COMMUNITY FOR COACHES

Lorne Clark Football, Olathe NW HS What was shared about Coach Clark:  Coach Clark makes ma laugh and smile everyday in weights class; he is always coaching and improving my football skills and does the same for others as well. He will always be honest and direct towards you. He cares a lot about the players and never gives up on the program. He also led our team to the state semifinals for the first time in his first year. Coach Clark cares more about the character and person you become than your success on the field. https://communityforcoaches.org/2023-coach-of-the-year-finalists-2/

Liz Monahan Basketball, Pembroke Hill School Coach Monahan's podcast interview What was shared about Coach Monahan: Starting in the summer, Coach Monohan started leadership meetings in which the entire team completed a program on leadership, communication, what it means to be a good teammate etc. They still meet weekly to discuss various topics, and it has made an unbelievable impact.

Guyden BagsbyBasketball, Raytown South HS What was shared about Coach Bagsby:  Coach Bagsby has established a winning culture, that has energized the entire school. Leading them to the state tournament last season, and reaching the Elite 8. He has brought success in such a quick period of time with the girls basketball team. They love his enthusiasm, and his approach to the game. I can’t wait to see the many successes that will arise with our girls basketball team, and Coach Bagsby.

2023 Rising Star Award Recipient Soccer, Fountain City FC What was shared about Coach Duffy: Coach Kadie is invested in each of the girls she coaches. She makes sure to reflect on games and brings the girls together to review growth areas, how they can support and work together as a team, communicating, and learning to work and respect each other and opponents. We have been so impressed with coach kaddie and how hard she works to make sure the girls are learning, pushing themselves, and understanding kind and thoughtful team conversations! From her 10 year old student- “She helps make us better at a sport we love and she helps to encourage us even when we struggle to encourage ourselves.” https://communityforcoaches.org/2023-coach-of-the-year-finalists-2/

Susan Specht Volleyball, Shawnee Mission NW HS What was shared about Coach Specht:  Coach Specht is very transformational, building relationships through her coaching. She models accountability, a positive work ethic and integrity. Her lessons in teamwork and creating a positive climate are life lessons that go well beyond the volleyball court. In addition to her being our head volleyball coach she also is sponsor of our local SMNW FCA chapter. She spends time and energy to pass on positive messages. She is an ambassador for our athletic program, our school and the community. Her being a student educator/coach is not a job, but rather a calling, which is evident by the lives she touches. https://communityforcoaches.org/2023-coach-of-the-year-finalists-2/

Matt Gow Soccer, Toca FC What was shared about Coach Gow:  Matt influences the boys on and off the pitch. He demonstrates goal, vision, and mission setting for both the team and the boys personally. He supports them through life transitions and is an amazing Godly man. https://communityforcoaches.org/2023-coach-of-the-year-finalists-2/

Arianne Henry Wrestling, Raytown South HS What was shared about Coach Henry:  Coach Henry has established a great culture with her wrestling team. The level of intensity and pride that her team has is a reflection of her great coaching ability. Each year I’ve noticed more and more students showing up for wrestling, and competing with enthusiasm. https://communityforcoaches.org/2023-coach-of-the-year-finalists-2/

David Pollard – Track & Field, Blue Springs HS Vote for Coach of the year here: https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/ What was shared about Coach Pollard: Coach Pollard has coached at Blue Springs High School for over 28 years, coaching Football, Basketball and Track and Field. He makes a connection with his athletes he coaches, and many of his past athletes still communicate with Coach Pollard. He has looked at his role as a mentor for development and character building. He is patient with the athletes he serves, and also gets the most out of their athletic ability. Since retiring from teaching, David has continued to stay involved in education by substitute teaching and he continues to coach the throwing events at Blue Springs High School.

Jennifer Bartsch – Basketball, Track Prairie Star Middle School Vote for Coach of the year here: https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/ What was shared about Coach Bartsch:   When I think of a coach that has changed my life through sports, Coach Bartsch immediately comes to mind. I had the opportunity to play basketball for Coach Bartsch this year. Coach Bartsch has a lot of energy and is a great role model for all of us, showing us how to be confident while reminding us to have fun. I can tell she genuinely cares about every girl on the team. On game days we dressed up as a team in different themes, including Coach Bartsch. She even dressed like us on pajama day and coached the game in pajamas! Sometimes it is hard to have fun at school and there are even days I don’t want to go, but a highlight of every day is to see Mrs. Bartsch. Playing basketball for her made each day better for me and made my 8th grade basketball season awesome!

