The itsBIGGERthantheball podcast with Coach Kyle Adams

Question. Who tows the tow truck?? Welcome back to the itsBIGGERthantheball podcast! We are glad to be back with you regarding a very important topic many in the athletic ecosystem are not discussing.  This week we are talking about the mental wellness of coaches. Coaches are navigating tons of pressures and challenges stemming from the pandemic, job insecurity, family, and the changing landscape of college athletics with no one to really talk to. We want this episode to help start the much-needed conversation and inspire action regarding the mental health and wellness of today's coaches and leaders. If this episode resonated with you and you find yourself overwhelmed and pressured and want to connect, please schedule some time with us using the link below.  https://calendly.com/event_types/26966549/edit?return_to=%2Fevent_types%2Fuser%2Fme Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

  Welcome back for Season 4 of the itsBIGGERthantheball podcast, we are excited to welcome Coach Buelah Osueke. Affectionately referred to as "Coach B", Osueke served for 8 years as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at West Catholic Preparatory High School in the ultra-competitive Philadelphia Catholic League. After an 0-18 season in her inaugural campaign, Coach B holds an overall record of 80-72 which includes a 2020 Philadelphia Catholic League basketball championship (First for black coach), a 2021 PIAA Class 3A state crown (First for a black female coach, first in program history), and six PIAA District 12 titles. In this episode we will discuss: >Coach B's transition from Houston to Philly >Building a championship basketball program from the ground up >The Philadelphia Catholic League >Leading a team through tragedy  >Stepping away from the sidelines >Creating Pilar Training, and much more!!! Follow Coach B and Pilar Training https://twitter.com/coachbosueke https://www.instagram.com/coachbosueke/ https://www.instagram.com/pilrtraining/ http://pilrtraining.com/ Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball          

This week we continue our HERstorical HIDDEN FIGURES series with members of C. Vivian Stringer's Cheyney State teams spanning from 1972-1980. As the predecessors to the 82 and 84 NCAA Final Four teams, these ladies while competing in the AIAW, set the stage for Coach Stringer and Cheyney State's ascension to powerhouse status competing for NCAA National Championships.  Our guests are Pat Walker, Debbie DeJarnette, Drucilla Smith, Sharon Wilcher, and Mara Willis. We are also joined by members of the 82 team NCAA Final Four team Debra Walker and Yolanda Laney. Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

Monique A. J. Smith of Seeds of Empowerment and A Chat in the Garden as she speaks with five women who have been coached and mentored by Coach Kyle Adams. Her panelists are Cheyney University alumnae Kia Whitley Duncan, India Marie Cross, Destiny Mcfarlane and North Carolina Central University graduates Monique Whaley-Briggs and Morgan Jones. They will discuss Coach Kyle's commitment to supporting and developing women in and towards leadership, his concerns on the barriers in achieving this goal, and who are some of the champions who have shaped this passion in him. To learn more about Monique AJ Smith,        check out her website https://seedsofempowerment.info/ Follow Kia Whitley Duncan https://www.instagram.com/_rastaaa/ https://twitter.com/DopeRasta Follow India Marie Cross https://www.instagram.com/indiamariecross/  Follow Destiny Mcfarlane https://www.instagram.com/dess_me25/   https://twitter.com/Just_Des25 Follow Monique Whaley Briggs https://www.instagram.com/mowhaleybriggs/  https://twitter.com/WhaleyBriggs Follow Morgan Jones https://www.instagram.com/makeithappen_mj23/ Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

This week we continue our HERstorical HIDDEN FIGURES series with members of C. Vivian Stringer's Cheyney State teams spanning from 1975-1981. As the predecessors to the 82 and 84 NCAA Final Four teams, these ladies while competing in the AIAW, set the stage for Coach Stringer and Cheyney State's ascension to powerhouse status competing for NCAA National Championships.  Our guests are Marianna Freeman, Stacy Rhoades, Barbara Flythe, and Freda Moxley. Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball      

Welcome back to the itsBIGGERthantheball pod. This week, we continue the HERstorical Hidden Figures series with Coach Winthrop Mcgriff. In 1984, Coach Winthrop Mcgriff led Cheyney University Women's Basketball to their 2nd NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four. Cheyney would defeat University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, and Old Dominion University, ending their 45 game home win streak at the Norfolk Scope before losing to the University of Tennessee Lady Vols in the NCAA National Semifinals. Mcgriff succeeded C. Vivian Stringer as Head Coach her departure for Iowa Women's Basketball. The team was led by All American Yolanda Laney, Sharon Taylor, & Margaret Diaz. Coach Mcgriff is the first Black Man to coach a team to NCAA D1 Final Four. Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

Coached by Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, The 1982 Cheyney University Women's Basketball program holds the distinction of being the first and only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Women's Basketball program to advance to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship Game. This program also holds the distinction of being the only HBCU Women's Basketball Program to have players achieve KODAK ALL- AMERICAN in Valerie Walker in 1981,1982, and Yolanda Laney in 1984. No other Historically Black College or University Basketball program, WOMEN or MEN, has reached the heights on the DIVISION 1 level the way the 82 Cheyney Lady Wolves has.  The only other HBCU team that could compare to this team would be the 1984 Cheyney team that would return to NCAA Final Four.    One of many things that made what those Cheyney teams were able to do so impressive was that it was and is a low-resource institution. Cheyney's enrollment in 1982 was around five thousand students. Cheyney defeated (Auburn, North Carolina State, Kansas State, and Maryland) all had student enrollments of over twenty thousand students.   The 82 team finished with a record of 27-2. The ladies were undefeated at home for four years. The team won the NCAA East Regional Championship and would advance to the Final Four, beating the University of Maryland before falling to Louisiana Tech in the National Championship game. This team would enter the tournament as a No. 2 seed. The program would continue to achieve, advancing to the next two NCAA National Tournaments.    The Lady Wolves would return to the NCAA Final Four in 1984, losing to Tennessee in the National Semi-Finals.    Ten years after the passing of Title IX, which provided social and gender equity for female athletes, these women endured racism, sexism, and limited resources to reach heights yet to be achieved by many programs, let alone Division I HBCU women's basketball programs.   The 1982 Cheyney University Women's Basketball program holds the distinction of being the first and only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Women's Basketball program to advance to the inaugural NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship Game. This program also holds the distinction of being the only HBCU Women's Basketball Program to have players achieve KODAK ALL- AMERICAN in Valerie Walker in 1981,1982, and Yolanda Laney in 1984. *Record of 27-2. *Finished season ranked No. 2 in the nation. *Repeated as Pennsylvania State Champions *Undefeated at home for four seasons. *Won Eastern Regional Championship by defeating Auburn, North Carolina State, and Kansas State. *Defeated the University of Maryland of the Atlantic Coast Conference to advance to the National Championship game. *Valerie Walker, Yolanda Laney, and Rosetta Guilford were voted to the ALL EAST regional team. *Valerie Walker finished top three in voting for the prestigious WADE TROPHY, given to the nation's top women's basketball player. *Walker was also voted to the KODAK ALL AMERICAN TEAM for the second year in a row. *Coach Vivian Stringer was nominated for the STAYFREE NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR award. Yolanda Laney Deb Walker  Val Walker  Rosetta Guilford Saundra Giddings Karen Draughn Sharon Taylor Ann Strong Faith Wilds 

We could not fit all this history into one episode!! These ladies have all the receipts...   Check out Part 2 of HERstorical Hidden Figures and your 1982 NCAA Tournament Finalist Cheyney State Lady Wolves!!!     Coached by Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, The 1982 Cheyney University Women's Basketball program hold the distinction of being the FIRST and ONLY HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Women's Basketball program to advance to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship Game.   The CU Lady Wolves also hold the distinction of being the only HBCU Women's Basketball Program to have players achieve KODAK ALL- AMERICAN in Valerie Walker in 1981,1982, and Yolanda Laney in 1984. No other Historically Black College or University Basketball program, WOMEN or MEN, has reached the heights on the DIVISION 1 level the way the 82 Cheyney Lady Wolves has.      The only HBCU team that could compare with this team would be the 1984 Cheyney team that would return to NCAA Final Four.    One of many things that made what those Cheyney teams were able to do so impressive was that the school was what people would consider a low-resource institution. Cheyney's enrollment in 1982 was around five thousand students. Cheyney defeated (Auburn, North Carolina State, Kansas State, and Maryland) these schools all had student enrollments of over twenty thousand students and financial budgets that were almost three times that of Cheyney.   The 82 team finished with a record of 27-2. The ladies were undefeated at home for four years. The team won the NCAA East Regional Championship and would advance to the Final Four, beating the University of Maryland before falling to Louisiana Tech in the National Championship game. This team would enter the tournament as a No. 2 seed. The program would continue to achieve, advancing to the 1983 Elite Eight before losing a controversial game at Penn State that would have sent them to back to back NCAA Final Fours.       The Lady Wolves would return to the NCAA Final Four in 1984, losing to Tennessee in the National Semi-Finals.      Ten years after the passing of Title IX, which provided social and gender equity for female athletes, these women endured racism, biased officiating, sexism, and limited resources to reach heights yet to be achieved by Division I HBCU women's basketball programs.   Their highlights include: *Record of 27-2. *Finished season ranked No. 2 in the nation. *Repeated as Pennsylvania State Champions *Undefeated at home for four seasons. *Won NCAA Eastern Regional Championship by defeating Auburn of the SEC, North Carolina State of the ACC, and Kansas State of the Big 8 Conference. *Defeated the University of Maryland of the Atlantic Coast Conference to advance to the National Championship game.   *Valerie Walker, Yolanda Laney, and Rosetta Guilford were voted to the ALL EAST regional team. *Valerie Walker finished top three in voting for the prestigious WADE TROPHY, given to the nation's top women's basketball player.   *Walker was also voted to the KODAK ALL AMERICAN TEAM for the second year in a row. *Coach Vivian Stringer was nominated for the STAYFREE NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR award. We talk with members of this HERstoric team including: Yolanda Laney Deb Walker  Val Walker  Rosetta Guilford Saundra Giddings Karen Draughn Sharon Taylor Ann Strong Faith Wilds  Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

We've had some outstanding guests on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, but I have to admit that since starting this endeavor but THIS EPISODE has been a dream come true.     Coached by Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, The 1982 Cheyney University Women's Basketball program hold the distinction of being the FIRST and ONLY HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Women's Basketball program to advance to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship Game.   The CU Lady Wolves also hold the distinction of being the only HBCU Women's Basketball Program to have players achieve KODAK ALL- AMERICAN in Valerie Walker in 1981,1982, and Yolanda Laney in 1984. No other Historically Black College or University Basketball program, WOMEN or MEN, has reached the heights on the DIVISION 1 level the way the 82 Cheyney Lady Wolves has.      The only HBCU team that could compare with this team would be the 1984 Cheyney team that would return to NCAA Final Four.    One of many things that made what those Cheyney teams were able to do so impressive was that the school was what people would consider a low-resource institution. Cheyney's enrollment in 1982 was around five thousand students. Cheyney defeated (Auburn, North Carolina State, Kansas State, and Maryland) these schools all had student enrollments of over twenty thousand students and financial budgets that were almost three times that of Cheyney.   The 82 team finished with a record of 27-2. The ladies were undefeated at home for four years. The team won the NCAA East Regional Championship and would advance to the Final Four, beating the University of Maryland before falling to Louisiana Tech in the National Championship game. This team would enter the tournament as a No. 2 seed. The program would continue to achieve, advancing to the 1983 Elite Eight before losing a controversial game at Penn State that would have sent them to back to back NCAA Final Fours.       The Lady Wolves would return to the NCAA Final Four in 1984, losing to Tennessee in the National Semi-Finals.      Ten years after the passing of Title IX, which provided social and gender equity for female athletes, these women endured racism, biased officiating, sexism, and limited resources to reach heights yet to be achieved by Division I HBCU women's basketball programs.   Their highlights include: *Record of 27-2. *Finished season ranked No. 2 in the nation. *Repeated as Pennsylvania State Champions *Undefeated at home for four seasons. *Won NCAA Eastern Regional Championship by defeating Auburn of the SEC, North Carolina State of the ACC, and Kansas State of the Big 8 Conference. *Defeated the University of Maryland of the Atlantic Coast Conference to advance to the National Championship game.   *Valerie Walker, Yolanda Laney, and Rosetta Guilford were voted to the ALL EAST regional team. *Valerie Walker finished top three in voting for the prestigious WADE TROPHY, given to the nation's top women's basketball player.   *Walker was also voted to the KODAK ALL AMERICAN TEAM for the second year in a row. *Coach Vivian Stringer was nominated for the STAYFREE NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR award. We talk with members of this HERstoric team including: Yolanda Laney Deb Walker  Val Walker  Rosetta Guilford Saundra Giddings Karen Draughn Sharon Taylor Ann Strong Faith Wilds  Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

"Love is not a word. It's an action." - pg 314     Over the course of four weeks, we hosted a book review webinar entitled The Luxury Of Huddle Up centered around Coach Thompson's profound statement " I NEVER HAD THE LUXURY OF JUST BEING A BASKETBALL COACH."  from his outstanding autobiography entitled "I CAME AS A SHADOW" co-authored by Jesse Washington of the Undefeated.     Hosted by itsBIGGERthantheball, LLC and the T. Alexander Foundation, Sunday, February 14 at 3 pm, we hosted the final installment of our dynamic four-part conversation on "I Came As A Shadow."     We focused on the calls to action Coach Thompson left to us...   Our conversation was segmented as follows: "The world is changing, and college athletics need to adapt...Since the NCAA won't hold everyone accountable, playing players might as well as be legal."  "Thinking our way to greatness." - How are we protecting the educational opportunities for today's student-athletes? "There are no Black college coaches today with major influence. We took our eye off the ball." - Recapturing the purpose.  Moderators for this conversation are: Coach Edniesha Curry, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, University of Maine  Tracy Jones, Founder, T. Alexander Foundation Dr. Emmett Gill, Executive Director, Athletes & Advocates for Social Justice in Sports   Kevin Sutton, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, University of Rhode Island SPECIAL GUEST, co-author of I CAME AS A SHADOW, Jesse Washington of the Undefeated. The conversation was so good. We had to share it! Enjoy!!!    

This week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, we welcome Eric Worley, Co-Founder of Philly Triple Threat AAU and Executive Director of Philadelphia Youth Basketball, and his talented daughters Ms. Dianna Thomas Palmer, who serves as Assistant Athletic Director at Germantown Friends School, and Cire Worley, a rising sophomore basketball player and Founder of BucketGet(HERS), a girls empowerment brand committed to creating products, content & platforms for female athletes. * Listen as we discuss all the impactful work each of them is doing in the Philadelphia community. * Follow Cire Worley  https://www.bucketgether.com/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WirokmdId76ftaZ7CM3mQ Life of Cire: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqZ8uvCJOZs0AVtXs6mZjtA https://www.instagram.com/bucketgethers/?hl=en * Follow Dianna Thomas- Palmer  https://www.germantownfriends.org/athletics/meet-the-athletic-department https://www.instagram.com/dtp24/ * Follow Eric Worley  https://phillyyouthbasketball.org/2016/02/25/program-staff-profile-eric-worley/ https://phillytriplethreat.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-worley-495b0310 * Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com * Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

Are You Waiting For Someone To Save Us?   As we celebrate the 3 year anniversary of the launch of the itsBIGGERthantheball podcast:   We discuss our responsibility in creating the change we so badly crave in the world of coaching, leadership, and social action.   We pay our respect to the late Coach John Chaney.     We also discuss Coach John Thompson's groundbreaking autobiography entitled " I CAME AS A SHADOW" with Jesse Washington of The Undefeated. The book is so impactful, we have partnered with the T. Alexander Foundation to conduct a 4 part Webinar series reviewing the book and the societal impact of Coach Thompson. Hit the link below for more info & registration  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NR8YRGLtRdyvGj6B4R9muw?fbclid=IwAR07Wb4A5EfT3Ae1MIjnua81ONa13Q1WpH_ykR9ddYUSP3eKnasgy6kThvw     With the help of Joi Walker and Donald Gadson, we've embarked on this journey to tell your stories, share information and provide resources to help those who want to provide transformative learning experiences for those they serve.     At 7000 downloads, We are honored by your continued love & support of the pod & the itsBIGGERthantheball brand! Thank you to our TRIBE of guests & subscribers!     Welcome to Season 3 of The itsBIGGERthantheball pod!   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

We mix things up a bit this week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod!  This week, our guests are the couple of Dr. Stephanie Tryce, Assistant Professor of Sports Marketing at St. Joseph's University, and her husband, Rider University Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Geoff Arnold. Stephanie and Geoff discuss their childhoods, early influences growing up in the Philadelphia area, their relationship, the creation of the 12 Inches Over platform, spousal support, and much more!  Follow Dr. Tryce and Coach Arnold  https://twitter.com/StephanieTryce https://twitter.com/CoachGe_off https://twitter.com/12InchesOver https://www.instagram.com/12inchesover/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-inches-over/id1531588851 Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball      

This week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod we are honored to host veteran coach University of Rhode Island Assistant Kevin Sutton. Kevin Sutton enters his third season with Rhode Island in 2020-2021.  Sutton came to Rhode Island after spending two seasons at Pitt. He has 13 seasons of coaching at the collegiate level, including stops at Georgetown, George Washington, James Madison and Old Dominion. A coaching veteran with 35 years of experience, Sutton has three different stints coaching for USA Basketball. He was an assistant coach for two years at the Hoop Festival for the East, helping the Junior Developmental Team (U16) win gold at the FIBA Americas Tournament in Argentina. Sutton also was the head coach for the Nike/USA Basketball Hoop Summit, which showcased the top 10 international players against the top 10 U.S. players. Coach Sutton discusses his vast coaching journey and his wildly impactful Living Trophies Masters Zoom Class.  Follow Coach Sutton https://www.kevinsuttonbasketball.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqNvyZOl_BY5uzqdAXZeBw https://twitter.com/CoachSutton https://www.instagram.com/livingtrophies/ Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

Our guest this week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod is Associate Athletic Director of Strategic Communications at the University of North Carolina- Greensboro, Rob Knox.  Rob has over 20 years of experience in all sectors of sports media including journalism, sports information, and television.  Rob discusses: *Getting his start at Lincoln University  *Working at ESPN *Serving as Co-SIDA President  *His love for Women's Basketball and more.  Follow Rob Knox https://twitter.com/knoxrob1 https://www.instagram.com/robfromchesterpa/; Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball          

This week we on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, we are honored to welcome Philly native and Boston Celtics Assistant Coach Jerome Allen. Pooh shares insight on: *North Philly *Childhood influencers *Attending University of Penn and playing for Fran Dunphy   *Playing in the league, going overseas- How it expanded his outlook on life *Starting his non-profit, Hood Enriched, and exposing young people to life abroad. *Becoming head coach at Penn *Coaching in the NBA *Why Kara Lawson with be successful at Duke *Life in the NBA bubble and being a mentor to his players. *His upcoming book When the Alphabet Comes, and more. Follow Pooh Allen  https://www.whenthealphabetcomes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jeromeallen53/ https://twitter.com/Whenthealphabe1 https://www.facebook.com/When-The-Alphabet-Comes-A-Life-Changed-By-Exposure-111938407275920 Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

Our guest this week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod is Dr. Stephany Coakley. Dr. Coakley serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Mental Health, Wellness, and Performance at Temple University. She is a certified mental performance consultant and licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in exercise and sport science with a concentration in sports psychology. We discuss The effects of COVID-19 on college athletics, racial trauma, cultural competence, student-athlete activism, and much more... Follow Dr. Coakley Twitter: @BAForceofNature Instagram: @BAForceofNature Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsBIGGERthantheball.com info@itsBIGGERthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, we are excited to welcome La Salle University Head Men's Basketball Coach Ashley Howard. Ash and I discuss a diversity of topics that include: *Growing up in Philly   *Following the footsteps of his father, Philly hoops legend Maurice "Mo" Howard    *How the summer basketball camp circuit helped forge relationships?   *Getting his coaching start with Bruiser Flint and Geoff Arnold at his alma mater, Drexel University. *Coaching with Jay Wright and building a national championship program at Villanova. *What he wants his legacy to be as a husband, father, and coach, and more!  Follow Coach Ash Twitter: @CoachAshHoward  Instagram: @coachash5 @lasallembb Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsBIGGERthantheball.com info@itsBIGGERthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, our guest is Coach Ken French. French spent 20 seasons at the University of Rio Grande, the last 14 serving as Head Men's Basketball Coach. We cover such topics as: Growing up in West Virginia, becoming a head coach, building a diverse basketball program, the definition of HARD WORK CAMP, coaching in the NAIA, and so much more!     Be sure to connect with Coach French Twitter: @coachkenfrench Instagram: coach_ken_french Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

This week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, we are honored to host athletic director at Hampton University, Eugene Marshall. With over 36 years in college athletics, Coach Marshall shares on topics such as: *What led him to a career athletic administration. *Transitioning from the MEAC to the Big South. *Will we see more HBCU's making the move to other conferences? *With everything going on in our country today, why schools like Hampton are still viable, and more... Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week our guest on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod is the ultra-talented Wanisha Smith, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Duke University. We are excited to share her amazing journey from High School All American playing for current Towson University Head Coach Diane Richardson, to playing in the Final Four, to starting her coaching career at Longwood, to returning to coach at her alma mater. Check out our conversation with Coach Smith!  Connect with Wanisha  Instagram: @duke_im_back Twitter: @duke_im_back Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsBIGGERthantheball.com info@itsBIGGERthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This episode of iBttb pod was recorded during one of my morning GRATITUDE walks. In 2012, I was blessed with a memorable learning opportunity to meet and serve Reverend Jesse Jackson, when he came to my alma mater, Cheyney University to serve as the keynote speaker at commencement.  That encounter with "Rev" helped to shape how I engage others in my everyday life.  Check out Episode 021: The Strength to Love  Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsBIGGERthantheball.com info@itsBIGGERthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week's episode of the itsBIGGERthantheball pod, I share an excerpt from my upcoming book about a life-changing experience I had early in my career as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Plattsburgh State University in upstate New York. During this time of unrest surrounding systemic racism and police brutality, a lot of different feelings and experiences that several of us have become numb to over the course of time have resurfaced. This is just one of many. I hope it helps... Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball      

Our guest this week is Herb Courtney of Renaissance Search & Consulting (RSC). Herb has been involved with intercollegiate athletics for over 15 years, seven of those years as a division 1 assistant coach. During this time, Herb has developed significant relationships with athletic directors and coaches. Herb keeps his ear to the ground in the minority coaching community and makes it a priority to continue to develop relationships within the coaching community Very passionate about diversity and ethics in sports. Herb desires to make sure qualified individuals are getting opportunities to lead in college athletics. Enjoy this episode of the iBttb pod with Herb Courtney of Renaissance Search and Consulting. Follow Herb  Twitter: @coachcourt15 LinkedIn: Herb Courtney Website: www.renaissance-consult.com Email:herb@renaissance-consult.com   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com email us @ info@itsbiggerthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

Our guest this week on the iBttb pod is Tracy Jones of the T. Alexander Foundation. From leading in corporate boardrooms to instructing on the hardwood floor or motivating in the classroom, Tracy A. Jones has turned a passion for developing dynamic individuals through athletics into an emerging social enterprise.  Before dedicating his efforts full-time to the T. Alexander Foundation, Mr. Jones was employed for seven years in the public accounting industry as an external auditor. Mr. Jones received a dual bachelor's degree in Accounting and Sports Management from Widener University and a Masters in Nonprofit/NGO Leadership from the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.    Connect with Tracy  Website: www.pa4wn.org Twitter: TAlexanderFound Personal Twitter: TracyAJones_   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsBIGGERthantheball.com info@itsBIGGERthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week's guest on the iBttb pod is Chester High(Pa) Head Football Coach Ladontay Bell. For the past 18 years, Coach Bell has dedicated his life to working with youth. He worked with adjudicated youth upon the completion of his Bachelors Degree at Cheyney University. LaDontay furthered his career in Criminal Justice as a Probation Officer for the Chester County Juvenile Court System. It was during that time that LaDontay's work-ethic was noticed and soon became an employee of the Chester Upland School District as a Climate Manager. In the year 2016, LaDontay became a Physical Education Teacher and Coach within the Chester Upland School District. It's an honor to have Coach Bell on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod!   To connect with Coach Bell  https://www.instagram.com/dccoachbell https://www.twitter.com/DCoachBell https://www.delcotimes.com/sports/football-friday-bell-inspires-change-at-chester/article_622be8a6-a733-11e8-9379-e32c60c46ccc.html   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com   coachka20@gmail.com   Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball        

Our guest on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod is Trajuan Briggs of the Minority Psychology Network. Briggs received his Masters in Sports Administration from the University of New Mexico.  He currently resides in Dallas, Texas as the Director of Research and Development for a sports leadership consulting firm called Prime U where he facilitates workshops and develops content for the company.  As a former student-athlete, Trajuan has become an active student-athlete advocate and sports scholar focusing on holistic development and the Black student-athlete experience. Follow and connect with Trajuan http://www.theminoritypsychologynetwork.org/   https://twitter.com/Qool_Runnings  https://www.instagram.com/trajuan_briggs/     Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

A national championship coach at the junior college level with over 15 years of collegiate experience, Franqua “Coach Q” Bedell spent the six seasons prior to his arrival at Missouri State as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College, where he won the NJCAA Division I national title in 2018. Bedell was the Spalding NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Coach of the Year that season after leading Tallahassee to a school-record 29 wins. He finished his six-year stint at TCC with a 124-62 record and coached a pair of NJCAA first-team All-Americans.  Coach Q has authored two books, From Chumps to Champs and Get Off the Bench & Get Into the Game. He is the Founder of Get Off the Bench Consulting. He serves as Director of Personal and Professional Growth with The Brooks Element Firm. Bedell is a sought-after thought leader who specializes in developing high-performance people and building championship cultures in organizations. Q has personally coached professional athletes, collegiate coaches, young leading entrepreneurs, student-athletes, at-risk students and the special needs community. We can't wait for you to hear all about Coach Q and his journey!  Follow Coach Q  https://www.instagram.com/qleadershipcoach https://www.twitter.com/CoachqQ www.fromchumpstochamps Be sure to connect with  Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball  Check out our website www.itsbiggerthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

Darrell Mosley is in his fifth season as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. Currently, the team is 23-5 surpassing the school record of 22 wins. The team is also ranked #6 in the Atlantic Region poll. Highlights on the season are wins over Division 1 MEAC opponent North Carolina Central University and a victory over #5 Nationally ranked Virginia Union University. Coach Mosley was recently named CIAA COACH OF THE YEAR. The Lady Lions prepare for the CIAA tournament this week.   Having coached Darrell in college, we are unbelievably proud of who he is as a man who coaches women's basketball!   We are proud to welcome Coach Darrell Mosley to the itsBIGGERthantheball pod!   To connect with Coach Mosely https://www.instagram.com/dmoselu https://www.twitter.com/DMoseLU   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com   Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball    

Our guest this week on the itsBIGGERthantheball pod is Coach Heather Macy. Coach Macy recently accepted the position of head women's basketball coach for Spartanburg Methodist College.  Macy, the all-time winningest coach in the history of East Carolina University women's basketball is the definition of passion and focus. Not only a coach, but an author, motivator, and leader. Heather prides herself in helping others reach their goals. Her philosophy of impacting and influencing is based upon building confidence, instilling discipline and keeping the intent based upon, YOU winning. Macy was the lone women's basketball head coach invited to speak at the NIKE Championship Basketball Clinic in Las Vegas, Nev., in May 2015. The Las Vegas clinic is widely regarded as the largest college basketball clinic in the world. She spoke at the same clinics in Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas in 2011, while being chosen as a featured speaker at the 2008 South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association clinic in North Charleston, the 2009 Triad Coaches Clinic in Winston-Salem, N.C., and the NIKE Coaching Clinics in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Cleveland, Ohio and Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Additionally, Macy is the director of the annual East Carolina women's basketball camps. Macy is a highly requested speaker at civic organizations, hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, plus in private industry. During these presentations, topics like teamwork, accountability, and discipline to achieve success are explored. One of only 300 coaches in the country Macy received a Certification in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in 2016. She currently travels speaking to teams and organizations on how to use EQ to become an elite performer. To connect with Coach Macy  https://www.instagram.com/2ftnheathermacy https://www.twitter.com/2ftnheathermacy https://influenceandimpacters.com/   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball       

After coaching and working with various teams at the college, high school, and youth level in a variety of roles for over 20 years, Hal earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology & Sport Studies and now serves as an Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University in Coaching Education. Dr. Wilson is the creator of the Coaching Basketball Wisely podcast. He has also been involved in athletics as a player, coach, administrator, official, and parent. When did you fall in love with basketball? What drew him coaching? Defining his pedagogy as a coach? Why he started the Coaching Basketball Wisely podcast? His experience with USA Basketball and much more! Follow Coach Wilson https://www.coachingbasketballwisely.com Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @coachhalwilson Connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This weeks guests are Lizette and William Goodloe are the Founders of Behind The Whistle Coaches Symposium.   Behind the Whistle is an education training and development company focused on sports education with a specific interest in the development of interscholastic and intercollegiate coaches and athletes.    They host the Behind The Whistle symposium designed to provide educators with the tools necessary for the holistic development of athletes. Their goal is to create collaborative learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and practitioners to create meaningful solutions to current and future issues in sport and society. The 2019 symposium examines good, better, best practices for socially conscious coaching.   Lizette and Will share about:   Being the "Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis" of coaching development.   What led them to start Behind the Whistle?    Their experience speaking at this year's Black Student-Athlete Summitt and much more...   Connect with Behind The Whistle   https://www.behindthewhistle.net https://twitter.com/behindwhistle https://instagram.com/behindwhistle    Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com   Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

Jen Fry is the founder of JenFryTalks, a social justice education firm who uses conversation to educate and empower those within athletics through an anti-racist lens on issues of race, inclusion, intersectionality, diversity, and equity. A veteran volleyball coach, Jen has over 15 years of experience at the collegiate level with coaching stints at Elon University, Washington State University, and Norfolk State University and the University of Illinois - where her team was 2011 NCAA Runner-up. We speak with Jen about: Her childhood in Alaska  -What drew her to coaching?  - Leaving coaching and starting JenFryTalks - Why aren't more of today's coaches using their platform to impact social activism -Some ways coaches can become more culturally competent -Steps coaches can take to build individuals and teams that have a sense of social justice - Data on hiring trends in college athletics  -The power of listening and much more Connect with Jen  https://jenfry.com/ https://twitter.com/JenFryTalks https://www.facebook.com/jenfrytalks/ https://www.instagram.com/jenfrytalks/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ04fGtchv6i09_ospPxgHQ   Be sure to connect with  Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball  www.itsbiggerthantheball.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

Our guest this week is Dr. Emmett Lee Gill. Dr. Emmett Gill is the Director of Student-Athlete Wellness and Personal Development and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He also serves as the Past President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport. He is also the national coordinator for The Student-Athletes Human Rights Project.    We speak with Dr. Gill about :    -His childhood in Durham, North Carolina and how grew up in and around sport.   -The establishment of a Student-Athlete Wellness Center at NC Central University, What went into its creation and why aren't we seeing more centers developed to deal with emotional wellness and support on college campuses      - His work with the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport    -His experience at Rutgers University during some very challenging period and how that shaped his pedagogy.    - Working with the iconic C. Vivian Stringer and her team?   -How can coaches become better educated on how to better meet the needs of today's athlete?   -What are some things parents and student-athletes need to be looking for as it pertains to meeting their emotional and developmental needs.    His new endeavor -Athlete Talk, a new and innovative developmental tool for student-athletes and athletic departments, and so much more!    Connect with Dr. Emmett Lee  https://www.elgphd.com https://www.whereathlestalk.com https://www.aswis.org   Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com   Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week we wanted to call an audible and switch up from our usual interview with a coach. When we created this medium, our intent was to not only share stories of those in the coaching profession but also share information and resources that can help to further and expand the realm of what we provide as coaches. Enter Umar Riggs of Riggs Web Design. Umar has worked with industry leaders such as Nike, Apple, Coca Cola, Anheuser Bush, and Vitamin Water. Umar shares about the importance of coaches understanding that regardless of who, why, and where you coach, You are a business. He talks about the process of creating a website and how it speaks to the narrative you are looking to create for your philosophy, program, and personal brand.  As a customer of Riggs Web Design, I share about my journey to creating a web presence for itsBIGGERthantheball, LLC and the amazing work RWD has done to bring it fruition.  If you have been considering creating a website and furthering your personal brand, you don't want to miss this informative interview with the ultra-talented Umar Riggs.   Be sure to connect with Umar   https://www.instagram.com/riggswebdesign https://m.facebook.com/riggswebdesign www.riggswebdesign.com Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

Our guest this week is Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Minnesota Danielle O'Banion. We speak with Danielle about her experiences as a player at Boston College, her mentors who have impacted her career and life. She shares about her start in coaching at Harvard, her experience as a Head Coach at Kent State, and her battle with Stage 2 lymphoma in 2014. Dani speaks about how through her relationships her career has come full circle, as she now works with one her former players, Minnesota all-time great Lindsay Whalen. Dani explains what makes Lindsay unique in her approach to coaching, recruiting, player development, and practice planning. I now that you will find Coach O'Banion authentic, forthright, and someone who truly knows the impact of how a coach can impact lives.   To connect with Coach O'Banion https://www.instagram.com/djobanion https://www.twitter.com/djobanion Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

This week's guest is a true ambassador of the itsBIGGERthantheball brand! 2019 Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach of the Year, Fred Batchelor of University of Maryland Eastern Shore Women's Basketball blesses the pod. With over 20 years of head coaching experience, Coach Batchelor has been one of the longest tenured African American Head Coaches in Women's Basketball. We discuss various topics on this episode such as: -influences and mentors  - Why he chose to attend Valley Forge Christian College, where he was an All American  - Coaching in his home town of Buffalo, NY - His transition from coaching men to women.  - Taking teams on international trips  - His role as MEAC Women's Basketball Coaches Captain  - Our responsibility as men coaching women's basketball and much more!  One of my very best friends,  Fred has been a huge influence for me and others in the coaching community.  I'm sure that you will learn a great deal from this insightful conversation!  Follow Coach Fred Batchelor  https://www.instagram.com/fmbatchelor https://www.twitter.com/badbatch10 Be sure to connect with Coach Adams & itsBIGGERthantheball www.itsbiggerthantheball.com coachka20@gmail.com Social Media https://facebook.com/itsbiggerthantheball https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball  

Khadija Head currently serves as the Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Kennesaw State University. She has coached in NCAA Division I tournaments, won conference championships, presented during the Final Four, published articles in Women's Fast Break magazine, attended the NCAA/BCA A.C.E. program, signed numerous Top 25 recruiting classes and coached AP All-Americans. For three years she stepped away from coaching to gain complete clarity.  But, it wasn't until she decided to take active control of her career that things really took off.  Head successfully launched her own internet marketing company "The Recruiting U," in which she aids small businesses to build an online presence through web development and social media marketing. She also created HeadCoachHead, a boutique consulting business which provides education and development for coaches looking to grow their careers. Coach Head shares on her journey in college coaching as well as the importance of creating your own platform and identity outside of coaching.  Connect with Coach Head on her website and social media  https://www.headcoachead.com https://twitter.com/headcoachhead  https://facebook.com/headcoachhead https://instagram.com/headcoachhead   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and connect with Coach Adams   www.itsbiggerthantheball.com Social Media https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://facebook.com/coachka20 https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

 Our guest is Freddie Murray, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Grambling State University of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Coach Murray is in his 3rd year as leader of the Lady Tigers.  Why bigger isn't always better when student athletes are making decisions on where to attend college. The value of the HBCU experience  How to win with less resources  The challenges of being an African American man in women's college basketball Coaching one of the best players in college basketball Senior PG Shakyla Hill, who recorded her second career quadrupale double earlier this season. Follow Coach Murray on social media   https://twitter.com/CoachMurrayGSU https://gsutigers.com/index.aspx?path=wbball Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and connect with Coach Adams  www.itsbiggerthantheball.com  Social Media https://twitter.com/coachka20 https://facebook.com/coachka20 https://instagram.com/coachka20 https://youtube.com/itsbiggerthantheball

Coach Adams shares some thoughts on what we should represent as men in women's basketball. 

Towson Head Women's Basketball Basketball Coach Diane Richardson shares about her beginnings in the game. She talks about experiences as a coach and entrepreneur. Coach Rich gives the real on her family, staff, and what she envisions for the future of Tiger Women's Basketball. 

Coach Kyle Adams speaks on the Who, What, When, and Why of itsBIGGERthantheball