In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark speaks with Trey Brown, Head Football Coach and Associate Director of Admission at Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts. Trey shares his journey from growing up in Livingston, California, to becoming a key figure at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the USA. He discusses the importance of building personal connections with players, fostering a strong team culture, and the challenges and rewards of coaching at a high academic institution. Trey also emphasizes the need for adaptability, delegation, and continuous learning in coaching, as well as the unique dynamics of working within the prep school sports ecosystem. His insights provide valuable lessons for both current and aspiring coaches on balancing performance with personal growth and well-being for student-athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Coach Trey's Background and Journey

01:33 The Andover Experience

02:26 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose

03:58 Returning to Andover and Career Growth

07:08 Coaching Philosophy and Advice

16:52 Building Team Culture and Connections

19:54 Learning from Other Sports and Team Bonding

21:54 Adding Fun and Competition to Practice

22:07 Balancing Practice and Team Bonding

22:24 Learning from Other Coaches

22:54 The Importance of Time Management

23:04 Reflecting on Practice Priorities

23:46 Starting Practice with Full Games

24:31 Conceptual Offense in Football

26:21 Live Read Components in Practice

30:56 Delegating Responsibilities as a Coach

35:48 Evolving Coaching Approaches

39:13 Sustainability in Prep School Sports

41:53 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

In this episode of the Contacts coaching podcast, we sit down with Tyler Whitley, the head football coach at Taft School and Associate Athletic Director. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Torrington, Connecticut, to becoming a multi-sport athlete in high school, and eventually finding his passion in coaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling multiple roles at a boarding school, his approach to building an inclusive team culture, and how he navigates the complexities of recruiting in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. Tune in to hear valuable insights on managing expectations, trusting your assistants, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:32 Coach Whitley's Background and Journey

04:36 Boarding School Experience and Accessibility

10:14 Challenges and Realizations as a New Head Coach

14:22 Creating a Culture of Inclusivity and Service

17:40 Game Schedules and League Details

20:40 The Rise of Northeast Football

21:02 Evaluating Talent Without Crossover Play

21:32 Transitioning to Athletic Administration

23:26 Learning from Other Coaches

27:51 The Value of Diverse Perspectives

30:06 Challenging Personal Beliefs

35:26 Balancing Coaching and Family

37:32 Adapting to Modern Recruiting Challenges

40:55 Final Thoughts and Tools for Success

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin interviews Justin Ferdinand, Athletic Director at a prestigious high school in San Mateo, California. They discuss Ferdinand's journey from growing up in San Ramon, California, to playing water polo at Chaminade University in Oahu, and his subsequent transitions through various coaching and administrative roles. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of being an athletic director, the importance of creating a supportive and equitable sports environment, and the differences between private and public school athletics. Ferdinand also shares insights on managing time, navigating sportsmanship issues, and balancing parental expectations with the needs of student-athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Justin Ferdinand's Early Life and College Journey

01:41 Coaching Beginnings in Hawaii

02:27 Transition to Southern California

02:51 Advanced Education and Career Progression

03:40 Return to Northern California

05:01 Reflections on Public vs. Private School Experience

08:07 Advice for Young Coaches

11:22 Challenges and Insights in Athletic Administration

14:10 Building Community and Equity in Sports Programs

18:45 Participation and Specialization in High School Sports

22:40 Unique Challenges and Successes in Specific Sports

25:11 Brotherhood and Faith in Sports

27:40 Learning from Other Coaches

28:34 Effective Practice Planning

32:47 Balancing Pressure and Experience

39:41 Addressing Sportsmanship Issues

44:48 Challenging Beliefs and Parenting

50:39 Decision-Making Process for Young Athletes

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, Matt welcomes Jorden Radliff, a physiotherapist based in Melbourne, Australia. Jorden shares his journey from being a sports enthusiast to becoming an expert in ACL recovery and physiotherapy. The conversation dives deep into the differences between Australian and American sports systems, ACL injury recovery timelines, the role of muscle stimulation and blood flow restriction in rehab, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for injured athletes. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone interested in physiotherapy, this episode offers invaluable insights into sports injury recovery and prevention.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:24 Sports Journey and College Experience