Emily Meier Volleyball, The Lutheran High School Vote for Coach of the Year here: https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/ What was shared about Coach Meier: It is Emily’s goal for each player to feel loved while being pushed to be the best player she can be. Emily also does a great job of getting the team to work together. She puts together team bonding activities during the course of the season and off-season to allow the players to get to know themselves, their teammates, and the coaches. In this way, Emily strives to help her volleyball players to be better teammates who can leave school and be great coworkers who not only value the work they do themselves but the work of their cohorts.

Logan Myers – 2022 Rising Star Award Recipient Speed & Agility Training, Ignite Your Game What was shared about Coach Myers: Logan quickly formed deep relationships with all of our youth athletes through his easygoing personality, goofy dance moves, and inside jokes. More importantly, he takes a deep interest in the lives of the kids he coaches. He’s often on the sidelines watching their games, taking kids out to lunch, and more. He prays fervently for the kids and their walks with the Lord. Last semester, he got to help lead an athlete that we coached to know Jesus has his Lord and savior. Logan is a one in a million coach that’s changing our community for the better. https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/

Bob Ehler Volleyball, St. James Academy and MAVs KC Vote for Coach of the year here: https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/ What was shared about Coach Ehler: Bob Ehler is using volleyball to change the lives of countless young women.  He challenges his players; his standards are high but he coaches his girls in a manner that results in his players consistently rising to the occasion. On the court, he pushes players to their limit, but off the court, each and every one of his players knows they matter to him more than any score on a scoreboard. Bob’s care for his players is most evident by the fact that even if players move on to pursue other athletic or academic endeavors, Bob still makes a point to check in with them and their families.  Bob loves volleyball, but he loves his players even more.

Kathy Sawyer Volleyball, Overland Trail Middle School Vote for Coach of the year here: https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/ What was shared about Coach Sawyer: Coach Kathy Sawyer is a true champion for her athletes. She has high expectations for her girls and doesn’t allow them to settle for anything but being the best version of themselves on and off the court. While winning is a nice perk, it’s not end all/be all to Coach Sawyer. If her athletes are having fun on the court and are improving their skills, she knows she’s succeeded. OTMS is so lucky to have her on our coaching staff!

Adam Runyan Basketball, Mill Valley HS Vote for Coach of the year here: https://communityforcoaches.org/2022-coach-of-the-year-finalists/ What was shared about Coach Runyan: Adam has taken our Girls basketball program at Mill Valley and transformed not only the athletic play of our athletes, but the culture of our program. His unending passion and energy to create the strongest program in the state is second to none. I have observed Adam on many occasions bring his team together and beyond creating a strategy for winning, he shares his belief in them as both individuals and a team. He is committed to creating a Mill Valley brand, complete with both individual successes of his players both on and off the court. Not only is Adam outstanding on the court, he is stellar in the classroom as well. The same level of passion and commitment he shows on the court, he demonstrates in his business classroom. He is organized, has a strong grasp of content knowledge, and then instructs with energy and enthusiasm. I believe you would be hard pressed to find another candidate as deserving as Mr. Adam Runyan.

Connect with Coach Jim Huber here: Personal website: https://www.coachhuber.com/about 4D Athletes: https://4dathletes.com Breakthrough Basketball: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Fred Merrell 46 years coaching high school football - most of those in the KC Metro Over 10 years as the head coach at both Blue Springs HS and Shawnee Mission South HS http://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/fred-merrell/ Married to Shirley for 66 years, five children, many grandkids

Segev Rabinoviz How to use your voice as a coach: https://coachingsoccerweekly.com/296-how-to-you-use-your-voice-as-a-coach/ Gladiator Soccer Academy: https://www.gladiatorsocceracademy.com Community for Coaches: https://communityforcoaches.org Are you interested in being mentored? Contact Alec Lemmon to learn how to join a Coaching with Purpose book study group: https://coachalec.wordpress.com/mentorship/

https://communityforcoaches.org Today's guest: Jason Holzer Co-Founder of 4D Athletes Amazon Best Selling Author Post-Traumatic Growth Storyteller/Speaker IFTT Certified Thought Coach Breakthrough Basketball Elite Skills Coach Shattered by Suicide, Renewed by Resilience: How to Move Forward After Being Left Behind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEePxORAth4&feature=emb_logo

