: it's not touchdowns or trophies)

• How students can make teachers' lives easier and build success with one simple mindset: WIN—What's Important Now

Packed with encouragement, relatable examples, and practical takeaways, this episode helps listeners keep moving forward on life's hike—one intentional step at a time.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez dives deeper into the three-way relationship that drives every youth sports experience: players, parents, and coaches. Through relatable stories—including the unforgettable "Kenilworth Special" treat—and practical, no-talent-required strategies, Coach explains how simple communication can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and build healthier team dynamics.

Listeners will learn:

• A powerful question coaches can ask to boost team momentum

• How parents can support their athletes without adding pressure

• The easiest way kids can earn trust and independence at home

Full of common-sense wisdom and real-world examples, this episode offers building blocks for positive, productive relationships on and off the field. Tune in, share with your circle, and remember: doing something good for somebody every day really is the winning play.

In the premiere episode of The Athletic Trinity, we set the foundation for what every coach, parent, and student-athlete needs to know about navigating today's world of youth and school athletics. This episode introduces the "trinity" at the heart of every successful athletic journey: the coach, the parent, and the athlete, each with a unique role, shared responsibilities, and a common goal.