In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we sit down with Sara Shaughnessy, the athletic director at Castilleja, as she shares her journey from growing up immersed in sports to stepping into her new role in 2025. Sarah discusses her formative experiences in sports, coaching youth volleyball, and her 13-year tenure at the International School of San Francisco. She touches on leadership lessons, the importance of multi-sport participation, creating a positive team culture, and the benefits of involving parents as coaches. Sarah also shares her strategies for effective feedback, onboarding new coaches, and staying open to new opportunities. Join us for this insightful conversation about building successful athletic programs and empowering the next generation of athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:17 Sarah's Journey to Castilleja

02:23 Early Coaching Experiences

04:47 Lessons Learned as a Young Coach

06:46 Challenges and Mentorship in Athletic Directing

09:10 Onboarding and Building a New Program

17:37 Promoting Multi-Sport Participation

22:05 Data on Multi-Sport vs. Single-Sport Athletes

24:25 Promoting Play in Practice

27:10 Transitioning to a New Job

27:45 The Decision-Making Process

28:25 Building a Positive School Culture

31:29 Exploring New Opportunities

34:51 Supporting Young Coaches

37:57 Effective Feedback Pathways

42:24 Captain's Council: A Leadership Initiative

47:26 Adapting to New Environments

50:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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