02:10 Comparing Sports Cultures: Australia vs. USA

04:57 Transition to Physiotherapy

06:51 Understanding Exercise Science and Physiotherapy

10:40 Insights into ACL Injuries and Rehabilitation

19:01 Coping with ACL Injuries

21:29 Innovative ACL Treatment: Cross Bracing Method

22:09 Exploring ACL Tear Recovery in Australia

22:31 Pro Athletes and Quick Recovery Timelines

24:01 Surgical Approaches and Graft Types

24:22 Hamstring Grafts: Challenges and Considerations

25:44 Quad Grafts: Strength and Rehabilitation

26:46 Patella Tendon and Allografts

28:44 Innovative Techniques in ACL Recovery

30:40 Muscle Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction

35:05 Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation

36:09 Knee Braces and Joint Stability

40:13 Preventative Training and Long-Term Success

43:58 Remote ACL Rehabilitation Programs

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we pivot from our usual focus on coaching to gain valuable insights from current collegiate athlete Ella Emmert, catcher at the University of Kentucky. Ella shares her unique journey into athletics, starting softball at age 10, and overcoming challenges to play at the collegiate level. She discusses the importance of gratitude, identity, and living in the present, all crucial components of her athletic and leadership success. Additionally, Ella gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her roles on multiple NCAA and SEC advisory committees, offering perspective on the evolving landscape of college sports. This conversation is a treasure trove of advice and inspiration for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating competitive environments.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:50 Ella's Journey into Softball

02:11 High School and Recruitment Challenges

10:35 College Experience and NIL Impact

17:24 Athletic Leadership and Committees

25:46 Mental Strategies for Catchers

26:28 Building Confidence and Trust

27:22 Gratitude and Mindset Shifts

29:13 Facing Challenges and Growth

31:24 Leadership and Team Dynamics

37:43 Overcoming Performance Anxiety

46:08 The Importance of Being Present

50:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we're joined by Meghan Levers, the Athletic Director at Overfelt High School in San Jose. Meghan shares her inspiring journey from her beginnings in the San Fernando Valley to her experience as a JV soccer coach, and ultimately, to her current role as AD. She discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges of managing sports programs with limited budgets, and the importance of multi-sport participation for student-athletes. Meghan also highlights the collaborative efforts with her co-AD, the impact of raising academic standards, and strategies for effective athletic administration. Whether you're an aspiring coach, an athletic director, or just passionate about high school sports, this episode is filled with valuable insights.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 Meghan's Journey: From Student to Coach

03:02 Transition to Athletic Director

05:51 Challenges and Responsibilities of an AD

14:25 Funding and Resource Management

18:01 Academic Standards and Athletic Success

19:36 Raising Expectations and Student Success

20:00 The East Side Promise and Multi-Sport Participation

20:52 Promoting Multi-Sport Participation

21:37 Coaching Strategies for Multi-Sport Athletes

23:44 Challenges and Successes in Multi-Sport Programs

26:53 District Collaboration and Challenges

29:57 Insights from Overseeing Multiple Programs

34:31 Effective Tools and Changing Perspectives

In this episode, the hosts welcome Donnie McKillop, Associate Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at East Coast Loomis Chaffee School. McKillop discusses his background growing up in Southern California, balancing multiple sports, and his journey through various coaching roles at institutions like Middlebury College, Springfield College, and Amherst College. He delves into the challenges and strategies of coaching multi-sport athletes in today's specialized sports environment and offers insights into the importance of building relationships, respecting team history, and fostering internal development. The episode also touches on the practicalities of managing time and embracing modern communication tools to stay connected with teams.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:25 Coach Donnie McKillop's Background

02:20 Journey to Loomis Chaffee

03:56 Balancing Football and Baseball

07:18 Coaching Philosophy and Advice

11:06 Navigating Multi-Sport Coaching

18:04 Coaching Journey and Professional Growth

18:54 Integrating Football and Baseball Coaching Styles

20:44 Unique Coaching Techniques and Philosophies

23:14 Learning from Other Sports and Coaches

26:27 Adapting to Modern Coaching Challenges

27:00 Balancing Specialization and Multi-Sport Participation

28:41 Importance of Rest and Regeneration

32:36 Effective Team Communication Tools

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, Rafael, the Athletic Director at Modoc High School, returns to share his journey and discuss the unique challenges of running athletic programs in a small-town setting in northern California. He reflects on his path from student to teacher and administrator, highlights the importance of relationships and networking, and addresses the logistical hurdles faced by small schools, such as travel, funding, and maintaining a competitive edge. Rafael also shares his strategies for improving athletic facilities, fostering a winning culture, and handling community feedback, all while emphasizing the importance of putting student athletes first.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:35 Journey to Modoc High School

01:14 Challenges of Rural Athletics

02:11 Building Relationships in Athletics

03:13 Feedback from Conference Presentation

05:05 Balancing Job Offers and Personal Commitments

08:30 Small Town Dynamics and School Culture

11:43 Developing a Championship Culture

20:56 The Importance of Feedback and Growth

24:51 Understanding Emotional Offloading

25:23 Challenges of Small School Sports Programs

25:56 Commitment and Team Standards

26:34 Managing Practice Attendance

26:55 Setting Standards and Communication

27:40 Small School Challenges and Advice

28:44 Uniforms and Facilities

34:50 Funding and Grants

43:00 Community and Tradition

45:17 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements