Power of Positive

Aja Evans, who won Olympic bronze in 2014 in bobsled and finished fifth at the 2018 Olympic games, joins PCA's Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo. **On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive!** This Power of Positive Podcast interview features Aja Evans ([@Ajalevans](https://twitter.com/ajalevans)). Aja won Olympic bronze in 2014 in bobsled, and finished fifth at the 2018 Olympic games. Growing up on Chicago's south side, Aja started organized sports in high school before going on to compete in track & field at the University in Illinois. In 2012, she was introduced to the sport of bobsled for the first time. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), Executive Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA ([@PositiveCoachUS](https://twitter.com/positivecoachus)), speaks with Aja about... - Her youth sports experience, coming from a family of athletes - How she got introduced to bobsled while a collegiate track and field athlete - Her impact on the Olympic movement for women of color - The lessons she learned in sports and how she is carrying those over to her life after sports. [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) is America's Youth Sports Directory® using advanced processes to automatically discover, standardize, and list youth sports organizations across 20+sports nationwide. Tipevo is the trusted source for players, parents and coaches to find information, share their experience and connect with their favorite youth sports programs. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

PCA recently hosted Glenn Sugiyama, a PCA Advisory Board Member and Managing Partner and Global Sports Practice Leader for DHR International, primarily focused on executive searches in college athletics and professional sports. **On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive!** This Power of Positive Podcast interview features Glenn Sugiyama, a college football headhunter who serves on PCA's National Advisory Board. Glenn speaks with PCA about lessons learned from Leo Burnett Ad agency and how he uses them in his current job. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), Executive Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA ([@PositiveCoachUS](https://twitter.com/positivecoachus)), speaks with Glenn ([@DHRintl](https://twitter.com/dhrintl)) about the executive search world of college and professional athletics. Forbes referred to Glenn as one of the most influential individuals in college athletics, and Glenn shared some of his thoughts about: - Culture change within athletic departments when making new hires - What he looks for in individuals when he is hiring coaches, athletic directors - The importance of diversity in hiring practices - The changing landscape of college athletics and what that means for youth and high school sports. [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) is America's Youth Sports Directory® using advanced processes to automatically discover, standardize, and list youth sports organizations across 20+sports nationwide. Tipevo is the trusted source for players, parents and coaches to find information, share their experience and connect with their favorite youth sports programs.

PCA recently hosted Northwestern Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald on the Power of Positive Podcast, powered by Tipevo. **On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive!** This Power of Positive Podcast interview features Pat Fitzgerald ([@coachfitz51](https://twitter.com/coachfitz51)), Head Football Coach for Northwestern University’s Football Team and PCA National Advisory Board Member. Jason Sacks [(@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), EVP of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA, speaks with Fitzgerald about all things culture, youth football, and being a sports parent. More insights from this podcast include: - Fitzgerald's continued evolution and eye towards improvement as a coach. - How to reset, re-energize, and re-focus on the sidelines during the game. - Recruiting in college football and advice for parents and student-athletes on that process. - What the power of positive means for Coach Fitz — being positive is a cornerstone of the Northwestern Football program. *To hear from Fitzgerald, listen to our podcast below!* Are you or your kids interested in youth sports near you but don't know where to begin? [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) helps parents, players, and coaches discover, connect with, and review nearby youth sports programs. Thanks to Tipevo, vital information lives in one spot and makes the often-confusing youth sports world easier to navigate. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

PCA recently hosted DePaul Women's Soccer Coach Erin Chastain on the Power of Positive Podcast, powered by Tipevo. **On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive!** This Power of Positive Podcast interview features Erin Chastain ([@ErinChastain](https://twitter.com/ErinChastain)), Head Coach for DePaul University’s Women’s Soccer Team. Prior to this role, she was an assistant women’s soccer coach at Santa Clara and Northwestern and played soccer at the University of Minnesota from 1993-1997. Jason Sacks [(@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), EVP of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA, speaks with Erin Chastain about her coaching career and parent advice to keep things in perspective. She also discusses her responsibility as a female to allow women to stay in the game to set the example for both her team and younger girls. More insights from this podcast include: - Women’s World Cup and the USWNT serving as role models - Using “Short Term Memory” on the playing field - Tips for Coaches coaching in blowout games - Establishing a culture at the collegiate level *To hear from Chastain, listen to our podcast below!* Are you or your kids interested in youth sports near you but don't know where to begin? [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) helps parents, players, and coaches discover, connect with, and review nearby youth sports programs. Thanks to Tipevo, vital information lives in one spot and makes the often-confusing youth sports world easier to navigate. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

PCA recently hosted Founder of We Coach, Megan Bartlett, on the Power of Positive Podcast, powered by Tipevo. **On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive!** This Power of Positive Podcast interview features Megan Bartlett ([@meganabartlett](https://twitter.com/meganabartlett)), founder of We Coach. Megan has spent most of her career working in, designing, and advocating for programs that use sports to promote youth development and positively impact communities. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA ([@PositiveCoachUS](https://twitter.com/positivecoachus)), speaks with Megan about how coaches can work with kids who have experienced trauma- in other words, trauma-informed coaching. Kids with a traumatic past have been wired in a way that makes their stress response overactive, but at We Coach, Bartlett has identified ways to help use sport to combat that, such as: - Structure, predictability, consistency - Competence/skill building (chances to get better at something) *To learn more about Trauma-Informed programming, listen to our podcast!* [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) is America's Youth Sports Directory® using advanced processes to automatically discover, standardize, and list youth sports organizations across 20+sports nationwide. Tipevo is the trusted source for players, parents and coaches to find information, share their experience and connect with their favorite youth sports programs. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

**On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive!** Our Power of Positive Podcast interview features Danielle Slaton ([@daniellevslaton](https://twitter.com/daniellevslaton)), former USWNT player and Santa Clara University Hall of Fame Soccer player. Currently, she is a soccer analyst and will broadcast at this summer’s Women’s World Cup in France. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA ([@PositiveCoachUS](https://twitter.com/positivecoachus)), speaks with Danielle Slaton about her sports journey and why she decided to specialize in soccer in high school. She shares her thoughts on youth sports including early specialization and advice on how to keep joy in the game. She also adds how women’s soccer has become a platform for change for other women’s fields. More insights from this podcast include: - Career switch from coaching to broadcasting - The leadership qualities she learned and gained from Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, and Mia Hamm - What to look forward to at the 2019 Women’s World Cup [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) is America's Youth Sports Directory® using advanced processes to automatically discover, standardize, and list youth sports organizations across 20+sports nationwide. Tipevo is the trusted source for players, parents and coaches to find information, share their experience and connect with their favorite youth sports programs. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

Our Power of Positive Podcast interview features Jeremy Goldberg ([@jeremygoldberg](https://twitter.com/jeremygoldberg)), President of LeagueApps ([@leagueapps](https://twitter.com/leagueapps)), a platform for sports organizations to operate seamlessly. He oversees the LeagueApps marketing, business development, and people operations functions and also is an operating partner at 212MEDIA where LeagueApps developed. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA ([@PositiveCoachUS](https://twitter.com/positivecoachus)), speaks with Jeremy Goldberg about his mission behind LeagueApps and how this platform thrived from defining their culture and spreading that mission unto their customers. Ultimately, Goldberg designed this software to make the youth sports experience more easier and enjoyable for the coaches and the parents. For more information, visit www.leagueapps.com. More insights from this podcast to look forward to include: - Purpose behind LeagueApps & its business model - Youth sports then vs. now (Youth Sports Ecosystem) - How PCA efforts coincide with the LeagueApps mission - Establishing the culture at LeagueApps - Advice to a sports league President and team on maintaining a consistent culture The Power of Positive Podcast is powered by [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca). Tipevo is America's Youth Sports Directory® using advanced processes to automatically discover, standardize, and list youth sports organizations across 20+sports nationwide. Tipevo is the trusted source for players, parents and coaches to find information, share their experience and connect with their favorite youth sports programs. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

On PCA’s new Power of Positive podcast, powered by Tipevo ([@TipevoHQ](https://twitter.com/TipevoHQ)) PCA connects with athletes, coaches, and business leaders within the PCA community to discuss topics in youth and high school sports, leadership development, culture and of course...the Power of Positive! Our inaugural Power of Positive Podcast interview features Brian McBride, a former USMNT soccer player who played in 3 Fifa World Cups and Co-Founder of PCA’s Partner, Tipevo. As a professional athlete, coach, and parent, he discusses his soccer career and provides more information on Tipevo, a youth sports directory. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy for PCA ([@PositiveCoachUS](https://twitter.com/positivecoachus)), speaks with Brian McBride about his sports journey from his youth days to USMNT to now as a parent and coach. His sports timeline leads to the purpose behind Tipevo where parents can learn more information about youth clubs and organizations. To join or for more information, go to tipevo.com. More insights from this podcast to look forward to include: - Advantages of Being a Multi-Sport Athlete - McBride’s setbacks and comebacks throughout his soccer journey - Working with sports parents - Specific advice for how youth soccer coaches - Tipevo's purpose and information about the new platform. [Tipevo](https://www.tipevo.com/?utm_source=PCA&utm_medium=email_banner&utm_campaign=pca) is America's Youth Sports Directory® using advanced processes to automatically discover, standardize, and list youth sports organizations across 20+sports nationwide. Tipevo is the trusted source for players, parents and coaches to find information, share their experience and connect with their favorite youth sports programs. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

*Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.* This 1-on-1 interview features Lisa Mitzel ([@heymitz](https://twitter.com/heymitz)), a former NCAA Gymnast from the University of Utah, NCAA Gymnast Coach, and Author of *Focused And Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-At-All-Costs World*. As an author, speaker, and mental training coach, she focuses on growth mindset and how a coach and/or parent can acknowledge and train their athlete to deliver their best both mentally and physically. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), Founder of PCA, speaks with Lisa Mitzel about her inspiration behind mental training, and her latest book, *Focused And Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-At-All-Costs World*. She begins by sharing how her former coach Greg Marsden and sports psychologists stimulated her mental training as an athlete, and later on, as a coach and parent. This foundation transitions into her discussion about Focused and Inspired while diving deeper into the key themes about vulnerability and safety. More insights from this podcast to look forward to include: - Authentic Human Connection - how coaches connect with their athletes - Aspiring to be an “Elevater” - “Sports is Messy” - how to demonstrate vulnerability and deal with the distractions and struggles of performing as an athlete - Her inspiration from Michael Phelps’ videos on mental training and visualization - Safety - Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Awareness Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Ron Katz, Co-Founder of the Institute of Sports Law and Ethics (ISLE) at University of the Pacific. He is a sports lawyer who is of counsel at GCA Law Partners in Mountain View, CA. He has recently co-authored the book *Sport, Ethics and Leadership* with fellow PCA Supporter Jack Bowen and an article for the Stanford Law & Policy Review entitled "Changing Sex/Gender Roles and Sport." Ron also serves on PCA's Leadership Council. In this podcast interview with Former PCA President Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)) talks to Katz about his early involvement in many sports, his passion for representing the "underdog" throughout his legal career, and his involvement with the Institute of Sports Law and Ethics. Highlights of the podcast include: - The importance of ethics in sports and the mission of the Institute of Sports Law and Ethics - The prevalence and history of sexual stereotyping in sports - What coaches and parents can do to combat others stereotyping their athlete - How coaches and leaders can emphasize inclusion in sports. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Jeffrey Marx ([@JeffreyMarx25](https://twitter.com/jeffreymarx25)), author of New York Times bestseller *Season of Life*, and the youngest-ever winner of the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. As an author and keynote speaker, Marx has written six books and his most requested presentation is – "This Thing We Call Success" – which focuses on the major themes in *Season of Life*: building healthy relationships, building community, and building leaders. David Jacobson ([@CoachDaveJake](https://twitter.com/CoachDaveJake)), who led PCA's marketing communications efforts for over 12 years, talks to Marx about the influence of *Season of Life*, and how coaches and teams all over the country have adapted the main themes of *Season of Life* to fit the needs of their program. Both Marx's book and this podcast dive deeper into key themes of *Season of Life*, such as relationships and working for a cause greater than oneself, and how youth sports reinforces and teaches those values to kids. Other highlights of the podcast include: - The power of the sports platform to change relationships and the world for better. - The powerful role of coaches, and how PCA National Advisory Board Member Joe Ehrmann redefined coaching as "taking athletes from where they are to where they want to be going," regardless of results on the scoreboard. - How it's a myth that "sports build character": sports, according to Marx, *can* build character if the coach is intentional about teaching character through sports. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features William (Bill) Damon, the Director of the Stanford Center on Adolescence. Damon is the author of Greater Expectations and is a professor of education at Stanford University ([@Stanford](https://twitter.com/Stanford)). His research, teaching and publications focus on moral development and education, and Damon is a key figure in the growth of positive psychology. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Damon about how youth sports can be a vehicle for helping youth find their purpose, and Damon's latest book, *The Path to Purpose*. The main theme of the podcast delves into why purpose matters so much for people and why youth sports can provide purpose for kids. Other highlights of the podcast include: - Purpose stabilizes people's lives through dedication and gives people sustained motivation - A purpose driven life makes people resilient - 20% of high school students feel like they have a well-developed sense of purpose - How to make sure teachers and coaches don't miss the purpose of learning or competing - How coaches can help athletes find purpose as 'elevaters' regardless of talent level. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Chris Collins ([@coach_collins](https://twitter.com/coach_collins)), the Head Basketball Coach at Northwestern University. Collins most recently led Northwestern to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. Before arriving, Collins spent 13 years as an assistant coach for Duke University, where he had starred as a player. He also worked closely with the USA Men's Basketball teams that won Olympic Gold Medals in 2008 and 2012. Jason Sacks ([@jrsacks22](https://twitter.com/jrsacks22)), PCA's National Director of Business Development, talks to Collins about how he transformed Northwestern from a perennial loser to a successful team, his first tournament experience as a coach, taking the pressure off athletes, and keeping the fun in basketball by celebrating big successes as a team. Other highlights of the podcast include: - The relationship Coach Collins has with Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald, a fellow PCA National Advisory Board Member - What it meant to grow up as the son of a coach (Doug Collins) - Collins' recruiting philosophy in identifying players that align with his values - Building a team culture the "right way" and building a team identity. - Learning "leadership demeanor" from other great coaches like Coach K, Joe Maddon, and others. - The power of belief in accomplishing feats that have never been accomplished before - Taking the next step after achieving greatness. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Greg Dale, Ph.D, a Professor of Sport Psychology and Sport Ethics at Duke University ([@DukeU](https://twitter.com/DukeU)) and PCA National Advisory Board Member. Dale is also Director of the Sport Psychology and Leadership Programs for Duke Athletics. In addition to his work with Duke athletes and coaches, Greg consults with numerous college and professional athletes and provides interactive and engaging workshops for coaches, parents and student-athletes at the youth, middle and high school levels. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Dale about his book *The 7 Secrets of Successful Coaches* and the role of credibility. Dale focuses on how coaches can get athlete buy-in by being servant leaders for their athletes, using words like "our team" or "we" rather than making it about themselves. Other highlights of the podcast include: - When kids know it's about them, they're more likely to work hard and buy into the message. - The difference between an intense coach and emotional, reactionary coach. - Coaches can build credibility with athletes by taking ownership of mistakes and being vulnerable when appropriate. *Just think how awful it would be to play for a coach or work for a boss who never admitted they were wrong!* - The best coaches take the blame when things go wrong, and give athletes credit when things go right. - The importance of coaches being authentic ("unless they're a jerk") Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Ken Ravizza ([@RavizzaQuotes](https://twitter.com/RavizzaQuotes)) PCA National Advisory Board Member and one of the leading peak performance consultants in the world, working most recently with the Chicago Cubs. He has worked with some of the best athletes and coaches in the world, and he helped develop the concept of a Triple-Impact Competitor®. Positive Coaching Alliance utilizes this model in its workshops to teach athletes to contribute positively on three levels: Personal Mastery, Leadership, and Honoring the Game. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Ravizza about what's changed in sports over the last 20 years, how to keep fun in sports, and how process matters more than outcome, and how athletes can focus on one thing at a time. Ravizza also acknowledges that athletes will have bad days, and discusses how athletes can be their best even on those bad days. Other highlights of the podcast include: - How peak performance is not just about you, but how you can make your teammates better (being a team player is a learned mental skill). - How parents can acknowledge and understand that it takes courage for their athletes to perform. - How athletes don't think about mechanics in the heat of competition. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Alana Nichols ([@alananichols21](https://twitter.com/alananichols21)), the first American female to win gold medals at both Summer (Wheelchair Basketball) and Winter (Alpine Ski Racing) Olympic/Paralympic Games. From a young age, her passion for sports and adventure has driven her and no matter what obstacle life throws her way, she takes a challenge head on. After suffering a spinal cord injury at age 17 while attempting a back flip on her snowboard, Alana quickly transitioned to adaptive sports. In the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Paralympic Games, Alana took on a new athletic challenge in Sprint Kayaking and will continue to inspire and attract fans around the world. In this podcast interview with Former PCA President Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), Nichols discusses her journey growing up as a young athlete falling in love with sports, her life changing snowboarding accident, how she reacted to being told she would never walk again as a passionate athlete, her first experience with wheelchair basketball, and how parents and athletes can find adaptive sports opportunities post-injury. Here are some key insights from the podcast: - Her constant desire to improve in every sport she played growing up - Nichols' definition of a great athlete and excellence as doing the best you can with what you have - How she learns so many different sports so quickly - How and why she avoids comparison to other athletes. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

This PCA 1-on-1 interview features Amanda Visek ([@ajvisek](https://twitter.com/ajvisek)). Amanda Visek is a trained sport scientist-practitioner with active status on the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry. As a sport scientist and Associate Professor at George Washington University, her research focus and applied practice has been making scientific advancements in our understanding of determinants of and barriers to children’s positive, fun sport experiences - the FUN MAPS. The FUN MAPS are scientific blueprints for promoting a culture of fun for children participating in organized athletics. In this interview, Visek explains to Former PCA President Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)) how coaches can prioritize fun, the reason kids drop out of sports, misconceptions about fun in sports, and how fun is defined in her research. Highlights of the podcast include: - The #1 determinant for kids dropping out of sports is not having fun. - Fun is not only an important factor in youth sports, but it also continues to be in high school. - Fun not only keeps kids in sports, but enhances athletic performance and personal development. - Visek's definition of fun is identified by parents, coaches, and kids in the community. (There are over 80 fun "determinants", such as winning, trying hard, certain positive coaching techniques). These determinants make up the FUN MAPS. - Those FUN MAPS show 11 most common factors of fun: Games & Practices, Learning & Improving, Trying Hard, Positive Team Dynamics, Team Friendship, Team Ritual, Gametime support, Positive Coaching, and "swag" - The three items that make the biggest difference in fun according to kids were Trying Hard, Positive Team Dynamics, and Positive Coaching. - How youth coaches can ensure a fun experience. If you're interested in viewing Visek's full research on fun, [click here](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201634/).

This [Ultimate Sports Parent Radio](http://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth-sports-podcast/) podcast, hosted by parenting writer and sports mom [Lisa Cohn](http://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth-sports-experts/), features PCA trainer [Samantha Salvia](http://positivecoach.org/team/salvia-samantha/) and PCA Portland Executive Director [Ben Dudley](http://positivecoach.org/team/dudley-ben/) discussing why girls drop out of sports at a higher rate than boys. Highlights of the podcast include: - Discussion of the factors contributing to the higher drop out rate for girls, including: lack of role models, cost, access, media coverage, lack of parental support, and societal messages about gender and sports. - How the youth sports pay-to-play culture disproportionately impacts girls. - About 15% of youth coaches are women. How the lack of female role models and female coaches may contribute to the higher drop out rate for girls. Challenges for women in coaching and how one AYSO in Santa Monica helped combat gender stereotypes about female coaches by printing coaching shirts that read “This is what a coach looks like!” - Exploring gender stereotypes about coaching boys and girls and how they can be detrimental to both boys and girls. - 80-90% of media coverage is mens’ sports; when women are covered it’s often highly sexualized. What parents can do to counter the lack of media coverage of female athletes and society’s messages about female athletes Here's where you'll find Sam, Ben, and Lisa talking about the featured topic most specifically: - **Focus on gender stereotypes**- 22:52

This PCA 1-on-1 interview features Candace Hogue ([@cmhogue](https://twitter.com/cmhogue)), a doctoral candidate in the Health Education & Psychology of Physical Activity Program at the University of Kansas. Hogue's mentor is PCA National Advisory Board Member Mary Fry ([@maryfry10](https://twitter.com/maryfry10)). Candace conducts both research and applied work in the field of Sport & Exercise Psychology. Specifically, Candace examines how caring, task-involving (mastery) climates vs. ego-involving (performance) climates impact stress and motivation. In this interview, Hogue explains to Former PCA President Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)) that it was truly the life lessons she learned throughout her athletic career that continue to influence her passion for helping kids through her research today. Primarily, this interview dives deep into Hogue's research on a caring climate and give tips and tools for parents and coaches on creating this climate. Highlights of the podcast include: - How ego-involving environments result in higher stress levels than collaborative, supportive ones. - How ultra-competitive (ego-involving) environments result in higher levels of physiological stress (physical reactions to stress). This includes mental and physical well-being, weight gain, the ability to recover from injury, etc. - Physical stress levels (cortisol levels) decrease in collaborative, supportive environments at any performance level (youth through college). - In supportive and collaborative environments, athletes are willing to put more effort in and try new techniques and skills. They also have higher enjoyment levels, are more self-confident, and have less anxiety. - Hogue advises parents to ask coaches about their coaching philosophy to determine the environment before joining a team. - If a kid is put into a stressful athletic environment, parents can combat that by giving their kid the support system they need.

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Brian O'Connor ([@UVACoachOConnor](https://twitter.com/UVACoachOConnor)), who enters his 14th season as Head Coach of University of Virginia Baseball after guiding Virginia to 13 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Virginia is one of just five programs in the nation to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament in each of the last 13 seasons. O'Connor's tenure as head coach is highlighted by the Cavaliers’ national championship in 2015, and interestingly, by his team's public recognition from the NCAA for its multi-year Academic Progress Rate scores. PCA Founder Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)) and O'Connor discuss how to build team culture and what it takes to have prolonged success at the collegiate level. O'Connor also shares thoughts on the leading role that players must take in creating team culture, how coaches can be educational rather than confrontational in teaching accountability, and how teaching sacrifice matters for team dynamics. Other highlights of the podcast include: - O'Connor often puts players in a situation to fail in practice, so they can learn how to positively handle failure in games. O'Connor's methods even include a focus on body language, and how players can use appropriate body language when responding to failure. To O'Connor, players are judged not by failure, but by their ability to respond to it. - To O'Connor, the best coaches must have a growth mindset. According to O'Connor, "When you think you have the answer, you're going to get passed by." O'Connor explains how the game is always changing, and encourages coaches to continue adapting at all times.

This PCA 1-on-1 interview features Alyssa Koomas, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who works closely with state and local leaders to develop outreach and training materials that will facilitate adoption of healthy principles in their programs. Alyssa works with Megan Halmo and together they are part of a dynamic team leading Healthy Kids Out of School, an initiative of ChildObesity180 at Tufts University. Healthy Kids Out of School helps youth sports and extracurricular organizations create healthy programs for the children who participate. Former PCA President Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)) met Alyssa at the National Coaching Conference in Seattle in July. In this podcast, Alyssa discusses her approach to developing healthy habits for youth athletes. Due to alarming statistics regarding childhood obesity in the United States (33% of children are obese, 80% of kids who are obese in their childhood will remain obese as adults) Alyssa explains why it is so important to develop healthy eating habits at a young age and stay active at practice. Parents may be unaware that if a child does participate in youth sports, it does not necessarily mean that they are getting the recommended exercise or eating right. Alyssa has tips that coaches have shared with her for staying active in practice and getting the right amount of exercise: 1) Breaking athletes into smaller groups for skill practices, eliminating long drill lines. 2) Incorporating small sized skill games to keep everyone directly involved. 3) Avoiding long lectures – kids should be playing more than standing. It's also important that parents understand post-game meals. Parents should talk about this before the season starts so that post-game meals consist of fruits and vegetables rather than pizza, cupcakes, donuts or other unhealthy foods. If parents promote healthy eating and drinking water from a young age, kids naturally become accustomed to these habits.

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Ben Tepper, PCA National Advisory Board Member and Chair of the Department of Management and Human Resources at Ohio State University. Tepper earned his PhD (organizational psychology) and MS (organizational psychology) from the University of Miami and his BS (psychology) from Ohio State University. His research interests focus on managerial leadership, employee health and well-being, and the performance of prosocial and antisocial work behaviors. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Tepper about his research, why people falsely believe that negative coaching is effective even when there is no data to suggest that abusive leadership improves outcomes, and the identifying precursors of abusive coach behavior. Tepper, who was quoted along with Thompson in Sports Illustrated's article [The Last Days of The Abusive Coach](http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/09/29/end-abusive-coaches-college-football-basketball), argues that although some abusive coaches are successful, it’s never because they were abusive that they achieved success. In fact, his research indicates that success happens in spite of abusive coaching, and that coaches would be more successful with a different, non-abusive approach. Other highlights of the podcast include: - People mistakenly associate a coach's hostile behavior with the success of that coach, rather than with other attributes such as the coach’s game tactics. - Coaches are more likely to be abusive when their identity feels threatened, when their ego is deflated, and when they falsely believe negativity and abuse achieve results.

This PCA 1-on-1 interview features Paul Tough ([@paultough](https://twitter.com/paultough)) the author of *Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why.* His previous book, *How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character,* was translated into 27 languages and spent more than a year on *The New York Times* hardcover and paperback best-seller lists. PCA Founder Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)) met Paul at a conference put on by the [S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation](http://sdbjrfoundation.org/) in July. In this podcast, Tough discusses two different "toolboxes" that help children succeed: the connection toolbox and the challenge toolbox. The connection toolbox is one of warmth and empathy. According to Tough, motivation is often not centered on achievement, but by a desire for “connectedness” with a group, which coaches often can facilitate for their youth athletes. Although warmth and connection are important, it is equally important that kids are given appropriate challenges to overcome, as it is incredibly motivating for kids to see themselves improve. Tough calls this the challenge toolbox and urges coaches to give specific demands and direction to help athletes improve after inevitable mistakes and failures. Tough sees both toolboxes working effectively in tandem. Other highlights of the podcast include: - Being connected to a group and seeing yourself getting better at something are universally motivating for kids. - When adults change their behavior and use these two toolboxes, it can have a profound positive impact on the mental or emotional state of a kid. - When adults use these two toolboxes, it not only benefits the kid, but it also improves the adults' relationship with the kid, whether parent or coach. Tough calls this the "virtuous cycle."

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Molly Fletcher ([@MollyFletcher](https://twitter.com/MollyFletcher)), hailed as the "female Jerry Maguire" by CNN. Molly spent two decades as one of the world's only female sports agents and represented hundreds of sport's biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA TOUR golfer Matt Kuchar, broadcaster Erin Andrews, and basketball championship coaches Tom Izzo and Doc Rivers. Through her time as an agent, she also observed and adopted the traits of those at the top of their game. She is now CEO of The Molly Fletcher Company in Atlanta, GA. In this podcast interview with Former PCA President Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), Fletcher discusses her days as a tennis player and what she learned from working with some of the top coaches in sports. She also discusses fearlessness, and the role it played for her in both sports and business, and gave advice for coaches and parents to help their athletes avoid fear of mistakes. Here are some key insights from the podcast: - Molly's most influential coach was demanding, but not demeaning. He was effective because she knew he came from a place of love and "earned her permission to be tough." - While sharing her story on success in the sports business industry, Fletcher explained that assertiveness and fearlessness were two keys to success. To Fletcher, its important to stay curious and learn how to step into uncomfortable moments. - As a parent, the natural inclination is to step in and help your kid solve a problem. However, a more hands-off approach can give your kid the confidence to solve problems on their own.

Steve Kerr ([@SteveKerr](https://twitter.com/SteveKerr)) is the Golden State Warriors Head Coach and a PCA National Advisory Board Member. He led the Warriors to the 2014-2015 NBA Championship and a record 73 wins the following regular season and a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. As a player, Kerr was a five-time NBA champion with the Bulls and Spurs, then served as a TV commentator and General Manager of the Phoenix Suns. In this podcast interview with PCA Founder Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), Kerr discusses the Warriors' four core values: joy, mindfulness, compassion and competition. Youth and high school coaches can learn from Kerr's approach to building a team culture, borrowing ideas he learned from Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll: "Pare down your core values and tailor your daily routine around those core values.” Other highlights of the podcast include: - Exploration of how coaches connect with their players, starting with establishing trust and "letting them know they are more important than you are" - Staying open to ideas from players and assistant coaches - What he told Warriors after Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Mary Wise ([@GatorMary](https://twitter.com/gatormary)) head women's volleyball coach at the University of Florida since 1991. She has led the team to 21 SEC titles, including 18 straight from 1991-2008, as well as 24 straight NCAA Tournament bids, seven Final Four appearances, 14 SEC Coach of the Year honors and a trip to the National Championship in 2003. She played volleyball at Purdue University and started her coaching career at Iowa State University at age 22. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), Former PCA President, talks to Wise about her athletic roots from "growing up with four brothers, where you had to be competitive just to get any dessert." She recalls free play in her Evanston, IL neighborhood turning her into a multi-sport athletes and reflects on the dangers of early sport specialization. Wise pays tribute to her coach at Purdue, Carol Dewey, who helped her understand that coaching was "not so much about the x's and o's as it is about people and relationships." She explains the culture she shapes as one where the "person is always more important than the player" and volleyball is used as a way to help people improve overall. Other topics covered include: - The importance of connectedness for female athletes - How to treat mistakes - Ups and downs of social media - Working relationships with players' parents. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) **[Click here for a transcript of this interview](http://positivecoach.org/media/237053/marywise_transcript.pdf)**

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Ohio State University Men's Lacrosse Coach Nick Myers ([@MyersJMZ](https://twitter.com/MyersJMZ)), who completed his seventh season as head coach for the Buckeyes in 2015. He took over the program in 2008, after three seasons as the team's top assistant. He has led the Buckeyes to the first postseason title in program history, two Creator's Trophy titles, a share of a league regular-season title, and spots in the NCAA quarterfinals twice (2013 and 2015). Rich Pruszynski (PCA's Senior Manager, Partner Support and a Wisconsin state champion lacrosse coach with Marquette University High School), talks to Meyers are how he got involved in lacrosse and his coaching techniques. A strength of this podcast is its focus on team-building and team-bonding, including specific tactics Myers and his players use. For example, they take retreats to West Virginia for whitewater rafting, "...campfires, no phones, no Twitter for a couple days…just brotherhood." Myers also delves into specifics on his team's Leadership Council, comprising players from all four classes (freshman through senior) and its bi-weekly off-season conference calls. He also employs a Big Brother-Little Brother approach to having players mentor each other. Finally, in considering how he conveys expectations and helps his players reach higher standards than many of them thought they could achieve, he explains, "Elite people want to be challenged, and they enjoy feedback." Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Dr. Lee Hancock ([@DrLeeHancock ](https://twitter.com/drleehancock)), High Performance Consultant for professional athletes, coaches at all levels, business and team leaders, students, parents and organizations. With years of involvement in soccer, Hancock is currently the Director of Player and Coach Development at the LA Galaxy South Bay. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)) Former PCA President, talks to Hancock about his experiences as a first-time coach, what he thinks a good coach looks like, the right environment for success, and more. Hancock discusses how important it is for coaches to have both the right content *and* the art of coaching. He shares his mentality of "it's not what you teach but how you teach it," and advises coaches do their research online, watch other coaches, and learn how to be the best coach. He covers topics of team management, playing time, and athlete independence. Coaches of all ages can benefit from listening to Hancock's tips, including these for the first 5 minutes of practice: - Greet athletes enthusiastically and with a personal connection - Get athletes moving right away - Set the stage for the day Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Doug Bruno ([@CoachDougBruno](https://twitter.com/CoachDougBruno)), the head coach of the DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Bruno about how Bruno's Athletic Director growing up was of great influence, why he values the importance of strong interpersonal connections/relationships, and why he chose to coach women at the collegiate level over men. Bruno also discusses the goals he has in mind for his team as well as the true meaning of competitiveness and what makes someone a true competitor. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features AJ Hinch ([@ajhinch ](https://twitter.com/ajhinch)), former student athlete at Stanford University and Major League Baseball player. During his 8 seasons in the MLB Hinch played for the Oakland A’s, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies. Hinch also became the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks at the age of 34 and formerly served as the manager for the Houston Astros. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)) Former PCA President, talks to Hinch about specialization in youth sports, the perfect youth sports coach, coaches transcending the playing field, and the fear of failure. Hinch talks about how growing up as a multi-sport athlete has shaped his view on the culture of youth sports today. He is a “believer in exposing young athletes to as many things as possible” because children should be able to find their passions without being “married” to their sports too early. Coaches of these youth athletes need to be positive, yet constructive in order to challenge kids while keeping their best interest at heart. Hinch also emphasizes how important it is to understand the fear of failure. The key is to learn to focus on what you can control as an athlete, rather than dwelling on the uncontrollable situations in sports. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) **[Click here for a transcript of this interview](http://positivecoach.org/media/237049/ajhinch_transcript.pdf)**

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Annette Lynch ([@SpecialOlympics](https://twitter.com/SpecialOlympics)), member of the PCA National Advisory Board and Senior Manager of Coaching Excellence & Sport Education for the Special Olympics North America (SONA). Lynch has previously served as a player on the USA Women’s Basketball Team, a basketball director for Special Olympics, Inc., Vice President of Special Olympics Maryland, Director of Education and Membership Services for the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA), and a coach for nearly every level of sport. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), Former PCA President, gets Lynch's take on women’s involvement in sports and the benefits of unified play with people who have intellectual/psychical disabilities. Lynch also discusses the evolution of women in sport since she was an athlete. This interview is filled with insights on player development, the fear of disability, unified sports, player behavior, and more. Lynch talks at length about the Special Olympics and how sports can affect athletes with disabilities. The key thing for anyone to understand is that there are more similarities than differences between these athletes and others, but they learn differently. They receive the same physical, emotional, and social benefits as anyone else involved in sport. Most importantly, having unified sports can help these athletes transition to their communities because, “There are rules in sport [and] there are rules in life.” Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Mark Hyman ([@sportsparents](https://twitter.com/sportsparents)), a faculty member at the George Washington University School of Business and teacher in the Sports Management Program. He has been writing about youth sports for 10 years, publishing 3 books. His writings have also been published in sources such as The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and TIMES.com. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Hyman about how his experience writing about youth sports opened his eyes to the dysfunction behind youth sports, the roles of parents in youth sports, and the reality of high school athletes playing in college. Hyman examines the truth that youth sports is a controversial topic because they can create irreplaceable, positive memories, as well as negative problems for aspiring athletes. He is an advocate for competitive youth sports and believes sports are a wonderful thing for kids to participate in. Problems arise once sports reflect the interest of the adults, rather than the kids, involved. Thompson and Hyman also discuss how there is a lot more hope that is sold rather than delivered within sports. Roughly 5% of high school varsity athletes will play college sports, amongst all the divisions. It is tough to deal with this reality as a parent, especially when they are “programmed to see greatness in [their] kids.” Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2).

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Dan Coyle ([@DanielCoyle](https://twitter.com/danielcoyle)), former youth baseball coach and New York Times bestselling author for works such as *The Talent Code* and *Hardball: A Season in the Projects*. Coyle joined the PCA National Advisory Board in 2015. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Coyle about how his writing changed how he felt about coaching, the different set of skills a coach needs to have, and why coaches need to be enthusiastic about the process of struggling. Coyle talks about his realization that coaching goes beyond a sense of humor and a few ideas: it is about building skills and connecting human beings to a team. Coaches need to master hard skills that require muscle memory like swinging a baseball bat, and soft skills like recognizing patterns and reactions. Coyle also emphasized how coaches need to design spaces that allow players to function at the best of their ability and fail forward. Even though coaches have an overwhelming job, but they also have the power to become an important figure in their players’ lives, so it is important for them to understand the depth of their craft. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) **[Click here for a transcript of this interview](http://positivecoach.org/media/237066/dancoyle_transcript.pdf)**

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Ted Leland, current VP of External Relations and Athletics for University of the Pacific, former Athletic Director for Dartmouth and Stanford University, and PCA National Advisory Board Member. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Leland about the importance of relationships between players and coaches, the effectiveness of joy on performance, the significance of inspiring athletes, the need for a stronger presence of girls and women in sports, and his involvement with PCA. Leland talks about how his experience as both a coach and Athletic Director exposed him to how crucial it is to construct a positive environment for athletes, determining about 80%-90% of their behavior. His belief in this influenced him to get involved with PCA because sport participation can be beneficial to social and character development in children. An effective sport climate inspires athletes to work hard, increase their self-efficacy, and believe that they can be successful. Leland also discusses the challenges associated with the lack of women in sport and how that has affected female athletes. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Jay Bilas ([@JayBilas](https://twitter.com/JayBilas?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor)), a top college basketball TV analyst, widely known for his incisive and insightful work for ESPN. He played on the first Duke University team that legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski led to the Final Four in 1986, earned a law degree and authored the book *Toughness*. David Jacobson, PCA's Senior Marketing Communications and Content Manager, discusses with Bilas what he learned about the concept and definitions of toughness while writing his book. Toughness emerges as an intangible and a character trait, often forged by adversity and exhibited in the way one handles adversity. In a poignant moment, Bilas says he wished he knew at age 16 what he learned about toughness while writing the book... a sign that his remarks in this podcast could be essential listening for student-athletes. He also talks about what he learned from Coach K in terms of character. Finally, Bilas assesses the landscape of youth basketball and how the business of the sport, including the NCAA's role, has impacted development of youth as players and people. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) JrNBA

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features David Epstein ([@DavidEpstein](https://twitter.com/DavidEpstein)), an investigative reporter at ProPublica and the author of the New York Times bestselling book *The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance*, published in 2013. He was previously a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Epstein about the most effective skill and life development pathways, losing out on life lessons due to early specialization, how joy and effort impact performance, the importance of implicit learning from a coach, and how early specialization and over-training backfire as kids get older. Epstein talks about how some of the world's greatest athletes did not start playing until their teenage years, such as recent World Cup Champion German soccer players, Kansas City Royals Star Lorenzo Cain, and former NBA great Steve Nash. While the sports media doesn't talk about this much, Epstein urges a discussion on the way top athletes avoided specializing and therefore didn't burnout. Playing multiple sports as a youth athlete is better for long-term growth and allows kids to have fun, worry less about mistakes, and bring more effort to the table to elevate their performance. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Johns Hopkins University Women's Lacrosse ([@HopkinsLacrosse](https://twitter.com/hopkinslacrosse)) Coach Janine Tucker. A five-time IWLCA Regional Coach of the Year, Tucker is the all-time winningest coach at Johns Hopkins. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), PCA's former President, talks to Tucker about her evolution as a coach, starting with her multi-sport youth, during which her father coached her. A key piece of advice he imparted: look for "truth-tellers," coaches and others who tell you what you *need* to hear, not what you *want* to hear. Now, she says, she strives to be that truth-teller for her athletes. Tucker's coaching evolution entailed her learning how to be more demanding, realizing that it is a coach's job to help players improve as athletes and as people. She addresses the importance of athletes' body language and tone of voice. Other key topics and concepts explored include: the coach's role in guiding players' use of social media; working with players' parents -- realizing that they express concerns out of love for their children, but that ultimately the coach must own those conversations; recruiting players who are "sweethearts off the field and pit bulls on the field;" and her preference for players with multi-sport backgrounds, rather than those who specialize too early. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Bob McKillop, the head basketball coach at Davidson College ([@DavidsonMBB](https://twitter.com/DavidsonMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor)), most well-known for the Stephen Curry-led team that reached the Elite Eight of the 2008 NCAA Tournament. His record at Davidson since taking the helm in 1989 through the 2014-2015 season is 495-299. However, there is much more to McKillop than numbers reveal. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to McKillop on his core coaching values of Commitment, Trust and Caring. He emphasizes the importance of coaches *showing* they care for their players as people, and he provides some very specific advice on how to do so. McKillop also emphasizes the power of allying with players' parents. While many in college sports decry the increasing role and influence of players' parents, McKillop sees a proactive, positive relationship with parents as key to his team's culture and their shared effort to develop players and people of character. He draws on his experience with Curry's parents, Sonya and Dell Curry, as an example. Other important concepts explored here include coaching your own kids (as McKillop did with his son Matt, now an assistant coach for Davidson), and the "Next Play" mantra he "stole" from Coach K to help move his players past their mistakes and living and playing in the moment. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Shaun Tomson ([@ShaunTomson](https://twitter.com/shauntomson)) who had a 20-year professional surfing career, winning his first pro contest at age 17 and his last at 30, all the while at or near the top of the rankings for the Association of Surfing Professionals tour. He authored *Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding through Life* and produced of the award-winning documentary film *Bustin’ Down the Door.* Sonja DeWitt, PCA Senior Trainer Manager and avid surfer, talks to Tomson about his father's influence in helping him become a surfer, but more importantly in developing a sense of character and honor that shaped Tomson's competitive behavior and post-career activities. He speaks to tens of thousands of youth each year, guiding many of them through replications of his own "12 Simple Lessons" that involve writing down 12 "I will..." statements. His commitment to this practice stems from his belief that "the responsibility of an athlete is to inspire -- you inspire by your performance and you also inspire by your behavior and how you treat others." Tomson explains how the balance of two Greek concepts *telos* (purpose) and *ethos* are critical to development of youth. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Jon Gordon ([@JonGordon11](https://twitter.com/jongordon11)), a best-selling author and keynote speaker, known for such titles as *The Energy Bus*, *The No Complaining Rule*, and *Soup*. His latest book is *The Carpenter* and his next book is a collaboration with former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. He played lacrosse for Cornell University and brings his athletic experience to his insights on coaching, team-building and parenting. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter/com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Gordon on such topics as the relative role of heart and head in coaching and team-building and how players sense their coach's caring. "If your team knows you love and care about them, they will let you push them." Although positivity infuses all of Gordon's work, he says, "I’m not naturally positive. I have to work really hard at it." His talk of parenting here acknowledges he had to overcome his conditioning toward earning praise as an athlete in order to provide his own children with unconditional love. Other gems include a metaphorical discussion of the "root and the fruit of the tree." Applied to coaching, that is a reminder not to focus overly on results (the fruit) at the expense of developing players and people (the "root" of the "tree" that eventually produces "fruit"). Gordon and Thompson also touch on the "energy vampires" concept from Gordon's books, the power of prayer and everyone from Billy Donovan to Mother Teresa. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Sandy Brondello, Head Coach of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury ([@PhoenixMercury](https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury)). An 18-year member of the Australian National Team as a player, Sandy is a four-time Olympian, a two-time silver medalist (2000, 2004), and was named the 1992 Australian International Player of the Year. As a shooting guard, Sandy finished her professional playing career with a five-year run in the WNBA, playing for Detroit, Miami and Seattle. Sandy transitioned from playing to coaching right away and in 2014 Sandy was named the WNBA Coach of the Year after guiding the Phoenix Mercury to the league's best record. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), Former PCA President, gets Brondello's take on women's basketball from the youth level to the WNBA. This interview is packed with insights on high school recruiting, playing at the professional level, specialization, leadership, and more. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)JrNBA

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features PCA National Advisory Board Member Bob Scalise. Scalise is serving in his 14th year as Harvard's Director of Athletics ([@harvardcrimson](https://twitter.com/harvardcrimson)). In this time, Scalise has seen Harvard win 16 national team championships and 97 Ivy League titles. Prior to serving as the Director of Athletics, Bob spent five years as associate dean and senior executive officer of the Harvard Business School. Bob was an All-America lacrosse player at Brown and later served as head coach of the Harvard men's lacrosse and women's soccer programs. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Bob about topics ranging from college athletics as a business to helping coaches be successful as an administrator. Two of Harvard's coaches are also PCA National Advisory Board Members, Katey Stone and Tommy Amaker ([@HarvardBBall](https://twitter.com/HarvardBBall)), and Scalise talks about what it takes to hire successful coaches. You'll also hear Scalise talk about former Harvard Basketball player Jeremy Lin. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features former NFL star Troy Vincent ([@TroyVincent23](https://twitter.com/troyvincent23)). An NFL executive vice president of football operations, Vincent's illustrious playing career as an NFL cornerback included three All-Pro awards five Pro Bowl appearances, and as testament to his character, receiving the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. His executive positions also have included presidency of the NFL Players Association. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Vincent about early influences on his character-development, especially his grandfather. Vincent also recalls the impact on his character of coaches, such as Don Shula (Miami Dolphins), Barry Alvarez (University of Wisconsin) and his high school coach, Jim Dundala. Vincent provides information and inspiration for student-athletes to maintain their focus on and off the field. He also describes the types of athletes and people he hopes reach the NFL and advises coaches on how to help them get there. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes. This 1-on-1 interview features PCA National Advisory Board Member Jonah Sachs ([@jonahsachs](https://twitter.com/jonahsachs)), internationally recognized storyteller, author, designer and entrepreneur. His book *Winning the Story Wars* calls on case studies from his own body of work and some of the most successful brands of all time to show how values-driven stories will not only revolutionize marketing, but represent humanity’s greatest hope for the future. Jonah, a PCA National Advisory Board Member, is the co-founder and CEO of Free Range, which has helped hundreds of social brands and causes break through the media din with campaigns built on sound storytelling strategies. His work on viral videos like The Meatrix and The Story of Stuff series has brought key social issues to the attention of more than 60 million viewers, and his interactive work has been honored with 'Best Of' awards three times at the South By Southwest interactive festival. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter/com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Jonah about the role of story in the ways coaches communicate with their players. He uses a great example of fellow Advisory Board Member Phil Jackson helping his Bulls team past the Pistons in the playoffs by telling the Bulls players a story about how the Lakota tribe viewed its enemies as a gift that could help drive them to a new level of proficiency as warriors.

Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives, and other major sports figures and academics who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes. This 1-on-1 interview features PCA National Advisory Board Member Dacher Keltner. Keltner is a Psychology Professor and the Director of the Greater Good Science Center ([@GreaterGoodSC](https://twitter.com/GreaterGoodSC)) at UC-Berkeley. Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)), PCA Founder, talks to Keltner about his research into the biological and evolutionary origins of compassion, awe, love, beauty, social class, and inequality... and how some of those manifest in sport. Keltner shares findings from his study on NBA teams, identifying links between positive, supportive ‘touching’ (such as high-fives) and success on the court. Teams whose members gave each other higher levels of non-verbal support tended to be more successful. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) **[Click here for a transcript of this interview](http://positivecoach.org/media/237052/dacherkeltner_transcript.pdf)**

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Major League Lacrosse player Paul Rabil ([@PaulRabil](https://twitter.com/PaulRabil)). Rabil was a four-time All-American at Johns Hopkins University and currently plays for the New York Lizards. Here he explains his passion for Lacrosse and his experiences growing up with the sport. He shares his opinion on the great qualities of coaches and discusses the way his youth coaches impacted him as both a player and a person. He also explains the benefit of being coached by multiple coaches and talks in depth about what his coaches did to have players embrace a positive team culture. For Rabil, the importance of an organic and authentic team culture could not be overstated. Not only were coaches integral in developing solid team culture, but a team would only succeed on the field and off it if a team captain or leader owned this responsibility also. In Rabil’s experience, team leaders and coaches needed to focus on team culture together for the team to succeed. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes This 1-on-1 interview features US Women’s Ice Hockey Player and former Harvard University athlete Julie Chu ([@juliechu13](https://twitter.com/juliechu13)). She shares that her love of the game is the trait that helped her reach the pinnacle of success in hockey. She also gives advice on dealing with team cliques and suggests that youth athletes should only use social media on a limited basis. Chu emphasizes the role her parents played in her athletic growth and suggests tips on recruiting for both parents and athletes. Finally, Chu discusses Katey Stone, her coach on the Olympic team and at Harvard, and her best coaching characteristics. She highlights Stone’s ability to implement a team-first culture at Harvard and on the National team, describing her own experiences to highlight Stone's coaching strengths. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes. This 1-on-1 interview features PCA National Advisory Board Member, former Los Angeles Angels Manager and three-time Gold Glove catcher Brad Ausmus. He shares how his parents and high school coach instilled in him a sense of Honoring the Game. He also explains the role of positivity when he visits the mound to help a pitcher figure out how to get out of a jam and the importance of looking forward to the next play, next game, next at-bat, rather than dwelling on mistakes or questionable umpire calls. Ausmus emphasizes the need for managers and coaches to be honest with players not to "candycoat" criticism or tell "little white lies" and advises parents simply to "let 'em play and make sure they're having fun." Finally, learn which Major League Baseball player Ausmus names as his favorite Triple-Impact Competitor®. Here's where you'll find Brad talking about featured topics: - **Specialization** - 21:10 - **Mistakes** - 11:30 Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) LittleLeague-BaseballSoftball

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Cat Osterman ([@catosterman](https://twitter.com/catosterman)), one of the top softball players in U.S. history. Osterman was a four time college All-American pitcher at Texas where she held the NCAA Division I career strikeout record. Her career took her to the Olympics twice, in 2004 and 2008, winning a Gold and Silver medal. Tina Syer ([@tinasyer4](https://twitter.com/tinasyer4)), Former PCA President, covers many topics with Osterman, including dealing with burnout, playing at the Olympic level, and superstitious routines before performance. As the youngest member of the 2004 Olympic team, Osterman shares how she gained confidence from her coach and found an impactful role on a talented team. Listen to her experiences with positive initiation for ideas on how you can welcome newcomers to your team. Finally, Osterman talks about how she dealt with umpires respectfully – a good lesson for athletes at all levels. Here’s where you’ll find Osterman talking about featured topics: - **Specialization**- 6:00 Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) LittleLeague-BaseballSoftball

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features Dave Kaval ([@QuakesPrez](https://twitter.com/QuakesPrez)), PCA National Advisory Board Member and President of Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes and Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics. Kaval, a graduate of Stanford Business School, has transformed the Earthquakes into a team that leads MLS in corporate sponsorship dollars. His leadership has fueled the Quakes’ plans to open their new venue, Avaya Stadium, in March of 2015. PCA Founder Jim Thompson ([@JimThompson18](https://twitter.com/JimThompson18)) begins his talk with Kaval about his founding of a grassroots baseball league. Kaval explains that not fearing failure allowed him to succeed in the foundations of that league and has been instrumental to his success in the MLS, as well. Kaval is a strong proponent of seeing failure as an opportunity, rather than as something negative. Kaval and Thompson discuss how a U.S. culture with a prevailing win-at-all-cost mentality impacts youth soccer in our country. Determined to foster development of youth through sports, Kaval also discusses how character-education deserves greater emphasis in youth soccer clubs and how Quakes’ star and U.S. Men’s National Team Member Chris Wondolowski ([@ChrisWondo](https://twitter.com/ChrisWondo)) is a Triple-Impact Competitor® who helps improve his community. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2)

**Listen in as Positive Coaching Alliance goes 1-on-1 in interviews with top pro and college players, coaches, executives and other major sports figures who provide tips, tools, information and inspiration for youth and high school sports coaches, parents and student-athletes.** This 1-on-1 interview features San Francisco Giants shortstop, Brandon Crawford ([@bcraw35](https://twitter.com/bcraw35)). Crawford played college baseball for the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was named 2-time MVP. He was drafted in 2008, and made his MLB debut in 2011 with a grand slam during his first game. He has won two World Series rings with the Giants, in 2012 and 2014. Marti Reed ([@theMartiReed](https://twitter.com/theMartiReed)), PCA Partnership Manager in Southern California, talks to Crawford about the Giants’ success and team dynamics. The Giants are known for their team mentality and Crawford talks about how they help each other perform as a total team, so that everyone contributes in a big way. Crawford also talks about Bruce Bochy, Giants Manager and PCA National Advisory Board Member, and how he prepares the team to be ready to contribute. Like what you hear? To subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, [click here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pca-development-zone/id952838976?mt=2) LittleLeague-BaseballSoftball