Shows
Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 100 - Kevin Mondro, Head WBB Coach, Cleary UniversityCoach Kevin Mondro, Today we are talking to Coach Kevin Mondro, currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Cleary University. Everyone knows Coach Mondro as Coach Dro. As you soon will hear, Coach Dro has a special interviewer - his son, JJ Mondro. This is a pretty fun conversation. JJ might have a future in the broadcasting Industry! Happy holidays from the Mondro family! Wishing you and you family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Keep growing as a Coach. And, thank you for listening to the Tell Me Your Story, Coach podcast. ...
2022-12-2211 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 99 - Darren Sorenson, United States Military Academy & Jersey Mike’s Jamaica MTECoach Darren Sorenson, Today we are talking to Coach Darren Sorenson. Coach Darren is currently the assistant director for the Army A Club at the United States Military Academy. In addition, Coach Darren is the Vice President at Superior Sports Management. Coach Darren plays a massive role in annually building one of the bigger college basketball MTE’s - the Jersey Mike’s Jamaica Classic. As you will learn, even though Coach Darren has not been on a college coaching sideline for the past seven seasons, this coach is indeed still coaching at a high level! After an incr...
2022-12-1952 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 98 - BONUS EPISODE - Rashad Phillips, “The Evolution is Being Televised”Rashad Phillips, Today we are talking to Rashad Phillips. Rashad Phillips is the author of the book: The Evolution is Being Televised. Rashad breaks down how the evolution of basketball has called for updated terminology for player positions. He gives you fascinating personal stories of NBA and college players, explaining where they belong in his new positions metric. And Rashad’s new positions metric provides an innovative tool to aid coaches, scouts, evaluators from all levels in identifying players for drafting, recruiting, and roster placement. I had the opportunity to have a front-row seat to Rashad Phillips's incredible co...
2022-12-1134 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 97 - Chad O’Donnell, Capital Elite AgencyCoach Chad O’Donnell, Today we are talking to Coach Chad O’Donnell. Coach Chad is the Founder and Director of Capital Elite Agency. I met Coach Chad when he was the Associate Head Coach for Coach Will Brown at Albany. At Albany, he helped the program win five America East Championships and thus, five NCAA Tournament appearances. And, I was instantly impressed -talk about a young coach who could flat out recruit! Coach Chad spent over 20 years as assistant basketball college coach at Bryant University, Holy Cross College, the College of Charleston, University of New Hampshire, Robert Morri...
2022-12-0239 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 96 - Steve Hawkins, Head Coach, Quincy UniversityCoach Steven Hawkins,Today we are talking to Coach Steve Hawkins. Coach Steve Hawkins is currently the Head Coach of Quincy University. This is his second tenure as the Head Coach of this incredible Division II basketball program. Many people know Coach Steve Hawkins simply as Coach Hawk. Coach Hawk is returning to Quincy after an amazing run as the Head Basketball Coach at Western Michigan University from 2003 to 2020. During Hawkins's tenure at WMU, Coach Hawk led his teams to 291 wins. He took the Broncos to seven 20-win seasons and made two appearances in the NCAA Division I...
2022-11-2543 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 95 - Kevin Hickey, Assistant Coach, Northland CollegeCoach Kevin Hickey, Today we are talking to Coach Kevin Hickey. Coach Hickey is currently an assistant coach for Coach Scott Sorenson at Northland College. Coach Sorenson has been the leader of this D3 college in Wisconsin for the past 11 seasons. I met Coach Kevin during my last year working for Coach Rob Murphy at Eastern Michigan. I was blown away with his story. As we all know, life happens. And, Kevin is a great example of this. He started his college education at Bowling Green University. At BG, Coach Kevin was both a student assistant coach and...
2022-11-1826 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 94 - Mike Peck, Associate Head Coach, The University of Texas at San AntonioCoach Mike Peck, Today we are talking to Coach Mike Peck. Coach Peck is currently the Associate Head Coach for Coach Steven Henson at the University of Texas at San Antonio. This season will be Coach Peck’s seventh as the Associate Head Coach at UTSA. A product of Gaylord, Michigan, Coach Peck played at Northwood University for Coach Dean Lockwood, who is currently the Associate Head Coach for Coach Suzy Merchant at Michigan State. Coach Peck came to UTSA after being an assistant at Santa Clara University. Before Santa Clara, he spent two seasons as the head co...
2022-11-1134 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 93 - Kyle Gerdeman, Head Coach, Lindenwood UniversityCoach Kyle Gerdeman,Today we are talking to Coach Kyle Gerdeman. Coach Gerdeman is currently the Head Coach at Lindenwood University. And, Coach Kyle enters his fourth year as the leader of the Lindenwood men's basketball program. This season, Lindenwood is transitioning from Division 2 to Division 1. Lindenwood will play in the OVC Conference. Coach Kyle came to Lindenwood after spending seven seasons at Central Michigan. As a matter of fact, Coach Kyle and I had many battles in the MAC conference. Prior to working for Coach Keno Davis at Central Michigan, Gerdeman spent three years as an assistant c...
2022-11-0536 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 92 - Antonio Capaldi, Assistant Coach, Alma CollegeCoach Antonio Capaldi,Today we are talking to Coach Antonio Capaldi. Coach Capaldi is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Sami Stormont at Alma College. And, everyone knows Coach Capaldi as simply Coach Tone. Coach Tone was named an Assistant Coach with Alma College and their Women's Basketball program this past summer. Before coming to this Division 3 basketball program, Coach Capaldi was an Assistant Coach for Coach Kiefer Haffey at Concordia University in the WHAC Conference. And before transitioning to the Women’s Basketball Coaching ranks, Coach Tone was a Student Assistant at Madonna University with their men’s ba...
2022-10-2832 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 91 - Andrew Kang, Manger of Basketball Operations, Detroit PistonsCoach Andrew Kang, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Andrew Kang. Coach Kang is currently the Manager of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons. And, everyone knows Coach Andrew as simply Drew. Coach Drew has an amazing story and I had to share his story for numerous reasons. I met Coach Drew when I was an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan, working for Coach Rob Murphy. Coach Drew, who at one time was studying to work in a career of aviation, moved to Michigan to chase his dream of being in basketball. And, as a student at...
2022-10-2130 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 90 - Carl Thomas, Head Coach, Cleary UniversityCoach Carl Thomas, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Carl Thomas. Coach Thomas is currently the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Cleary University. Cleary University is an NAIA university in the WHAC Conference. And, this past summer, Cleary University added both Men’s & Women’s Basketball. Cleary University will start competing next season. Coach Thomas is a STAPLE in the State of Michigan. A former three-sport athlete at Lansing Everett High School, Coach Thomas and his twin brother, Charles, selected Eastern Michigan as their college destination where they both had sensational college basketball careers. Playing for Coac...
2022-10-1544 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 89 - Marcus Stout, Assistant Coach, Detroit Motor City CruiseCoach Marcus Stout. In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Marcus Stout. Coach Marcus is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach DJ Bakker with the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons G-League affiliate team. Coach Marcus played at Detroit Renaissance High School and was a member of the 2003-2004 team that went 27-0 and won the Michigan Class B State Championship. Coach Marcus would then have a standout career at Fordham University in the A-10 Conference. Coach Marcus scored over 1,700 points and in 2015 was inducted into the Fordham Hall of Fame. After a professional career cut short by...
2022-10-0837 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 88 - Adam Bauman, Director of Scouting and Analytics, The University of AlabamaCoach Adam Bauman,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Adam Bauman. Coach Adam is currently the Director of Scouting and Analytics for Coach Nate Oats at The University of Alabama. And, if you watched the TBT Tournament this summer and saw Blue Collar U (the Buffalo Alumni Team) win the Championship then you saw Coach Adam as their Head Coach. Before we get going, think about this: Coach Oats allowed his exceptional, and I mean exceptional, staff member to coach a TBT team the past two seasons. And, Coach Adam just CRUSHED IT! If you are cu...
2022-09-3029 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 87 - Rob Murphy, Assistant General Manager, Detroit PistonsCoach Rob Murphy, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Rob Murphy. Coach Murphy is the current Assistant General Manager of the Detroit Pistons. As of matter of fact, Coach Murphy has now held four positions with the Detroit Pistons organization: President & General Manager of the Motor City Cruise, Sr. Director of Player Personnel for the Detroit Pistons, and now Assistant General Manager. And, this has all happened over a 400-day window! Before Coach Murphy’s transition to the NBA, Coach Murphy was the Head Basketball Coach at Eastern Michigan for ten seasons. Coach Murphy is the 2nd al...
2022-09-221h 25Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 86 - Harry Rafferty, Assistant Coach, University of MichiganCoach Harry Rafferty,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Harry Rafferty. Coach Harry is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Kim Barnes Arico at the University of Michigan. Coach Arico’s Wolverines are one of the most successful teams in all of College Women’s Basketball. The Wolverines are fresh off a 25-win season in which they advanced to the Elite Elite of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Harry enters his second season as an assistant coach and his fourth on staff for the Michigan women's basketball program. Coach Harry is responsible for coaching the wings at Michiga...
2022-09-1546 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 85 - Colin Shannon, Director of Basketball Operations, Oakland UniversityCoach Colin Shannon, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Colin Shannon. Coach Shannon is currently the Director of Basketball Operations for Coach Greg Kampe at Oakland University. This is a pretty cool conversation. For starters, Coach Shannon is only 24 years old. However, I truly believe that his story can IMPACT some younger coaches. If you are a Student Manager or a Graduate Assistant or thinking about entering the world of college basketball, then this is conversation for you! Coach Shannon has been with the Oakland Basketball Program since 2016, holding roles in the following capacities: St...
2022-09-0827 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 84 - Jeff Smith, Associate Head Coach, Oakland UniversityCoach Jeff Smith, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Jeff Smith. Coach Smith is currently the Associate Head Coach for Coach Greg Kampe at Oakland University. And, everyone knows Coach Jeff as simply Smitty! Coach Smith was named the Associate Head Coach in August 2019. Before joining Coach Kampe and his incredible coaching staff, Coach Smitty spent the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach at Central Michigan University for Coach Keno Davis. This is Coach Smitty's second stint at Oakland. He was on the sidelines for the Golden Grizzlies as an Assistant Coach and Associate Head Co...
