Getting a coaching job is about much more than knowing the game.

In this episode of The Athletics Office, we break down the entire process of pursuing a coaching position, from finding opportunities and filling out the application to preparing for interviews and understanding what administrators are really looking for.

We also dive into the ins and outs of being a coach once you get the job: building relationships, developing your coaching philosophy, communicating effectively, handling expectations, and preparing yourself for responsibilities that go far beyond wins and losses.

Whether you’re looking for your first coaching opportunity, trying to move up, or preparing for your next position, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stand out, get prepared, and become the kind of coach programs want to hire.

Great athletic environments are built on great communication.

In this final episode of our Crucial Conversations series, we look back at the important conversations that take place between coaches, players, and parents and how each relationship plays a role in shaping the athletic experience.

We recap the biggest takeaways from the series and discuss how better communication, accountability, trust, and understanding can help create stronger teams and healthier athletic cultures.

Join The Athletics Office as we wrap up Crucial Conversations and challenge everyone involved in athletics to communicate with purpose and help create a positive experience for everyone.

Some of the most important conversations in athletics happen between teammates.

In this episode of Crucial Conversations, we explore how player-to-player communication can build trust, strengthen relationships, and shape team culture. From holding teammates accountable and handling disagreements to encouraging one another through adversity, the way athletes communicate can make all the difference.

How can players have difficult conversations, support their teammates, and become leaders both on and off the field?

Join The Athletics Office as we discuss how better communication between players can create stronger teams, healthier relationships, and a more positive athletic experience.

Some of the most influential conversations in athletics don’t happen on the field—they happen between parents.In this episode of Crucial Conversations, we discuss how parent-to-parent communication can shape the culture surrounding a team. From conversations in the stands and group texts to frustrations about playing time, coaches, and other athletes, the way parents communicate can have a lasting impact on everyone involved.How can parents support one another, avoid negativity and comparison, and help create an environment that keeps the focus where it belongs—on the athletes?Join The Athletics Office as we explore how better conversations between parents can lead to healthier teams, stronger communities, and a more positive athletic experience.

In this episode of The Athletics Office, we sit down with our new Facilities Director, Chad Edmondson, to get to know the person behind the scenes who helps keep everything running.

We talk about Chad’s background, his journey into the role, what he’s looking forward to, and his vision for serving our students, coaches, staff, and community.

Join us as we welcome Chad to the team and learn more about the important work that happens behind the scenes to create a great experience for everyone on campus!

Sometimes the most important conversation an athlete has doesn’t happen with a coach—it happens on the ride home.

In this episode of our Crucial Conversations series, we turn our attention to one of the most influential relationships in athletics: Parent to Player.

Parents want the best for their kids, but even well-intentioned words can create pressure, frustration, or confusion. So, what does healthy communication between a parent and an athlete actually look like?

We discuss the conversations parents have with their athletes before the game, from the stands, and after the final whistle. From handling wins and losses to navigating playing time, mistakes, coaching decisions, expectations, effort, and disappointment, we explore how parents can support their athletes without becoming another coach.

We also tackle the car ride home, knowing when your athlete needs advice—and when they simply need you to listen—and how to create an environment where kids feel comfortable talking honestly about their athletic experience.

Ultimately, the goal isn't to say the perfect thing after every game. It's to make sure athletes know their value isn't determined by the scoreboard, their stats, their playing time, or their performance.

Whether you're a parent trying to better support your athlete, a coach helping families navigate youth sports, or a player trying to communicate what you need from your parents, this conversation is for you.

At The Athletics Office, our mission is to educate, empower, and encourage parents, players, coaches, and athletic leaders to create positive experiences through sports.

🎧 Join us for Crucial Conversations: Parent to Player—because long after they forget the score, athletes will remember how the people closest to them made them feel.

In this episode we meet the OCS Booster Club President, Brandon Sage. We break down what his responsibilities are and what it looks like to be the president of a service organization serving all of the co-curricular activities at OCSHave comments, questions or topic ideas? Send them over to theathleticsoffice@gmail.com or drop them in the comment section below!

Some of the most important—and sometimes most difficult—conversations in athletics happen between coaches and parents.

In this episode of our Crucial Conversations series, we break down how coaches can communicate with parents in a way that builds trust, establishes clear expectations, and ultimately creates a better experience for student-athletes.

How often should coaches communicate with parents? What expectations should be established before the season begins? How should a coach approach conversations about playing time, discipline, roles, injuries, or concerns? And when emotions are high, how can coaches keep the conversation productive and focused on what's best for the athlete?

We discuss the importance of being proactive instead of reactive, setting healthy boundaries, communicating expectations early, and making sure parents understand the "why" behind your program.

We also dive into one of the biggest challenges coaches face: navigating difficult conversations without becoming defensive, dismissive, or allowing conflict to damage the relationship.

Because when coaches and parents communicate well, athletes benefit.

Whether you're a head coach, assistant coach, athletic director, or parent, this episode offers practical ideas for creating stronger partnerships between the people who have the greatest influence on a young athlete's experience.