In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester speaks with volleyball coach Michelle Lange about the intersection of sports, coaching, and personal development. They discuss the importance of social media in connecting coaches and athletes, the challenges of decision-making, and the significance of maintaining a growth mindset. Michelle shares insights on how to navigate the pressures faced by young athletes today, emphasizing the value of body language, accountability, and the process of learning from mistakes. The conversation highlights the need for athletes to advocate for themselves and the importance of values in decision-making. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to focus on the journey of greatness rather than just the outcomes.
Takeaways
Social media can connect coaches and athletes meaningfully.
A growth mindset is essential for personal development.
Decision-making should be based on values and long-term implications.
Body language significantly impacts performance and perception.
Advocating for oneself is a crucial life skill for athletes.
Living in the moment helps in managing stress and performance.
Character traits are harder to change than technical skills.
The process of improvement is more important than the outcome.
Building relationships is key in coaching and sports.
Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
Chapters
00:00 Connecting Through Social Media
05:15 Navigating Challenges in Coaching and Parenting
08:22 The Courage to Share and Be Authentic
11:17 Making Decisions with Confidence
14:23 Understanding Long-Term Implications of Decisions
17:15 The Importance of Values in Decision Making
20:15 Creating a Mission and Vision for Life
23:09 Accountability and Expectations in Team Dynamics
25:00 Defining Greatness
27:31 Building a Growth Mindset
29:44 Learning from Errors
32:51 Advocating for Oneself
35:54 The Importance of Team Dynamics
38:58 Living Inside the Point
40:59 Character Traits for Success
43:57 The Impact of Body Language
48:47 Navigating Challenges in Sports and Life
51:40 Outro with music (1).mp4
Follow Michelle on IG and TikTok @ace.volleyballclinic
With over 24 years of coaching experience, Michelle shares her insights on building a growth mindset in young athletes and why the moments between the points matter just as much as the ones on the scoreboard.
The importance of “living inside the points” and teaching athletes how to reset, reframe, and respond under pressure
Strategies for helping athletes navigate failure, perfectionism, and performance anxiety
Why connection, not control, is the future of great coaching
