Courtside Culture

Dr. Karissa Niehoff is the Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations.The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) is the body that creates the rules of competition for most high school sports and activities in the United States.Dr. Niehoff has also served on the Education Committee of the United States Olympic Committee, served as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, and is a successful teacher and coach.She talks about sportsmanship and what it's doing to the culture of teams across the country. On this episode she explains why good sportsmanship starts with the coach, a Butler University study on the value of high school sports and exercise programs from the perspective of students' mothers. and the steps every coach can take to start to turning their culture around. We hope you enjoy this NFHS Sportsmanship discussion.NFHSTwitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1 #goodsportsmanship #teamculture #nfhssportsmanship

Dr. Dobie Moser is the Director of CYO - Catholic Youth Organization. He's a former college tennis player who was also a member of the U-S Olympic Committee and Co-Director of the University of Notre Dame's "Play Like a Champion Today" national coaches training program.Plus, he was a Head Tennis Pro at a camp and resort north of Toronto, Ontario, for five summers and in the North Shore area of Chicago at a private club. He also helped to coach at the Special Olympics.It was an email that Dr. Moser put out to parents that prompted us to contact him. He used words in this email that he hasn't used in almost 30 years of involvement in youth sports. In this episode he talks about the email and what prompted it. He also shares what he finds is most concerning in youth sports and what he's most hopeful about.What all good-culture building coaches typically ask themselves.Also, what's the most valuable part of youth sports? It's not wins and losses.He tells us what Netflix movie you should be watching right now and he explains how a simple question got him the best seats at a Harry Chapin concert once. Contact Dobie Moser or dobiemoser@gmail.comCYO AthleticsTwitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Camilie Romey, also known as “The Learning Mom”, has been schooled in Psychology and helps parents by providing them strategies to get the most out of their children when it comes to education. She developed her own study tips for non-traditional students and has turned it into a process that improves grades and quality of life.She's coaching overwhelmed students who are juggling life in and outside school. You help them boost grades with your signature NTA process. But it can also be used by coaches and even parents to help deal deal with outside stressors.She provides tips for students and parents and coaches. Getting a handle on the classroom is so important to a great team culture and Camile explains why. In this episode she will explain how coaches can use her system for better success on the court or field. She also gives us some insight on how parents can benefit from learning some of her time-saving techniques and other strategies. But it's the student athlete who will benefit most from this episode. It's a must listen for any parent or coach.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningmom/DIY courses: https://www.nontradaccelerator.com/storeOne-on-one Academic Coaching: https://www.nontradaccelerator.com/academic-coachingGroup Coaching: https://www.nontradaccelerator.com/Courtside Culture Podcast TwitterCourtside Culture Podcast FacebookDave Grendzynski Twitter

Dr. Gary Epler is a former team doctor for the Boston Celtics, an internationally-known Harvard Medical School Professor and thought leader on nutrition, peak performance, and executive health. He is an expert on how coaches, players, and even parents can manage stress. He's developed a way they all can reap the benefits of stress management.He travels around the world speaking to audiences about fitness, happiness, and productivity at the workplace. He also hosts the “Good Thoughts Podcast”, where he's always sending good thoughts.He's here today because he's discovered a way to make better decisions and improve your quality of life by knowing who you are moment by moment.In this episode he talks about which Boston Celtics players use these types of techniques, how coaches can teach themselves how to use them and what players can do to become better performers. Which of the following statements about stress management is true?A. Don't thinkB. Always keep a stress ball with youC. Talk to someoneListen to this episode to find out. #stress #stressmanagement #psychologyDr. Gary Epler TwitterDr. Gary Epler WebsiteCourtside Culture Podcast TwitterCourtside Culture Podcast FacebookDave Grendzynski Twitter

Dr. Tunisha Singleton is a media psychologist, creative strategist, speaker, and sports entertainment professional with an expertise in fan engagement, digital communication, and consumer intelligence.She offers a lot of advice on the elements of culture, or the ingredients that are the foundation of a good culture. It's advice that all facets of the P-P-C … players, parents, and coaches… can take and use. She offers a completely different point of view.In this episode she talks about how coaches can match their values with actions. She also explains why players need to think about the question “who's sitting at their table?” And the important role parents play in sustaining a good team culture. Tunisha Singleton, Ph.D. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tunishasingleton/Website: https://tunishasingleton.com/Dr. Singleton's Twitter: @TSingletonSaysTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Courtside Culture Podcast Twitter: @courtsidepod1

