In this episode, I reflect on the loss of someone who meant more to me than just a coach—my high school pole vault coach, Mark Haesly. His passing made me realize how deeply one person can shape the direction of a life without ever knowing it.

Coach Haesly created something special for us as kids. The pole vault pit wasn’t just a place to train—it was a place where we could be ourselves. Loud, competitive, weird, emotional… it didn’t matter. It was a safe environment where we felt accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Looking back now, I realize that what I’ve tried to build with Team Hoot comes directly from that experience. Without Coach Haesly, there probably wouldn’t be a Team Hoot. The sense of belonging, play, and authenticity I try to create today is rooted in what he gave us back then.

In this episode, I talk about grief, mentorship, coaching, and the powerful ripple effect one person can have on young people. Sometimes the communities we build as adults are really just our way of recreating the spaces that once made us feel safe and alive.

This episode is a tribute to Coach Haesly and the legacy he left behind.

Topics in this episode:
Grief and loss
The impact of great coaches and mentors
Creating safe spaces for young people
The origins and inspiration behind Team Hoot
How one person’s influence can shape an entire community