Shows
Above The WhistleSarah Beecher: From Goalkeeper to GamemakerWhat makes a championship high school soccer program? In this revealing conversation with Sarah Beecher, head coach of Farmington High Girls Soccer, we discover it's much more than just tactics and talent.Starting with her own journey as a goalkeeper for Davis High and later at the collegiate level, Coach Beecher shares how her playing experience shaped her coaching philosophy. "I treat goalkeeping differently," she explains, recognizing the unique mental challenges facing players in that position. This understanding extends to her entire program, where she focuses on building confident players who understand their roles within the team...
2025-04-3046 minAbove The WhistleGrant Caraway: How One Coach Is Redefining Football Training for a New GenerationGrant Carraway's journey from frustrated quarterback to respected trainer reveals the power of creating solutions to problems you've personally experienced. As founder of First Down Training, Grant has built a thriving business by filling the void he encountered as a young player searching for quality quarterback instruction."I was constantly on YouTube searching for stuff and trying to find any type of information, and there was nothing out there," Grant recalls of his playing days. This frustration sparked his mission to create accessible, high-quality training resources for quarterbacks and receivers. Unlike many trainers who simply run athletes...
2025-04-2456 minAbove The WhistleCoach Junior Solovi: Crafting Champions in Life and SportCoach Junior Solo takes us on a deeply personal journey back to his roots at West High School in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood. As both the football head coach and girls basketball coach at his alma mater, Solo has shouldered the weight of transforming programs that had struggled for decades while creating a brand that makes West a destination rather than a stepping stone."You can make all the excuses you want," Solo says with quiet determination, "but at the end of the day, we expect you guys to get out there, compete, and find...
2025-04-1556 minAbove The WhistleNate Tuatagaloa: Coaching with HeartWhen Coach Nate Tuatagaloa says "we don't recruit, we represent," he captures the essence of his leadership philosophy that's transforming Fremont High School football into one of Utah's premier programs. His journey from college player at Southern Utah University to head coach reveals how the best teachers of the game are constantly learning themselves.Coach Tuatagaloa's experience wearing both offensive and defensive coordinator hats simultaneously at Ben Lomond High School accelerated his coaching development in extraordinary ways. Rather than forcing players into rigid systems, he learned to adapt schemes to fit his personnel—a philosophy that has se...
2025-03-2757 minAbove The WhistleNick Vigil: What Does It Really Take to Survive 10 Years in the NFL?Nick Vigil pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to survive and thrive through nine grinding seasons in the NFL. With remarkable candor, the former Dallas Cowboys linebacker shares the physical and mental challenges that come with playing America's most demanding sport at its highest level.From his unorthodox entry into the NFL draft (where he simply declared without getting scouting grades) to playing through a broken foot during his most recent season, Vigil reveals the resilience required when your body becomes your business. He discusses the challenges of managing injuries, including three surgeries throughout...
2025-03-201h 00Above The WhistleCoach Wes Johnson: Finding Balance in SportIn this engaging episode, Wes Johnson, head coach of Arizona's triathlon program, unpacks his journey from competitive swimming to leading aspiring triathletes. He shares the crucial balance that coaches must maintain—juggling rigorous training with the personal lives of athletes. Wes dives into the psychological dimensions of coaching, discussing how understanding mental resilience plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance. He underscores the value of keeping training enjoyable to prevent burnout, steering conversations toward fostering an environment of vulnerability where athletes feel empowered and accepted. With insights on nutrition and sleep monitoring, Wes reveals the impact of bas...
2025-03-0439 minAbove The WhistleBrad Clifford: Elevation through AdversityBrad Clifford, a former tight end from the University of Utah, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a sports-filled upbringing to his collegiate football career in Utah. Despite his talent for rugby, Brad chose to focus on football, a decision influenced by strong personal connections with coaches like Kyle Whittingham, Gary Anderson and Kalani Sitake. Through engaging personal stories, he discusses the complexities of the recruitment process and the pivotal role mentorship played in his athletic development. Brad's insights offer a candid look into the challenges young athletes face when transitioning from high school to college sports.
2025-02-121h 01Above The WhistleCoach Casey Sutera: Leading with Love and ResilienceJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Casey Sutera, the celebrated Utah High School Association's 5A Coach of the Year. Coach Sutera opens up about his transition from feeling adrift after his playing days to discovering a calling in coaching that not only nurtures athletes but enriches their lives with invaluable lessons. His philosophy of leading with love and building trust within his team is a testament to the powerful influence of family and mentors in shaping a leader who cares deeply about both personal and athletic development.Explore a gripping tale of resilience in college...
2025-01-2355 minAbove The WhistleCoach Kim Nelson: For the Love of the GameWhat does it take to become the National Baseball Coach of the Year? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Coach Kim Nelson, who has been honored with this prestigious title in 2023. Coach Nelson shares his incredible journey from being a standout player at BYU, mentored by the legendary Glenn Tuckett, to representing the USA internationally and transitioning into a highly successful coaching career. He fondly reminisces about his time as a player and deeply appreciates the collective effort of the Timpanogos baseball program, highlighting the invaluable support from parents, assistant coaches, and administrators.Discover the heart...
2024-06-2645 minAbove The WhistleBritton Johnson (Former NBA Player): Choosing the hardJoin us as we sit down with Britton Johnson, former NBA player and Murray Spartan legend, for a nostalgic journey through his basketball career. Britton opens up about his formative years at Murray High School, including the influential impact his coach, Gordon Keener, had on his success. He recounts the highs and lows of his journey, from high school championships to the intense and contrasting coaching styles that shaped his collegiate career at the University of Utah.Britton takes us inside the locker room and beyond, recounting his decision to attend the University of Utah and the c...
2024-06-0753 minAbove The WhistleCoach Zach Saffell: Building ChampionsUnlock the secrets to empowering the next generation of star athletes and leaders with Zach Safel, the innovative force behind Custom Built Strength. As we journey through Zach's unique philosophies, you'll grasp the transformative power of tailored youth athletic training. Experience the revelation of strength and explosiveness as cornerstones of athletic prowess, guided by a steadfast commitment to data-driven progress. Zach's approach isn't just about winning games; it's about equipping young minds with the skills to tackle life's myriad challenges.Witness the careful crafting of resilient athletes as we tackle the precarious bridge from injury to peak...
2024-05-2251 minAbove The WhistleWorld Champion Greco-Roman Wrestling Ben Kjar: Born to Stand OutBen Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done!! Ben has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. He believes in being disobedient to average and in a world where most people try to fit in, Ben tries to teach us to STAND OUT!Ben was Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American. This year, at 40 yrs old Ben represented the USA at the Worl...
2024-05-151h 09Above The WhistleCoach Quincy Lewis: Game Beyond the Game with High School Coaching IconThis week we sit down with Coach Quincy Lewis to reveal the coaching philosophy that made him Utah’s winningest basketball coach. Step into our conversation and experience the power of situational practices, the mental gymnastics of a comeback, and the sweet victory of sharing a state championship with his son, Cooper. Quincy's ability to instill resilience in his players is a testament to his masterful approach to coaching, turning high-pressure moments into lessons of triumph.Embark on the awe-inspiring journey of Lone Peak High School as they chased a national championship. Quincy and I dissect the st...
2024-05-0648 minAbove The WhistleCoach Dustin Smith: Cultivating Elite Quarterback SuccessEver wondered how an NFL-worthy quarterback is made? Tune in as we sit down with Dustin Smith, quarterback whisperer and the brains behind QB Elite, to unearth the journey from injury to inspiration that catapulted his coaching career. With anecdotes of working alongside football legends like Ty Detmer, Dustin peels back the curtain on the art of quarterback training, emphasizing the importance of tailoring techniques to individual athletes, recognizing the unique mechanics that made icons like Brett Favre and Michael Vick stand out from the crowd.This episode isn't just about athletic prowess; it's a deep exploration...
2024-05-0159 minAbove The WhistleCoach Mary Kay Amicone: From the Diamond to LegacyWhen the echoes of cheering crowds fade and the bright stadium lights dim, what lingers in the hearts of athletes and coaches alike? Today's episode is a testament to the profound journey of Mary Kay Amicone, the esteemed Weber State softball coach, whose life story is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of family, adversity, and triumph. From the early days of balancing elementary school teaching with coaching to the zenith of her career, Mary Kay's narrative is a masterclass in forging indomitable spirit and character on and off the field.As we traverse the chapters...
2024-04-221h 00Above The WhistleCoach Browner: Creating Champions in Life - The Bishop Gorman Football LegacyStep inside the huddle with Brent Browner, the visionary head coach behind the national champion Bishop Gorman football team, as he unpacks the playbook of success for high school sports greatness. Our conversation traverses the captivating landscape of nurturing athletes in the spotlight, where the stakes are as high as the passions that drive them. Coach Browner is not just about wins and losses; he's a sculptor of character, molding young men who can shoulder the weight of expectations and emerge as leaders both on the field and in life.Together, we navigate the complex dynamics of...
2024-04-1750 minAbove The WhistleJared Fernandez (Former MLB Pitcher): The Power of Perseverance and KnuckleballsWhen the count's full, it's the unwavering perseverance and the iron will that carve a path from the minors to the Major Leagues for former MLB pitcher, Jared Fernandez on our latest episode. We're not just talking about balls and strikes; this is a story of persistence woven with the threads of Jared's awe-inspiring journey from Kearns High to the Major Leagues. His riveting narrative is dotted with life's curveballs, including the pivotal moment his career was saved by the knuckleball, and the incredible support that propelled him to his dreams.Ever wondered what it's like to...
2024-04-1042 minAbove The WhistlePGA Club Pro Fred Nadeau: Swing, Mentorship, and the Fairway to SuccessWhen Fred Nadeau's high school basketball coach suggested he switch his focus to golf, little did he know it would tee him up for a life-changing career. Our latest episode brings you an intimate conversation with Fred, a celebrated golf pro with over 25 years in the PGA, as he shares his personal evolution from a multi-sport athlete to a dedicated mentor on the green. His story isn't just about personal triumphs; it's a powerful testament to the influence of mentorship and a passion for the game.Step up to the tee box with us as we explore...
2024-04-0253 minAbove The WhistleDoug Fullerton: Navigating the game in College Sports AdministrationFrom the humble beginnings in a small Montana town to the influential world of college sports administration, Doug Fullerton's story is as captivating as it is exceptional. Our latest episode takes you through his remarkable journey, detailing how discipline and leadership learned as an army pilot and commander were pivotal in shaping his views and methods in sports governance. As we converse with the former Big Sky Conference commissioner, listeners will be treated to a treasure trove of anecdotes that reveal the art of crafting a successful athletic program and the profound impact sports can have on community and...
2024-03-2554 minAbove The WhistleCoach Kjar: Crafting Legacy and Leadership beyond the GridironWhen the whistle blows and the stadium lights blaze, a story unfolds beyond the gridiron—one of resilience, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we look beyond the championships to reveal the heartbeat of Corner Canyon High School football with the illustrious Coach Kjar, a titan of the sport whose life journey transcends the playbook. From his formative years in Wyoming to his unexpected pivot from accounting to coaching, Coach Kjar shares the powerful influences that propelled him to become the five-time state champion coach we revere today.Venture into the huddle and feel the pu...
2024-03-2046 minAbove The WhistleCoach Thompson: Playbook for Life Beyond the FieldEvery life is a story, and some are imbued with the passion and resilience that can inspire us all. On our latest episode, we're honored to host Eric Thompson, Ogden High School's beloved football coach, who takes us through his transformative journey from a zealous young athlete to a coaching legend, all while grappling with the challenges of ALS. His tale unfolds from the vibrant fields of Roy High School to the pivotal moments at Snow College and Colorado Mesa, and eventually, to the sidelines where he crafts his legacy, emphasizing the power of relationships and team unity that...
2024-03-1453 minAbove The WhistleAbove the Whistle: IntroductionWelcome to Above The Whistle. I believe coaches can have some of the biggest impacts on a kid's life through the lessons they teach through sport. A great coach can change the trajectory of a child's life as well as create the fundamentals for the next generation to succeed. On Above the Whistle, we will dive deep into the mindset of greatness in both sport, and life, with some of the best coaches around the country. Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe and share with all your friends! Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @abo...
2024-02-2903 min