2022-09-0445 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 83 - Tony Jones, Assistant Coach, Oakland UniversityCoach Tony Jones, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Tony Jones. Coach Jones is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Greg Kampe at Oakland University. And, everyone knows Coach Tony as simply - T JONES! Coach T Jones has been a college coach for 24 Seasons. And, I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about how he got his break in Division I basketball. Trust me, it is a great story! Coach T Jones has been with Coach Kampe for 5 seasons. Before coming to Oakland, Coach Jones had assistant stops at Auburn, Tennessee, Wisconsin Milw...
2022-08-2843 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 82 - Mychal Covington, Assistant Coach, Oakland UniversityCoach Mychal Covington, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Mychal Covington. Coach Covington is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Greg Kampe at Oakland University. I had the pleasure to come to Oakland University and sit down with Coach Covington - or Coach Cov - as everyone knows him. Coach Covngton played for Coach Kampe, at Oakland from 1998 to 2002. A product of Pontiac, Michigan, Coach Covington finished eighth in the country with 7.1 assists per game during his senior season, ending his career with 514 assists. Coach Covington helped lead the Golden Grizzlies to the Mid-Con regular season ti...
2022-08-2245 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 81 - Shane Clipfell, Head WBB Coach, Western Michigan UniversityCoach Shane Clipfell, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Shane Clipfell. Coach Shane is currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Western Michigan University, serving as Head Coach since 2012. Coach Shane has won 17 or more games five times and is currently third on the program’s all-time coaching wins list. And, he is closing in on becoming the Broncos all-time win leader. As you will soon hear, this past season Coach Shane had 10 Academic All-MAC selections. And his team posted a term GPA of 3.6. Before becoming the Head Coach at Western Michigan, Coach Shane assisted Coach S...
2022-08-1836 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 80 - Pat Baldwin, Assistant Coach, Georgetown UniversityCoach Pat Baldwin, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Pat Baldwin. Coach Pat is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Patrick Ewing at Georgetown University. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Pat for three seasons at Loyola University Chicago. And, if you know Pat - then you know he loves his family, the game of basketball and rolling up his sleeves and going to WORK! Earlier in this conversation you are going to learn where Pat developed this amazing work ethic. Quite simply, Pat learned this from watching his father, growing up in Leavenworth, Ka...
2022-08-1239 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 79 - Steve Wojciechowski, High Level Leadership Thoughts for ALL CoachesSteve Wojciechowski,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Steve Wojciechowski. Or, as everyone knows him as simply Coach Wojo. I am so thankful that Coach Wojo was able to take some time out of his schedule to have this conversation. Coach Wojo is a 1994 Graduate of the Cardinal Gibbons School in Baltimore, Maryland. And, wait to hear Coach Wojo talk in detail about how his recruitment changed forever during a visit to Ypsilanti, Michigan. Steve was a 1994 McDonald's All-American who chose Duke as his college destination. Playing for Coach K, Coach Wojo was named the NABC de...
2022-08-0737 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 78 - Kiefer Haffey, Assistant WBB Coach, University of Detroit MercyCoach Kiefer Haffey,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Kiefer Haffey. Coach Kiefer is currently an assistant coach for Coach Kate Achter at the University of Detroit Mercy, who was recently hired as head coach for the Detroit Titans. As you soon will find out, this 28-year-old coach is a super talented young coach. As a matter of fact, prior to being hired at Detroit Mercy, Coach Haffey spent four seasons as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Mich. At Concordia, Coach Haffey built a program that won 62 games in a fo...
2022-08-0339 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 77 - Will Vergollo, Assistant Coach, Wayne State UniversityCoach Will Vergollo,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Will Vergollo. Coach Will is currently an Assistant Coach at Wayne State University for Coach Bryan Smothers. Coach Will just started at Wayne State this past July. Before becoming a Wayne State Warriors coaching staff member, Coach Will assisted Coach LaVall Jordan at Butler University since the 2017 season. At Butler, Coach Will was the Bulldog’s basketball analyst. In addition, Coach Will spent the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach in an interim capacity. Before his time in the Big East, he was with Coach Jordan at UW-M...
2022-07-2754 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 76 - Perry Watson, Hall of Fame Head Coach, Detroit Southwestern High School & Detroit MercyCoach Perry Watson, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Perry Watson. Coach Perry Watson began his coaching career at Detroit Southwestern High School in 1978. At Detroit Southwestern, Coach Watson won 301 games. Detroit Southwestern won two State Championships in 1990 and 1991. And, Coach Watson was awarded the USA Today National Coach of the Year in 1991. At Detroit Southwestern, Coach Watson coached incredible players such as Jalen Rose, Voshon Leonard, Howard Eisley and so many more great players. Coach Watson then went to the University of Michigan to be an Assistant Coach for Coach Steve Fisher. With Michigan, Coach Wats...
2022-07-211h 28Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 75 - Hassan Nizam, Head Coach, Macomb Community CollegeCoach Hassan Nizam,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Hassan Nizam. This 27-year-old coach is simply known by his players and so many in the Michigan basketball scene as Coach Niz. Coach Niz is currently the Head Coach at Macomb Community College. And, Coach Niz is fresh off leading his program, for the first time in the program’s history, to a MCCAA State Championship. As you soon are going to find out, the Energy and Commitment that his Young Coach BRINGS DAILY to the Macomb program is simply off the charts. A product of Dearborn Ford...
2022-07-1344 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 74 - Jay Shunnar, Assistant Coach, Cleveland State UniversityCoach Jay Shunnar,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Jay Shunnar. Coach Jay is currently an Assistant Coach at Cleveland State University for Coach Daniyal Robinson. Coach Jay spent the last two seasons as the Director of Basketball Operations at Butler University for Coach LaVall Jordan. Before his tenure with the Bulldogs, Coach Jay was the special assistant to head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As you soon hear in this conversation, Coach Jay has a special connection to Coach John Beilein. In addition, to working alongside Coach Beilein in...
2022-07-0639 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 73 - Joe Pechota, Head Coach, Siena Heights UniversityCoach Joe PechotaIn this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Joe Pechota. Coach Pechota is currently the Head Coach at Siena Heights University. Coach Joe has been the head coach at this tremendous NAIA university for over a decade now. Coach Joe has coached NAIA All-America Honorable Mentions Keith Jordan Jr. and DeMarco Dickerson. He has also coached five All-WHAC selections. Coach Joe came to the Saints after seven seasons as the head coach for Brescia University, an NAIA Division II team in Owensboro, Kentucky. Under Coach Pechota’s leadership, Brescia appeared in two consecutive Kentucky Intercollegiate Athl...
2022-06-3049 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 72 - Jim Whitesell, Head Coach, University at BuffaloCoach Jim Whitesell,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Jim Whitesell. Coach Whitesell is currently the Head Coach at the University at Buffalo. Coach Whitesell just completed year three as the leader of the Bulls. And, Buffalo has been one of the best mid-major basketball programs over the last decade. Before becoming the Head Coach at Buffalo, Jim was the Associate Head Coach for Coach Nate Oats at Buffalo. Coach Whitesell is on the verge of being a college head coach for 30 years. In the Chicagoland area, Coach Whitesell was the Head Coach at Elmhurst University, Le...
2022-06-2240 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 71 - Manny Dosanjh, Assistant Coach, Western Michigan UniversityCoach Manny Dosanjh,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Manny Dosanjh. Coach Manny is currently an assistant coach for Dwayne Stephens at Western Michigan University. Coach Stephens was recently hired as the new head coach at WMU. Coach Manny comes to WMU after 2 years as a Graduate Assistant Coach for Coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University. At MSU, Coach Manny worked side-by-side with Coach Stephens. Coach Stephens was one of the top assistant coaches in all college basketball. Before coming to the Spartans, Coach Manny coached at Orangeville Prep in Ontario, Canada. In the 2019-20 se...
2022-06-1734 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 70 - Walter Offutt, Assistant Coach, Illinois State UniversityCoach Walter Offutt,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Walter Offutt. Coach Walt is currently an assistant coach for Coach Ryan Pedon at Illinois State University. Coach Pedon is the new head coach for the Redbirds. And, Coach Walt was one of his first hires. Coach Walt was a great high school player at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis playing for Coach Scott Heady. Walt started his career at Ohio State and then transferred to Ohio University. At Ohio, Walt was part of the 2011-12 team that won 29 games. In addition, Walt and his teammates de...
2022-06-0840 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 69 - LaVall Jordan, Man of God, Husband, Father & CoachCoach LaVall Jordan,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach LaVall Jordan. Coach Jordan played at Albion High School in Albion, Michigan. LaVall and his teammates went to back-to-back Michigan High School Final 4’s. As you will soon learn, Coach Jordan is all about winning. As a player at Butler University, Coach Jordan played in 3 NCAA tournaments and 1 NIT Tournament. He was a part of 91 wins at Butler. At the time, he was the winningest player in school history. After a two-year professional career, Coach Jordan returned to Butler as the Director Of Basketball Operations. After one seas...
2022-05-3037 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 68 - Greg Kampe, Head Coach, Oakland UniversityCoach Greg Kampe,In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Greg Kampe. Coach Kampe is currently the Head Coach at Oakland University. This past season marked his 38th year as the Head Coach of Oakland. After the recent retirement of Coach K, Coach Kampe is currently the second longest-tenured Head Coach in Division 1 basketball, only behind Coach Jim Boeheim at Syracuse University. Coach Kampe has 664 wins. Greg was named the head coach at Oakland when he was 28. He has been to the NCAA D1 Tournament three times and the NCAA D2 Tournament four times. I could not be...
2022-05-2347 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 67 - Dean Lockwood, Associate Head Coach, Michigan State UniversityCoach Dean Lockwood, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Dean Lockwood. Coach Lockwood is currently the Associate Head Coach for Coach Suzy Merchant at Michigan State University. Coach Dean just completed year three with the Spartans. In addition, Coach Lockwood just finished year 40 in the college coaching profession. Dean has spent the last 18 years on the women’s side. Before coming to East Lansing, Coach Lockwood assisted Coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee, where he helped the Lady Vols capture two national championships. In addition, Coach Lockwood coached 26 WNBA Draft picks in Knoxville. Before becoming one of the...
2022-05-1848 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 66 - John Tharp, Head Coach, Hillsdale CollegeCoach John Tharp, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach John Tharp. Coach Tharp is currently the Head Coach at Hillsdale College. Hillsdale is fresh off an Elite 8 NCAA D2 appearance. Coach Tharp has been the Head Coach at Hillsdale for the past 15 seasons. As a matter of fact, John has been a Head Coach for 28 years. John was the Head Coach at Lawrence University when he was 24 years old. I can’t even imagine being a Head Coach at 24! Coach Tharp is the all-time win leader at Hillsdale. And, he has never had a losing season at H...
2022-05-1057 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 65 - Phil Martelli, Jr., Associate Head Coach, Bryant UniversityCoach Phil Martelli, Jr., In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Phil Martelli, Jr. Coach Phil is currently the Associate Head Coach for Coach Jared Grasso at Bryant University. Bryant University is fresh off an incredible season: NEC Conference Champions, NEC Conference Tournament Champions, and an NCAA Tournament Appearance. Coach Martelli just completed year four at Bryant. Coach Phil played for his dad, Coach Phil Martelli, Sr., at Saint Joseph's University. At Saint Joe’s, Coach Phil was a co-team captain in 2002-03 and played in two NCAA Tournaments. After his playing career concluded, Coach Phil went righ...
2022-05-0453 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 64 - Jamie Quarles, Assistant Coach, University at BuffaloCoach Jamie Quarles, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Jamie Quarles. Coach Jamie is currently an assistant coach for Coach Jim Whitesell at the University at Buffalo. Coach Jamie is in year five at this tremendous Mid Major basketball program in the MAC Conference. Right from the opening tip of this podcast, you will learn that Coach Quarles fell in love with the game of basketball when he was a little boy. As early as age six, Coach Jamie was in the gym non-stop with his first coaching mentor, his father. Coach Jamie does a beautiful job...
2022-04-2741 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 63 - Jason Owens, Assistant Coach, Missouri State University-West PlainsCoach Jason Owens, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Jason Owens. Coach Owens is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Jared Phay at Missouri State University-West Plains. Coach Owens joined the West Plains Coaching staff in the Summer of 2020. As you soon will hear, I have known Coach Owens since he was a little guy - actually when Coach Owens was seven years old. Jason’s Dad, Coach Derrick Owens, is a hall of fame coach in Michigan - winning four State Championships and coaching countless players to college. I can’t wait for you to hear Co...
2022-04-2049 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 62 - Ryan Sims, Assistant Coach, IPFWCoach Ryan SimsIn this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Ryan Sims. Coach Sims is currently an assistant coach for Coach Jon Coffman at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW). IPFW was the Co-Regular Season Champions in the Horizon League this past season. Quite simply, IPFW, under the incredible leadership of Coach Coffman, is a stellar mid-major basketball program. Coach Ryan has been at IPFW since the age of 22. And the love that Coach Sims has for Coach Coffman and IPFW oozes out in this podcast. You can feel it! Coach Ryan played for his dad, Coach Ray Si...
2022-04-1139 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 61 - Chris Fowler, Assistant Coach, Northern Arizona UniversityCoach Chris Fowler. In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Chris Fowler. Coach Fowler is currently an assistant coach for Coach Shane Burcar at Northern Arizona University. Chris was hired at Northern Arizona in the Summer of 2020. And, as you soon will hear, Chris is an extremely talented young assistant coach. I was beyond impressed with him in our conversation. At 27 years of age, Coach Fowler, not me, sounds like the 20-year veteran coach. However, I should not be really that surprised. Chris Fowler was a terrific player for Coach Keno Davis at Central Michigan University. A fou...
2022-04-0445 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 60 - Rex Walters, Basketball Analyst for Westwood One, FS1 & Oakland U. Former FAU, USF Head CoachCoach Rex Walters, In this episode, you’ll hear from Coach Rex Walters. Coach Rex is currently an analyst for Westwood One, FS1, and Oakland University. He was also an accomplished player for Northwestern and Kansas. And, under the guidance of Coach Roy Williams, Coach Rex played in the 1993 Final Four. Coach Walters was selected as the 16th pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. After a seven-year playing career, Coach Rex started his coaching career as a high school assistant coach in Kansas (Blue Valley NW High School). After a short high school career, Co...
2022-03-2846 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 59 - Blake DuDonis, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Wisconsin River-FallsCoach Blake DuDonis,In this episode, you’ll hear from Blake DuDonis. Coach DuDonis is currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Coach Blake just completed year three as the leader of this D3 program. In the opening remarks of this podcast, I always say: “The Podcast Where We ADVOCATE COACHES and HELP YOUNG COACHES LEARN from the Coaches Telling these Stories.” I can’t wait to advocate for Coach Blake. Coach Blake’s family is basketball 24/7. His wife, Carly Thibault-DuDonis is the Associate Head Coach for the Minnesota Gophers. His father-in-law, Mike Thibaul...
2022-03-2045 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 58 - Coach Larry Farmer, 44 Years of College Coaching & Lessons Learned Playing for Coach John WoodenCoach Larry Farmer, In this episode, you’ll hear from Larry Farmer. Coach Farmer recently retired after a great 44-year coaching career. After a terrific high school career in Denver, Coach Farmer attended UCLA where he played for the legendary coach, John Wooden. At UCLA, Coach Farmer was a part of teams that won three straight National Championships. UCLA had a 89-1 record during this three-year span. As a matter of fact, Coach Farmer just returned back from UCLA; celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1972 National title team. After being drafted in the NBA by the Cleveland Cavaliers and...
2022-03-1355 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 57 - Adam Call, Assistant WBB Coach, George WashingtonCoach Adam Call,In this episode, you’ll hear from Adam Call. Coach Call is currently an assistant women’s basketball Coach for Caroline McCombs at George Washington in the Atlantic 10. Coach Adam is in year one at GW. Last season, Coach Adam was at Stony Brook and the prior four seasons, he was at Eastern Michigan, including two as the Associate Head Coach. Coach Call came to EMU after spending two seasons as an assistant at Stony Brook. Before Stony Brook, Coach Adam was the Director of Player Development at the University of Washington, Director of Basketball Oper...
2022-03-0743 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 56 - SPECIAL BONUS POD - Coach Brad Stevens, How to Win in MarchCoach Brad Stevens,In this episode, you’ll hear from Brad Stevens. This SPECIAL BONUS PODCAST is simply about tips for coaches as they approach March. As we all know, we want to be playing our best basketball in March. I am very fortunate that Brad Stevens would take time off his schedule to offer his thoughts on how teams can win in March. Coach Stevens is currently the President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics. In addition, Coach Stevens is coming off an eight-year run as their Head Coach. Coach Stevens won over 350 games and led the...
2022-02-2728 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 55 - SPECIAL BONUS POD - Coach Archie Miller, How to Win in MarchCoach Archie Miller, In this episode, you’ll hear from Archie Miller. This SPECIAL BONUS PODCAST is simply about tips for coaches as they approach March. As we all know, we want to be playing our best basketball in March. I am very fortunate that Archie Miller would take time off his schedule to offer his thoughts on how teams can win in March. Coach Miller was named the head coach of the University of Dayton at the age of 35. He has 10 years of head coaching experience at Dayton and Indiana University. Coach Miller is no stranger to ad...
2022-02-2327 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 54 - Bill Sall, Head Coach, Calvin UniversityCoach Bill Sall, In this episode, you’ll hear from Bill Sall. Coach Sall is the Head Coach at Calvin University. For those who don’t know, Calvin is one of the best Division III basketball programs in the country. As a matter of fact, Coach Sall is an alum of Calvin. At Calvin, Bill scored over two thousand points, had seventy straight double-figure games, and was an All-American. This season Coach Sall and his Calvin Knights are in the midst of another terrific season. Coach Bill Sall is no stranger to running a successful basketball program. And, Coac...
2022-02-1439 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 53 - John Spruance, Assistant Coach, Southern IndianaCoach John Spruance,In this episode, you’ll hear from John Spruance. Coach John is currently an assistant coach for Coach Stan Gouard at the University of Southern Indiana. Coach John is in year two with Coach Stan. Before USI, Coach John was with Coach Stan at the University of Indianapolis for two seasons. In addition, Coach John spent five seasons working for Coach Scott Trost at Lewis University. Coach Spruance’s journey to Lewis is simply a product of hard work, determination, and perseverance. After a two year playing career at one of the best D3 programs in t...
2022-02-0949 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 52 - Drew Denisco, Assistant Coach, Eastern MichiganCoach Drew Denisco,In this episode, you’ll hear from Drew Denisco. Drew is currently an assistant coach for Coach Stan Heath at Eastern Michigan University. Coach Drew is in year one with Coach Heath at EMU. Coach Denisco knew that he would coach the game of basketball at the age of ten. After one season of playing at Wittenberg University, Coach Drew started his college coaching journey as a student assistant coach at the age of nineteen. As you soon will find out this is a podcast about finding your niche and working so hard in your ni...
2022-01-3143 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 51 - Chris Hunter, Director of Basketball Operations, University of MichiganCoach Chris Hunter,In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris Hunter. Chris is currently the Director of Basketball Operations for Coach Juwan Howard at the University of Michigan. Chris is in year eight with the Wolverines. And, Chris has had the opportunity to work for both Coach Howard and Coach John Beilein. As you soon will hear, Chris is a Michigan Man. A graduate of Michigan and a four-year player at Michigan, Chris embarked on a professional basketball career that was a product of massive determination to get to his ultimate dream: that is, playing in the NB...
2022-01-2435 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 50 - Charlie Henry, Assistant Coach, University of AlabamaCoach Charlie HenryIn this episode, you’ll hear from Charlie Henry. Coach Henry is currently an assistant coach for Coach Nate Oats at the University of Alabama. Coach Charlie is in year three with this top twenty-five nationally-ranked basketball program. As you soon will hear, Coach Nate Oats gave Coach Henry his first start in coaching. Coach Oats offered Coach Henry an assistant position at Romulus High School right after his playing days ended at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. However, Charlie Henry knew that he wanted to be a coach at the tender age of five ye...
2022-01-1636 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 49 - Carly Thibault-DuDonis, Associate Head Coach, University of MinnesotaCoach Carly Thibault-DuDonis,In this episode, you’ll hear from Carly Thibault-DuDonis. Coach Carly is currently the associate head coach at the University of Minnesota for Coach Lindsay Whalen. Coach Whalen was recently nominated to be a member of the 2022 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class. Coach Whalen just had an emergency appendectomy. Wishing Coach Whalen a speedy recovery and a Hall of Fame election in the near future! As a result, Coach Thibault-DuDonis served as the acting head coach and led the Gophers to a Big Ten victory last week. As you soon will hear, this wil...
2022-01-1033 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 48 - Randy Baruth, Head Coach at Saginaw Valley State UniversityCoach Randy BaruthIn this episode, you’ll hear from Randy Baruth. Coach Randy is currently the head coach at Saginaw Valley State University. Coach Baruth is in year ten at this terrific Division II basketball program. And, Coach Randy and his squad is off to a great start this season. Fresh off defeating a Division I program (for the first time in school history), Coach Randy has a team that is poised to compete for a conference championship this winter. As you soon will hear, Coach Baruth does an excellent job of telling his coaching story. Instantly yo...
2022-01-0343 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 47 - Lonnie Griffin, Head Coach at Northwood UniversityCoach Lonnie GriffinIn this episode, you’ll hear from Lonnie Griffin. Coach Griffin is currently the head coach at Northwood University. This is year two for Coach Griffin as the leader of the Northwood program. As you soon will find out, this is a podcast about determination. Quite simply, how bad do you want to be a coach? Coach Griffin will share his own personal story of determination and drive to reach his goal. Right off the bat, as a student assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University, Coach Lonnie knew that he had to create his own pe...
2021-12-2642 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 46 - Todd Simon, Head Coach at Southern Utah UniversityCoach Todd Simon,In this episode, you’ll hear from Todd Simon. Coach Simon is the head coach at Southern Utah University. Coach Todd is entering year six as the leader of their basketball program. Fresh off of a Big Sky Conference Championship, the reigning Big Sky Coach of the Year took 35 minutes out of his busy schedule to break down his coaching philosophies. Besides being Coach of the Year in the Big Sky, Coach Simon was honored last season as the NABC District 6 Coach of the Year. He also won the 2021 Jim Phelan Award, and was a fi...
2021-12-1941 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 45 - JR Blount, Assistant Coach at Iowa StateCoach JR Blount, In this episode, you’ll hear from JR Blount. JR is currently an assistant coach for Coach TJ Otzelberger at Iowa State. Coach JR is in year one as a Big 12 assistant coach. I actually had the opportunity to coach JR his senior season at Loyola Chicago. And, Coach JR was an outstanding player for Coach Jim Whitesell. JR was also a terrific leader. As a matter of fact, JR was a three-time team captain during his college career. Coach JR is a twelve-year veteran now in the college coaching industry. However, his journey to a...
2021-12-1233 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 44 - Jody May, Head Coach at Albion CollegeCoach Jody MayIn this episode, you’ll hear from Jody May. Jody is currently the Head Coach at Albion College. Coach May has been the Head Coach of Albion since 2008. And Jody has been with Albion, and his mentor, Coach Mike Turner since 1997. Coach May won a DIII National Title as a player. However, he fell in love with the game of basketball because of countless hours watching his dad coach in Ohio. It is his Dad and Coach Turner who instilled into him his core coaching philosophy—to do things the right way. And Coach May has...
2021-12-0642 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 43 - Jeff Tungate, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Oakland UniversityCoach Jeff Tungate, In this episode, you’ll hear from Jeff Tungate. Coach Tungate is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Oakland University. Coach Jeff is currently in year nine as the Head Coach of Oakland. I met Coach Tungate when I was a player in 1994. Jeff was fresh off a successful college baseball career at Oakland. As you soon will hear, Oakland University is truly home for Coach Jeff. And the love that Jeff has for Oakland is truly special. Jeff started his coaching career working for Coach Garth Pleasant at Rochester University. However, Coach Jeff real...
2021-11-2834 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 42 - Ricky Yahn, Head Coach at Concordia UniversityCoach Ricky Yahn, In this episode, you’ll hear from Ricky Yahn. Ricky is the head coach at Concordia University. This NAIA university is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Right away, Coach Yahn is going to describe how his hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia has been a hotbed for coaches. From the late great Skip Prosser to his son Mark, to Doug and Dave Wojcik, to even the future Hall of Famer, John Beilein, this city has developed some amazing basketball coaches. Actually, under the tutelage of Coach Dave Wojcik is when Coach Ricky knew that he wanted to...
2021-11-221h 01Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 41 - Dr. Klint Pleasant, Head Coach at Rochester UniversityCoach Dr. Klint Pleasant, In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Klint Pleasant, current Head Coach at Rochester University. Klint has been the Head Coach at Rochester for the last 11 seasons. As a matter of fact, Klint took over the program from his father, Garth Pleasant. Coach Garth was the head coach for 38 seasons at Rochester. As you soon will find out, since Klint was a little boy, all he wanted to do was coach. He idolized his dad. And his dad included young Klint in every aspect of the Rochester basketball program. It is no surprise why...
2021-11-1547 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 40 - Noel Emenhiser, Head Coach at Madonna UniversityCoach Noel Emenhsier, In this episode, you’ll hear from Noel Emenhiser. Noel is the head coach at Madonna University. This NAIA university located in Livonia, Michigan, just outside of Metro Detroit, is simply home for Coach Noel. Coach Noel is the all-time leading scorer at Madonna. This three-time honorable mention All-American transitioned to being Head Coach at his alma mater at the age of twenty-five. And twelve years later, Coach Noel is the winningest coach in school history. Coach Noel has taken his team to the National Tournament three times. In addition, Coach Noel has recruited and dev...
