Contacts Coaching Podcast

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark speaks with Trey Brown, Head Football Coach and Associate Director of Admission at Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts. Trey shares his journey from growing up in Livingston, California, to becoming a key figure at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the USA. He discusses the importance of building personal connections with players, fostering a strong team culture, and the challenges and rewards of coaching at a high academic institution. Trey also emphasizes the need for adaptability, delegation, and continuous learning in coaching, as well as the unique dynamics of working within the prep school sports ecosystem. His insights provide valuable lessons for both current and aspiring coaches on balancing performance with personal growth and well-being for student-athletes.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:29 Coach Trey's Background and Journey01:33 The Andover Experience02:26 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose03:58 Returning to Andover and Career Growth07:08 Coaching Philosophy and Advice16:52 Building Team Culture and Connections19:54 Learning from Other Sports and Team Bonding21:54 Adding Fun and Competition to Practice22:07 Balancing Practice and Team Bonding22:24 Learning from Other Coaches22:54 The Importance of Time Management23:04 Reflecting on Practice Priorities23:46 Starting Practice with Full Games24:31 Conceptual Offense in Football26:21 Live Read Components in Practice30:56 Delegating Responsibilities as a Coach35:48 Evolving Coaching Approaches39:13 Sustainability in Prep School Sports41:53 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

In this episode of the Contacts coaching podcast, we sit down with Tyler Whitley, the head football coach at Taft School and Associate Athletic Director. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Torrington, Connecticut, to becoming a multi-sport athlete in high school, and eventually finding his passion in coaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling multiple roles at a boarding school, his approach to building an inclusive team culture, and how he navigates the complexities of recruiting in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. Tune in to hear valuable insights on managing expectations, trusting your assistants, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:32 Coach Whitley's Background and Journey04:36 Boarding School Experience and Accessibility10:14 Challenges and Realizations as a New Head Coach14:22 Creating a Culture of Inclusivity and Service17:40 Game Schedules and League Details20:40 The Rise of Northeast Football21:02 Evaluating Talent Without Crossover Play21:32 Transitioning to Athletic Administration23:26 Learning from Other Coaches27:51 The Value of Diverse Perspectives30:06 Challenging Personal Beliefs35:26 Balancing Coaching and Family37:32 Adapting to Modern Recruiting Challenges40:55 Final Thoughts and Tools for Success

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin interviews Justin Ferdinand, Athletic Director at a prestigious high school in San Mateo, California. They discuss Ferdinand's journey from growing up in San Ramon, California, to playing water polo at Chaminade University in Oahu, and his subsequent transitions through various coaching and administrative roles. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of being an athletic director, the importance of creating a supportive and equitable sports environment, and the differences between private and public school athletics. Ferdinand also shares insights on managing time, navigating sportsmanship issues, and balancing parental expectations with the needs of student-athletes.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:27 Justin Ferdinand's Early Life and College Journey01:41 Coaching Beginnings in Hawaii02:27 Transition to Southern California02:51 Advanced Education and Career Progression03:40 Return to Northern California05:01 Reflections on Public vs. Private School Experience08:07 Advice for Young Coaches11:22 Challenges and Insights in Athletic Administration14:10 Building Community and Equity in Sports Programs18:45 Participation and Specialization in High School Sports22:40 Unique Challenges and Successes in Specific Sports25:11 Brotherhood and Faith in Sports27:40 Learning from Other Coaches28:34 Effective Practice Planning32:47 Balancing Pressure and Experience39:41 Addressing Sportsmanship Issues44:48 Challenging Beliefs and Parenting50:39 Decision-Making Process for Young Athletes

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, Matt welcomes Jorden Radliff, a physiotherapist based in Melbourne, Australia. Jorden shares his journey from being a sports enthusiast to becoming an expert in ACL recovery and physiotherapy. The conversation dives deep into the differences between Australian and American sports systems, ACL injury recovery timelines, the role of muscle stimulation and blood flow restriction in rehab, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for injured athletes. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone interested in physiotherapy, this episode offers invaluable insights into sports injury recovery and prevention.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:24 Sports Journey and College Experience02:10 Comparing Sports Cultures: Australia vs. USA04:57 Transition to Physiotherapy06:51 Understanding Exercise Science and Physiotherapy10:40 Insights into ACL Injuries and Rehabilitation19:01 Coping with ACL Injuries21:29 Innovative ACL Treatment: Cross Bracing Method22:09 Exploring ACL Tear Recovery in Australia22:31 Pro Athletes and Quick Recovery Timelines24:01 Surgical Approaches and Graft Types24:22 Hamstring Grafts: Challenges and Considerations25:44 Quad Grafts: Strength and Rehabilitation26:46 Patella Tendon and Allografts28:44 Innovative Techniques in ACL Recovery30:40 Muscle Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction35:05 Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation36:09 Knee Braces and Joint Stability40:13 Preventative Training and Long-Term Success43:58 Remote ACL Rehabilitation Programs

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we pivot from our usual focus on coaching to gain valuable insights from current collegiate athlete Ella Emmert, catcher at the University of Kentucky. Ella shares her unique journey into athletics, starting softball at age 10, and overcoming challenges to play at the collegiate level. She discusses the importance of gratitude, identity, and living in the present, all crucial components of her athletic and leadership success. Additionally, Ella gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her roles on multiple NCAA and SEC advisory committees, offering perspective on the evolving landscape of college sports. This conversation is a treasure trove of advice and inspiration for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating competitive environments.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:50 Ella's Journey into Softball02:11 High School and Recruitment Challenges10:35 College Experience and NIL Impact17:24 Athletic Leadership and Committees25:46 Mental Strategies for Catchers26:28 Building Confidence and Trust27:22 Gratitude and Mindset Shifts29:13 Facing Challenges and Growth31:24 Leadership and Team Dynamics37:43 Overcoming Performance Anxiety46:08 The Importance of Being Present50:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections