Contacts Coaching Podcast

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we've finally pinned down Earl Koberlein, the outgoing Athletic Director at Menlo School, after three years of persistent effort. Koberlein shares his extensive journey from a student-athlete at Bellarmine, through his college career at Stanford, to his professional life in Australia and eventual roles in athletic administration. He dives deep into his experience managing both collegiate and high school sports, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, culture, hiring the right people, and supporting multi-sport athletes. Earl reflects on his career transitions, dealing with parents' involvement in high school sports, and the significance of finding one's passion. Whether you're an aspiring athletic administrator or a seasoned coach, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and experiences from one of the best in the field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Earl Koberlein's Early Life and High School Sports
01:15 College Journey and Basketball Career
02:22 Transition to Professional Life and Coaching
02:48 Starting a Career in Athletic Administration
03:42 Innovative Solutions and Career Growth at Stanford
05:47 Challenges and Successes in Athletic Administration
06:25 Transition to Menlo School and High School Athletics
22:29 Balancing High School and Club Sports
25:59 Advice for Athletes and Reflections on Career
26:49 The Importance of Hiring the Right Coaches
27:49 Balancing External Factors and Success
28:34 Creating a Positive Student-Athlete Experience
30:40 Navigating Parent Involvement in High School Sports
41:00 Encouraging Multi-Sport Participation
46:03 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we sit down with Ozzie Parente, head boys soccer coach at the Taft School and associate dean of students. Ozzie shares his journey from growing up in Connecticut to becoming a multifaceted leader in a boarding school environment. He discusses the importance of building team culture, forming meaningful relationships with players, and redefining adversity. Ozzie also covers his coaching experiences across different sports and how these have informed his approach to coaching varsity soccer. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the values of selflessness, humility, and community in sports.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:08 Ozzie's Early Life and Passion for Sports
01:57 College Years and Initial Career Path
03:25 First Job at Taft School
04:22 Mentorship and Early Coaching Experiences
05:53 Life in New Haven and Taft School Culture
07:38 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution
11:58 Balancing Multiple Roles and Family Life
16:29 Experimentation and Learning as a Coach
19:07 Challenges and Realizations as a Head Coach
22:24 Exploring the Concept of Culture in Teams
23:20 Building a Strong Team Culture
24:36 Traditions and Practices that Unite Teams
26:56 The Importance of Recognizing Individual Contributions
32:01 The Role of Coaches Beyond the Field
40:05 Redefining Adversity and Team Support
43:43 Concluding Thoughts on Team Culture and Support

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark interviews Charles Gordon Jr., the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Rutland High School in Macon, Georgia. Charles shares his journey from being a military kid with a passion for athletics to becoming an Athletic Director. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple roles, including coaching cross country and basketball, dealing with administrative responsibilities, and the importance of mentorship. Charles also talks about the significance of fundraising, transportation logistics, and managing limited resources. Tune in to learn about the insights and lessons Charles has gained throughout his career and how he's adapting to his new role as AD.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:52 Journey to Coaching
03:09 Returning to Macon
04:49 Educational Background and Coaching Roles
05:40 Challenges and Lessons in Coaching
13:50 Fundraising Strategies
19:10 Transportation and Facility Management
24:37 Transition to Athletic Director
32:56 Coaching Challenges and Adaptations
33:56 Managing Multiple Sports and Coaches
34:19 Uniform Management and Logistics
43:50 The Importance of Energy and Consistency
45:30 Evolving Coaching Philosophies
48:30 Empowering Assistant Coaches
54:59 Adapting to Team Needs and Overcoming Challenges
01:03:59 Reflecting on Growth and Future Plans

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ryan Diew, head basketball coach at Head Royce Boys basketball and proud alum of the school. Coach Diew shares his journey from being an athlete at Head Royce to playing basketball at Colgate University, and eventually returning to his alma mater to coach. He discusses his experiences as a walk-on, the valuable lessons he learned from his mentors, and his unexpected path into coaching. Coach Diew also delves into his entrepreneurial background, his coaching philosophy, and how he integrates data analytics into his coaching strategies. Tune in to hear insightful stories about resilience, leadership, and the impact of youth mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Coach Ryan Diew's Athletic Journey
01:22 Transition to Coaching
02:09 Early Coaching Challenges and Successes
03:29 Return to Head Royce and Pandemic Impact
04:52 Coaching Philosophy and Adaptation
06:20 Balancing Coaching and Personal Development
09:25 Building a Basketball Program
14:33 Analytics in Coaching
19:27 Kids' Engagement and Tracking Performance
19:53 Grading System for Player Evaluation
20:23 Democratic Process in Team Selection
21:04 Analyzing Player Combinations and Effectiveness
22:49 Balancing Scoring and Team Dynamics
27:37 Evolving Coaching Philosophy
30:22 Impact of Venture Capital Experience on Coaching
35:59 Redefining Success and Personal Growth
38:07 Shark Tank Experience and Lessons Learned
39:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ryan Diew, head basketball coach at Head Royce Boys basketball and proud alum of the school. Coach Diew shares his journey from being an athlete at Head Royce to playing basketball at Colgate University, and eventually returning to his alma mater to coach. He discusses his experiences as a walk-on, the valuable lessons he learned from his mentors, and his unexpected path into coaching. Coach Diew also delves into his entrepreneurial background, his coaching philosophy, and how he integrates data analytics into his coaching strategies. Tune in to hear insightful stories about resilience, leadership, and the impact of youth mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Coach Ryan Diew's Athletic Journey
01:22 Transition to Coaching
02:09 Early Coaching Challenges and Successes
03:29 Return to Head Royce and Pandemic Impact
04:52 Coaching Philosophy and Adaptation
06:20 Balancing Coaching and Personal Development
09:25 Building a Basketball Program
14:33 Analytics in Coaching
19:27 Kids' Engagement and Tracking Performance
19:53 Grading System for Player Evaluation
20:23 Democratic Process in Team Selection
21:04 Analyzing Player Combinations and Effectiveness
22:49 Balancing Scoring and Team Dynamics
27:37 Evolving Coaching Philosophy
30:22 Impact of Venture Capital Experience on Coaching
35:59 Redefining Success and Personal Growth
38:07 Shark Tank Experience and Lessons Learned
39:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude