In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez examines the three-way relationship at the center of every youth sports experience: players, parents, and coaches. Using relatable stories, including the memorable "Kenilworth Special," he shows how simple, intentional communication can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and improve team dynamics.

Listeners will learn:

• One question coaches can ask to build momentum and clarity

• Practical ways parents can support their athletes without adding pressure

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

Grounded in common-sense insight and real-world examples, this episode focuses on small actions that produce meaningful change on and off the field.

Coach Hernandez shares a moving anecdote about a premed student-athlete who feared disappointing his father by switching his career path to coaching, pointing out that parental love and support are far more impactful than a child's specific achievements or career choices. Moving into the "dreaded" topic of playing time, Coach Hernandez asserts that playing time and game strategy are the two decisions strictly reserved for the coach. He warns parents against "divisive behavior," such as speaking poorly of coaches or teammates, which only serves to make an athlete's experience miserable.

Coach also talks about four specific things a player can do to earn more playing time, all of which require zero physical talent. He also emphasizes that raising a child who is respectable, mentally tough, and resilient is far more valuable than any athletic skill they may acquire on the field.

Willie Mays' career was defined by courage, persistence, and greatness. Coach Hernandez uses this spirit of simplicity and excellence to challenge leaders, players, and parents to elevate their daily standards.

For coaches, the focus is on relationship-building. Coach Hernandez emphasizes the power of greeting every team member at the door, allowing leaders to gauge their emotional state and show genuine care for their well-being outside of the job or sport.

For players and students, the episode highlights the necessity of respecting all school personnel, including maintenance staff, cafeteria workers, and faculty. Coach Jerry also reveals the five "no-talent" traits that coaches love to see in their athletes:

1. Buying into the team philosophy.
2. Performing tasks exactly as requested.
3. Doing the "little things" that help the team.
4. Maintaining enthusiasm, regardless of playing time.
5. Arriving early with clean, proper gear.

The episode concludes with a stern lesson on personal responsibility and punctuality. Coach Hernandez insists that players should manage their own equipment and live by the ultimate truism: "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. And if you're late, you're selfish, lazy, or you don't care".

Building a successful team or culture is much like maintaining a high-performance engine; while the "big parts" get the glory, it is the small, consistent habits—the oil and the fine-tuning—that prevent a breakdown and keep the entire machine moving toward the finish line.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity: Winning Together, Coach Jerry Hernandez welcomes listeners to the year 2026 and discusses how to start the year with growth and intentionality. He suggests a unique New Year's resolution, improving physical flexibility, noting its benefits for performance, blood flow, and injury prevention.

The episode provides actionable advice for each branch of the "athletic trinity":

• For Coaches: Coach Hernandez emphasizes the importance of teaching players public speaking, a skill that helps overcome common phobias and prepares them for life after sports.
• For Parents: He discusses the necessity of open communication regarding scheduling conflicts, urging parents to avoid scheduling appointments that interfere with practices and games to respect team rules and consistency.
• For Student-Athletes: Drawing from the experience of his own 60th high school reunion, Coach Jerry highlights the immense value of lifelong friendships. He offers practical tips on how to "be a good friend" by showing genuine interest in the hobbies, beliefs, and goals of others.

Finally, Coach Hernandez shares a powerful locker room slogan: "Whatever your 100% looks like, give it," reminding everyone that while talents vary, the effort we put in is what truly matters.

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.