Dr. Matthew Raidbard is the executive Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, and he's responsible for compliance & student-athlete success.He's been an Assistant Athletic Director at a couple of schools, and an Assistant Coach at Chicago State, Dartmouth, and Western New Mexico.He's also the author of a book titled: ​”Lead Like A Pro: Effective Leadership Styles For Athletic Coaches.”In this episode of the Courtside Culture Podcast, Dr. Raidbard talks about:Management leadership for tomorrow.Leadership philosophy examples.Leadership iconsAutocratic leadershipLeadership traitsHow coaches can build a better team culture.How coaching styles have changed over the years.How to improve communication with all of your players.The importance of off-the-court experiences teams share that build trust among coaches and players.And the coolest place he's ever coached a game. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-raidbard-ed-d-631470116/Twitter: @coachraidbard

Molly McQueary is the Mental Performance Coach at T3 Performance just outside of Cleveland, Ohio.Mental performance coaching incorporates exercises in a number of different areas. They include:Athletic identityRoutines for readinessSelf-talkGoal settingFocus, distraction and concentrationImageryAnxiety and emotional managementManaging performance errorsHer “mental reps” newsletter that you put out each month is spectacular, and that getting you on this podcast became extremely important after the world watched what happened to Simon Biles at the Olympics. In this episode she talks about why it's so important for coaches to manage their players mental health, especially when it comes to team culture.Molly's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mentalreps1T3 Performance Website: https://t3athlete.com/mental-performanceTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Todd Wolfson is the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Saint Francis High School in La Canada Flintridge, California, which sits just outside of Los Angeles.In addition to his coaching duties at Saint Francis, Coach Wolfson also helps develop youth basketball players at rising stars basketball.He not only led St. Francis to a State Championship in 2020, but he also led Chaminade College Prep school to a California State Championship in Division 3 and was named California D3 state coach of the year in 2014. In this episode, he explains what all coaches can learn by watching the movie "School of Rock" with Jack Black, the 6 attributes of all great culture athletes, and the four things every athlete needs to succeed. Twitter: @SFHShoopsTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21 Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Coach Mike Deegan just finished his 9th season as Head Baseball Coach at Denison University. And in his time there, he's guided his teams to... Two NCAC tournament titles and one regular-season titleFour Western Division championshipsand three straight appearances in the NCAC championship tournamentHe's already established the best winning percentage in the 126-year history of Denison baseball, and he's already the school's all-time winningest baseball coach, but that's only part of the reason he's on the Courtside Culture Podcast. That's because Coach Deegan is also a master at developing a team-centric, positive, and organically-developed culture. He provides weekly insights on his website coachmikedeegan.com and he's the author of the book titled: “Let It Rip: Life Lessons Learned Through Sports”In this episode, he talks about the “Three C's” that coaches and business leaders should always implement. He also mentions the first thing anyone should do IF they are hoping to change their culture for the better. And he explains what Muditā is and why it's so important to practice when you're building a better culture. Twitter: @CoachDeegan Website: https://www.coachmikedeegan.com/

Doctor Brian Gearity is the Director of the Master of Arts in Sport Coaching Degree program at University of Denver.Dr. Gearity played football at John Carroll University, interned with the Cleveland Indians and served as a strength and conditioning coach for the men's athletic teams at the University of Tennessee and Southern Miss. He's also authoring a chapter on bully coaching for an upcoming book. His research uses sociological and psychological theory to enhance effective and ethical coaching practice. I don't often hear the words ethical and coaching together.In this episode he talks about what coaches should never do when it comes to building a great team culture.Twitter: @Dr.GearityWebsite: https://www.briangearity.com/Twitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Whitney Frye is the director of USA Basketball's Safe Sport program.The Safe Sport initiative raises awareness about misconduct in sports. It also serves to promote open dialogue and provide training and resources to all participants of the game—players, parents, and coaches. Safe Sport aims to create a healthy and supportive environment with a focus on safety.In this episode she talks about her responsibilities, which include coordinating the background screening process, and serving as the primary liaison for youth coach license complaints and incidents. She talks about the different resources that are available to coaches and parents. It all adds up to a great culture. Twitter: @usabasketball Facebook: USA BasketballTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Dr. Gregory Dale is a Professor of Sports Psychology and Sports Ethics at Duke University. He is also the Director of the Sport Psychology and Leadership Programs for Duke Athletics. In addition to his work with Duke athletes and coaches, Dr. Dale consults with a number of colleges and professional athletes and teams... as well as high school teaching and coaching staff.He's authored several books related to leadership, performance, and parenting and is considered to be an expert on the mental side of the game, motivation, and respect.In this episode, he explains what coaches should and shouldn't do when trying to build a good team culture. Twitter: @GregDale919Duke Website: https://goduke.com/sports/comp/roster/coaches/dr-greg-dale/1744Website: http://www.excellenceinperformance.com/about Twitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

George Panagiotou spent 14 years in the United States Marine Corps. He's been coaching soccer ever since he got out. He's taken a program that had one winning season in 20 years and turned it around. How? By rebuilding the culture off the field—first. Since the culture change, his teams have put together three consecutive 10 win seasons, won a sectional title, and earned two first-round byes.Plus, over the past five seasons, his teams have contributed over 3400 hours of community service, doing things like painting buildings, goal posts, and parking lots. Setting up and tearing down the youth field, summer camp coaching, and trash duty, On top of that, his players volunteer to lead study groups and boast a 3.7 team GPA. In this episode, Coach George has great advice for coaches looking to turn around their team culture, especially young coaches. We find out how he applies what he's learned in the Marines to coaching, and why he thinks developing relationships with your players is the most important part of coaching. Twitter@NRHSMensSoccer @nraslsoccer Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Charron Sumler is an Athletic Counselor at the Ohio State University.Charron helps Ohio State's student-athletes in a number of different ways, including individual and group therapy as well as team presentations on topics related to mental health and wellness.Her experience is intriguing because she's not only a former Division 2 basketball player at St. Edward's University, but she works with athletes individually, and in team settings as well. Some of the things we discuss in this episode include:The need for athletic counselingHer conversation with Kevin LoveHow coaches can start taking steps to shift their culture for the betterTwitter: @OSUSportPsychInstagram: @ohiostathleticsTwitter: @OhioStAthleticsTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Coach Jordan Eaton has been the head coach of the Girls varsity basketball team at Olmsted Falls for 7 years now. This past season he won his 100th game and won another Southwestern Conference title. That makes three in a row now for the Lady Bulldogs and this year's team also made it to regionals, as did his team in 2017. But his style is far from hard-nosed. In this episode, we talke about how such a mild-mannered, soft-spoken guy can put a team on the floor that ferocious on defense. He also explains how his team's culture was built, the mistakes he made as a young coach (and how he learned from them, and had one of the most interesting first jobs ever. School Website: https://www.ofcs.net/staff/950Twitter - @OFalls_BulldogsTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Coach Beck played four years of Division 1 college basketball at Arkansas State.He now offers individual, small group, and team training... as well as skills academies and team clinics for “Pure Sweat Basketball.”He also has one of the best basketball Twitter feeds going. His Twitter feed hits the mark every time for coaches, players, and parents. It ticks a lot of the boxes we're trying to cover on this podcast. It's full of almost every message I am trying to send by doing this podcast.In this episode, we break down some of his most inspirational tweets. What they mean for coaches, players, and parents. And what we can learn from them. Twitter: @CoachJonBeckTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Dr. Kris Eiring is the former director of clinical and sport psychology for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. She helped to implement mental health and performance psychology services for Wisconsin's athletes. And she speaks from experience because she is also a former University of Wisconsin track star, having been a part of four Big Ten outdoor conference championship teams and broke two Badger indoor records.She is now living her dream supporting athletes (and others) with their mental health needs, and not just in sports.In this episode of the Courtside Culture Podcast, Kris talks about:-The connection between the players mental health and team culture.-Whether coaches should come to understand that mental training or psychology is now as much a part of sports as layup drills or getting in the cage?-Off the court or off the field exercises coaches can do with their teams to not only improve everyone's mental health, but improve team culture at the same time-And she is our first guest ever to combine "What's The Coolest?" and "First Things Last" because the coolest meet she ever ran is wear she got her first pair of track spikes... and it's one of the most famous basketball players of all time who gave them to her. Website: drkriseiring.usTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Mike D'Andrea is a former Ohio State football player who now owns T3 performance, the top training facility for athletes in Northeast Ohio.But a big part of athletic training at T3 is the mental aspect of the games we play and mike is here to talk about how important it is and how it plays a role in building a great team culture. The mental health of your players will go a long way to building good team cultures. You want to keep your players' psyche, or their mindset intact. The mentality of the players and the coaches go hand-in-hand to developing team culture.In this episode of the Courtside Culture Podcast, Mike answers questions like:What is mental training?Did he use mental training when he was playing football at Ohio State?What does mental training do for athletes?What does mental training do for team culture?Should coaches undergo mental training for themselves?Did Jim Tressel use mental training?TwitterT3 Performance: @T3Performance1Dave: @grizzer21Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Jamy Bechler is not only the host of the “Success Is a Choice” podcast, but he is also a professional speaker, leadership trainer and executive business coach who works with teams ranging from major corporations to the NBA. He's been a player; he's been a coach and an administrator on the high school and college level... and now he combines his unique experiences to take teams and their leaders to the next level.In this episode of the Courtside Culture Podcast, Jamy talks about:How coaches can build a better team culture?How to find roles for all of your players.The importance of off-the-court experiences teams share that build trust among players.The three most important pieces of any team culture. The Athletic Director's role in building team culture.And the coolest place he ever did a clinic. It's a good one.Email – speaking@jamybechler.comTwitter – @CoachBechlerFacebook – JamyBechlerLeadershipInstagram – @CoachBechlerLinkedin – JamyBechlerPinterest – JamyBechlerTwitter Dave Grendzynski: @grizzer21Twitter Courtside: @courtsidepod1

Leslie Ungar is an executive coach, speaker, and speechwriter, in other word— a communications expert. She empowers her clients to communicate with confidence, and part of her job is talking to basketball coaches. She also just wrote a new book called “Horse Talk” coaches can learn from. She lays out the "Three V's" and why they are critical for coaches and managers to know. Not only will they make you a better communicator, but the "Three V's" will make you a better leader as well.She explains how better communication makes for better leaders and builds team culture. Instagram: @electric_impulseFacebook: Leslie UngarWeb: https://www.electricimpulse.com/Twitter Dave: @grizzer21

Jeremy Sanchez is a Point Guard on the Cleveland State University basketball team that just had its best season in years. It ended with a share of the regular season title, a Horizon League Tournament title, and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In this episode, Jeremy talks about the team culture established by Coach Dennis Gates propelled his journey from walk-on to starter to "Bench Captain" and then being counted on the most when the team started to see their championship hopes slip away. Jeremy is the player Coach Gates turned to spark his team in the most critical moment of the season. It's a story every player should hear. And his answer to what's the coolest may surprise you. It's not playing in Assembly Hall in the NCAA Tournament.Twitter- Jeremy Sanchez: @jeremysanchez19 Twitter- Cleveland State Basketball: @CSU_MBasketball Twitter- North Ridgeville High School Basketball: @NRboysBBALLTwitter Dave: @grizzer21Twitter Podcast: @courtsidepod1

Denny English has coached and directed recruiting for AAU teams in Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia and Ohio at the high school level. He shares his thoughts on building team culture in an AAU program and within teams. Has an inspiring message for parents, and during "What's the Coolest?", he tells us that he played/coached in two of the coolest venues on the planet.Twitter- Denny English: @gopack92Twitter Dave: @grizzer21Twitter Podcast: @courtsidepod1

Not only is Coach Lewis Shine a consultant in the Hoop Heads Mentorship Program, but he's also held various titles in the professional, collegiate, high school and junior high ranks. And now he hosts clinics for coaches to not only break down the x's and o's of the game, but he's helping to build team cultures by coaching communications. In this episode, he explains the importance of gaining trust in your players and always making sure they understand "The Why?" He also plays "What's the Coolest?" and has an inspirational answer when I ask him "What's the first app you check in the morning?", during "First Things Last."Twitter- Coach Lewis Shine @LewisShineTwitter Dave: @grizzer21Twitter Podcast: @courtsidepod1cm5vdPyXxvWOkZsEaoEC

Beth Andrews is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at John Carroll University. She took over a very successful program, and didn't miss a beat her first season. Her team won the conference title and she was named "Coach of the Year." So, how did she do it? She credits the culture she established from the first day she was hired. Twitter- John Carroll Women's Basketball: @JohnCarroll_WBBTwitter Dave: @grizzer21Twitter Podcast: @courtsidepod1

The Assistant Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at Fairview High School in Fairview Park, Ohio James Ranc (pronounced rantz) talks about what assistant coaches should be doing when it comes to building team culture. He has also shared a 3-bullet point list that contains advice every assistant coach needs to hear. And his answer to "What's the coolest place you've ever played, coached or watched a game" is the best one we've had so far. TwitterCoach: @Coach_RancProgram: @FPHS_BasketballDave: @grizzer21Podcast: @courtsidepod1

The Head Coach of the Girls Varsity Basketball Team at Cleveland High School in Clayton, North Carolina, Robby White joins Dave Grendzynski to talk about building team culture in the offseason. He has a very unique way of doing it that involves a point system and teaches the girls life lessons at the same time. Twitter:Coach Robby White: @CoachRWhite94Program: @ClevelandNCWBBDave: @grizzer21Podcast: @courtsidepod1

Colin Boldin is finishing up his high school career. A three-sport athlete, and multiple varsity letter winner, Colin is now a Mental Health Advocate for student-athletes. He's hoping that other kids and their parents can learn from his story, which has a very happy ending. Twitter- Colin Boldin: @colinboldinInstagram: @colinboldin Twitter Dave: @grizzer21Twitter Podcast: @courtsidepod1

Former psychologist for the Cleveland Cavaliers and current Cleveland Clinic psychologist, Dr. Scott Bea has advice for coaches of any sport on ways to implement positive psychology into their coaching style. He also offers advice to players and parents who may be struggling with a negative coach.Twitter Dr. Bea: @ClevelandClinicDave: @grizzer21Podcast: @courtsidepod1

The Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at Olmsted Falls High School, Chris DeLisio joins Dave to talk about building a good team culture. He explains why he thinks culture cultivates winning and what parents can do to have a significantly positive effect on a program and contribute to the wins on the court. Coach: @ofbasketball @OFalls_BulldogsDave: @grizzer21Podcast: @courtsidepod1

Dave is joined by the Head Coach of the girls' varsity basketball team at North Ridgeville High School, Amy Esser. Coach Esser talks about how building a good team culture helped her team overcome adversity and carried them to the District finals in the OHSAA playoffs. She also has some great advice for parents, and the last thing we talk about are some of Coach Esser's "firsts." We call it "First Things Last."Twitter:Dave: @grizzer21Amy: @NRHSGirlsBball Champions For Life: @NRHSChamp4Life @courtsidepod1

Welcome to Courtside Culture on the Hoop Heads Podcast Network!Host Dave Grendzynski is a firm believer in positive psychology, especially when it comes to building a high school basketball program. By providing a positive pathway for your players and parents, you'll cultivate a good team culture and the wins will take care of themselves.On the “Courtside Culture Podcast,” we'll talk to coaches, psychologists, authors, and players about how the right mindset causes everything else to fall into place—especially in high school. The psyche of 15-, 16-, and 17-year-old kids are very fragile and the approach a coach takes means everything. If you can learn to focus on positive emotions and build strengths in your players, instead of repairing the bad, you'll find a role for everyone, win games, and cultivate a good team culture at the same time.Follow Courtside Culture on Social MediaTwitter - @courtsidepod1Instagram - @courtsideculturepodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/courtsideculturepodcast