CFC Coach is the Year Finalist and youth sports coach with 3&2 baseball & GABL Basketball

CFC Coach of the Year Finalist MAVS Boys Volleyball Coach

CFC Coach of the Year Finalist Kansas City Christian Cross Country Coach

CFC Coach of the Year Finalist head basketball coach at Blue Valley West High School

CFC Coach of the Year Finalist and head baseball coach at Blue Valley Southwest High School

Jessica Horstick is the Head Girls Volleyball Coach at Blue Valley West High School

CFC Coach of the Year Finalist Dena Johnston is the dance coach at Lawrence Free State High School.

John Parker: US Navy veteran, combat photographer, soccer coach, urban soccer club director, father and husband. John shares from his wide range of experiences of traveling around the world playing and coaching soccer. He speaks from his wide range of experience both inside and outside the US.  John is the Director of Coaching at Global FC, which is a program for underserved youth in Kansas City. We discuss the pay to play, player development, the role of coaching in under-served areas and so much more.  Enjoy the show!  Contact John: john@branch-global.com Learn more about Global FC here: https://www.globalfutbol.org/

Dan Visser is current assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of the USL and Messiah College soccer graduate. We talked about Dan's playing days from his early start in soccer while living in France to his path to Messiah College, one of the winningest college soccer programs of all time. We also discussed in the development of his coaching philosophy and some of they key influences in his coaching journey.  This will give some interesting insight to anyone wanting to develop their craft as a coach and continue to reach higher levels.  Dan Visser Contact: Website: https://danvisser.com Email: dv1171@gmail.com Phone: 610.733.4166 CFC was ranked 9th on the Top 20 Sports Coach Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021. See the top 20 list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/sports_coach_podcasts/

Kevin Wardlaw and Jeff Davis share things they have learned from being coaches and directors in youth soccer for almost 20+ years each.  Toca FC and KCSG video about their collaboration: https://youtu.be/8Lo7zd4mvVA Toca FC: https://www.tocafc.org/ KCSG: http://kcsgsoccer.org/ CFC was ranked 9th on the Top 20 Sports Coach Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021. See the top 20 list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/sports_coach_podcasts/

Quinn McDowel breaks down how you build a team culture and how to use stories, it will change how you think about leadership. Quinn was an American college and professional basketball player and is currently an assistant coach with the NCAA D1 Lehigh Mountain Hawks men's basketball team. Quinn has also written a book called: The Purpose Driven Leader, a system of belief for a life of leadership. Use the code "community" for 15% off anything on Quinn’s site: http://www.aretehoops.com  Contact: quinn.mcdowell@aretehoops.com. CFC was ranked 9th on the Top 20 Sports Coach Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021. See the top 20 list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/sports_coach_podcasts/

Coach Bryce McClanahan talks about building a Coaching Purpose Statement and his pursuit of excellence as a first year head coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University. We talk about everything from his playing days to developing his coaching philosophy, to helping players find their "role" on the team and much more... Enjoy!  Connect with Coach Bryce McClanahan: bmcclanahan@mnu.edu. CFC was ranked 9th on the Top 20 Sports Coach Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021. See the top 20 list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/sports_coach_podcasts/

Quinn Thomas McDowell is an American former college and professional basketball player that is currently an assistant coach with the NCAA D1 Lehigh Mountain Hawks men's basketball team. CFC was ranked 9th on the Top 20 Sports Coach Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021. See the top 20 list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/sports_coach_podcasts/ Quinn has also written a book called: The Purpose Driven Leader, a system of belief for a life of leadership.  Email: quinn.mcdowell@aretehoops.com Use the code "community" for 15% off anything on Quinn’s site: http://www.aretehoops.com

Quinn McDowell was an American college and professional basketball player and is currently an assistant coach with the NCAA D1 Lehigh Mountain Hawks men's basketball team. Quinn has also written a book called: The Purpose Driven Leader, a system of belief for a life of leadership. Use the code "community" for 15% off anything on Quinn’s site: http://www.aretehoops.com  Contact: quinn.mcdowell@aretehoops.com CFC was ranked 9th on the Top 20 Sports Coach Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021. See the top 20 list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/sports_coach_podcasts/

Todd Johnson - baseball coach at Advanced Baseball Academy in Stilwell, Kansas and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists - shares his experience as a dad coach and how he made the change from being a transactional coach mostly concerned with results, to a coach focused on the transformation of the character of kids and families through sports. 

Kelsey Carbajo, cross country / track coach at Olathe West High School in Olathe, Kansas and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists - shares about the family culture she works to create in the program and also how she infuses passion for life and running into her players!  Enjoy the show! 

Kent Shelley, baseball coach at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists talks about the impact of tough love and why it’s so important to tell your players you love them. Enjoy the show! 

Sam Knopik football coach at Pembroke Hill High School in Kansas City, Missouri and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists about the importance of defining success!  Enjoy the show! 

Shelby Hoffman, volleyball coach at Lee’s Summit North in Lee Summit, Missouri and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists share about the importance of allowing each player relationships to be unique and keeping balance in her own personal life.  Enjoy the show! 

Master Shim, Teacher at KAT Tae Kwan Do in Shawnee, Kansas and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists share about teaching during the COVID-19 season and the importance of keeping relationships going over social media. She also talks about the power and importance of mental training during the time.  Enjoy the show! 

Jen Betz, swimming coach at Kanas University in Lawrence, Kansas and CFC Coach of the Year Finalist - shares about her experiences as coach. 

Dan Morrow, basketball coach at Olathe South High School in Kansas and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists talks about how coaching and playing multiple sports made him better.  Enjoy the show! 

Molly Karagyaurov, volleyball coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS and CFC Coach of the Year Finalists share about her struggles with playing professional volleyball in Europe, how she empowers her girls, and how she works towards leading with honesty and transparency. Enjoy the show! 

Jesse Griffin, cross country / track coach at Lee’s Summit West in Missouri and CFC Coach of the Year Finalist - Jesse Griffin - talks about the power of putting players first and the joy of seeing his kids grow into great athletes and people. 

CWP MODULE 2, LEASON 2 notes: https://communityforcoaches.org/cwp-module-2-lesson-2-2/

John’s website: https://changingthegameproject.com John’s book: https://changingthegameproject.com/why-do-i-coach-an-excerpt-from-every-moment-matters/

The Coaching with Purpose is a series designed for coaches to have small group discussions on the role of coaches and how they can intentionally and effectively use sports to transform lives. This is  MODULE 2. Lesson 1 of the series.  You can follow along with the discussion guide here: https://communityforcoaches.org/module-2-lesson-1/

Brian shares some key lessons he has learned about being an effective assistant coach, how his dad’s coaching impacted him, how his high school basketball coach taught leadership through delegating key decisions to the team and so much more! An incredible episode you will truly enjoy! Bio: Brian has taught for 16 years. The last 13 at BVHS (2 at middle schools in Olathe and 1 at a university in China) Brian was an assistant coach for boys tennis at Olathe North High for two years and for four years at BVHS. He has been the Varsity Assistant boys basketball coach for the last 6 years at BVHS. Previously I was the boys freshmen coach at BVHS for 7 years.

The Coaching with Purpose series was designed for coaches to have small group discussions on the role of coaches and how they can intentionally and effectively use sports to transform lives. This is  MODULE 1. Lesson 3 of the series. You can follow along with the discussion guide here: https://communityforcoaches.org/cwp-module-1-lesson-3/ The first step to hitting any target or achieving any goal is deciding on the target! Enjoy the show!

The Coaching with Purpose is a series designed for coaches to have small group discussions on the role of coaches and how they can intentionally and effectively use sports to transform lives. This is  MODULE 1. Lesson 2 of the series. You can follow along with the discussion guide here: https://communityforcoaches.org/cwp-module-1-lesson-1-2/ How can coaches shift the culture of youth sports?

Spotlight #3 Hear from Michael of Freedom Hoops about why sports matter, what led him to start the program, what coaches influenced him and so much more https://www.freedomhoops.org Want to learn more about getting involved with CFC? Want to be on the podcast? Please share with us your info, your purpose statement and any questions you have: https://communityforcoaches.org/statement/

The Coaching with Purpose is a series designed for coaches to have small group discussions on the role of coaches and how they can intentionally and effectively use sports to transform lives. This is  MODULE 1. Lesson 1 of the series. You can follow along with the discussion guide here: https://communityforcoaches.org/cwp-module-1-lesson-1/ The Power of Sports/The Problem with Sports was written/compiled by Ryan Krzykowski, Director of Community for Coaches   There is no recreational, elective activity that involves a larger number or more diverse group of people in our country than sports. According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 50 million American children are involved in organized sports. That is an astounding number, but the percentage that will someday play professionally is microscopic.  So with all these millions of young people competing, it’s fair to ask, what is it all for?

Spotlight #2 SUMMARY: This episode is part of our SPOTLIGHT series where we interview a coach about their coaching philosophy and history. Chris opens up his  life and coaching philosophy.  OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED:  Being born without a left hand.  Chris's club coach Pat McBride and his impact. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McBride Chris discusses Justin Beck, a freshman bench warmer who became a captain by his senior year that lead the team with his passion and character to one of William Jewell's most successful seasons where they went to the NAIA FINAL 4 (ESPN Academic All-American: https://jewellcardinals.com/news/2010/11/1/msoc207.aspx)  How do you set goals while staying true to core values?  How do you get your players to hold each other accountable?  How do you manage the player leadership of the team?   What is the role of the captain? Who can/should fill this role?  Trusting players to take ownership of the team.  How to learn from loses?  Sr. Alex Ferguson and his leadership style - treating people fairly vs treating people well. (Leading: Lessons in leadership from the legendary Manchester United managerhttps://www.amazon.com/Leading-Lessons-leadership-legendary-Manchester-ebook/dp/B00UL8GEAQ)  The connection between building relationships and being TRANSFORMATIONAL as a coach.  LINKS:  Chris Cissell bio: http://www.umkckangaroos.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=18300&SPID=12749&SPSID=104111  UMKC: sports: http://umkckangaroos.com Want to learn more about getting involved with CFC? Want to be on the podcast? Please share with us your info, your purpose statement and any questions you have: https://communityforcoaches.org/statement/

SPOTLIGHT #1 Series: Coach Reed Howard talks about his sports journey, his Dad and how honesty and relationship must go hand in hand in coaching! All this and more in this week’s CFC PODCAST, hosted by Alec Lemmon. Want to learn more about getting involved with CFC? Want to be on the podcast? Please share with us your info, your purpose statement and any questions you have: https://communityforcoaches.org/statement/

Want to learn more about getting involved with CFC? Want to be on the podcast? Please share with us your info, your purpose statement and any questions you have: https://communityforcoaches.org/statement/ CEP #1 SHOW NOTES This show is part of our Coaching with Purpose Series: Alec and Ryan discuss the question of if sports are making our city better?  This is an intro episode to Module 1 of the Coaching with Purpose Lessons.  Ryan and Alec start with a big picture question: "Is sports making Kansas City a better place?"  Ryan speaks about where CFC fits in helping make Kansas City better? Ryan speaks about the role of kids, parents and coaches in youth sports.  - There is very real battle when watching your own kids play to not intangible yourself in the experience in an unhealthy way. Ask yourself, "Why am I here?" - What is the difference between 100% about the kids and 100% about my KID? - How coaches oversee and direct the whole youth sports process. - The problem of coaches forgetting the purpose of why we have kids do sports.  - The parent test, "Can you celebrate any good play on the field, no matter who makes the play?" - The problem of a vague target?  - How to have an abstract yet specific target. - What are you looking for when you are coaching 6 year olds? - What are you looking for when you are coaching high school players? - How does having a coaching purpose statement change what coaches see on the field?  What is a Coaching Life Group?  What is the benefit of being a part of a Coaching Life Group?  What will a successful group do for a coach? Preview of Lesson 1. RESOURCES / PEOPLE MENTIONED  Joe Ehrmann, InsideOut Coaching (this will be the main book we use for the Coaching with Purpose Lessons we will be going through in this series.)