2021-11-0858 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 39 - Jake Presutti, Assistant Athletic Director of Scouting, University of PittsburghCoach Jake Presutti’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Jake Presutti. Jake is currently the Assistant Athletic Director of Scouting for Coach Jeff Capel at the University of Pittsburgh. Jake is coming off seven great seasons with Coach Steve Wojciechowski at Marquette University. At Marquette, Jake held roles as Assistant Coach, Director of Basketball Operations and Video Coordinator. In addition, to Jake’s terrific run for Coach Wojo, Jake has experience working for the Houston Rockets, Syracuse, Eastern Michigan and USA Basketball. Right away, you are going to find out that Coach Presutti is an active...
2021-11-0143 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 38 - Saddi Washington, Assistant Coach at MichiganCoach Saddi Washington’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Saddi Washington. Saddi is currently an assistant coach for the National Coach of theYear, Coach Juwan Howard, at the University of Michigan. Saddi is entering his sixth season on the sidelines for the Wolverines. And, wait until you hear Saddi describe the process of being hired as an assistant for Coach John Beilein. Trust me, it will inspire you to become the most versatile coach that you aspire to be. Saddi was a tremendous prep player at Lansing Sexton High School. After an illustrious playing career at We...
2021-10-2557 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 37 - Carlos Adamson, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, Eastern MichiganCoach Carlos Adamson’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Carlos Adamson. Carlos is currently an assistant women's basketball coach for Coach Fred Castro at Eastern Michigan University. Coach Castro was also a guest on the podcast (Episode 7). Everyone knows Coach Carlos as simply “Coach Los”. Before coming to EMU, Coach Los was a standout girls basketball head coach at Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This two-time coach of the year had an incredible record of 81-20 in a four year span. During his tenure, he helped numerous players get to college. Also, Co...
2021-10-1832 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 36 - Katie Hempen, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, Eastern MichiganCoach Katie Hempen’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Katie Hempen. Katie is currently an assistant women's basketball coach for Coach Fred Castro at Eastern Michigan University. Coach Castro was also a guest on the podcast (Episode 7). Katie was a spectacular All PAC 12 player at Arizona State under the tutelage of Charli Turner Thorne. Coach Kaite does an incredible job detailing what it was like to play for her college coach. Katie was also a part of USA Basketball. At Eastern Michigan, Coach Katie has worked her way up the coaching ladder: from Graduate Assistant Coac...
2021-10-1833 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 35 - Rick Carter, "Zip 'Em Up" TBT Head Coach & CEO of SpotterEDUCoach Rick Carter’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Rick Carter. Coach Rick is the current Head Coach of the “Zip ‘Em Up” TBT Team, the Xavier University alumni team that just participated in the “The Basketball Tournament” this past summer on the ESPN Networks. And yes, Coach Carter did what every assistant coach aspires to do. That is, make the move 18 inches from being an assistant coach to becoming a head coach. As you soon will hear, Coach Rick does a terrific job describing what it is like to make this transition to leading your own program...
2021-10-1137 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 34 - DJ Mocini, Director of Basketball Operations at Oakland UniversityCoach DJ Mocini’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from DJ Mocini. Coach DJ is the new Director of Basketball Operations for Coach Greg Kampe at Oakland University. As you will hear today, Coach Kampe just hired a “High Level” Basketball Coach and Person! Coach Mocini is coming off a great eight-year run at Central Michigan University, as an Assistant Coach and Director of Basketball Operations, for Coach Keno Davis. Before CMU, DJ played at Albion College for legendary D3 Head Coach, Coach Mike Turner. After Albion, DJ was a Graduate Assistant for Brian Gregory at the Unive...
2021-10-0446 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 33 - Scott Trost, Head Coach at Lewis UniversityCoach Scott Trost’s Story:In this episode, you’ll hear from Scott Trost. Coach Trost is currently the Head Coach at Lewis University. Lewis is an outstanding D-II program located in Romeoville, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Coach Trost is the winningest Head Coach in the history of Lewis, having been to five NCAA Tournaments at Lewis. Scott has also been a Head Coach at Elmhurst and Illinois Wesleyan. In addition, Coach Trost was an assistant coach at the University of Michigan. Overall, Coach Trost has led 11 different teams to the NCAA Tournament. This conversation is an hone...
2021-09-2744 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 32 - Luke Gore, Associate Head Coach at ValparaisoCoach Luke Gore’s Story:In this episode, you’ll hear from Luke Gore. Coach Gore is currently the Associate Head Coach for Coach Matt Lottich at Valparaiso University and entering his 20th season with the Valpo basketball team. In the last 11 years at Valpo, Coach Gore has played a major part in helping Valpo make eight postseason appearances. Coach Gore has had the opportunity to work for Scott Drew, Bryce Drew, and Homer Drew at Valpo. As you will soon hear, Coach Luke shares some amazing insight on each of his Head Coaches at Valpo. Coach Luke also...
2021-09-2046 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 31 - Angres Thorpe, Assistant Coach at BuffaloCoach Angres Thorpe’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Angres Thorpe. Coach Thorpe is currently an assistant coach for Coach Jim Whitesell at the University at Buffalo. Yes, that Buffalo that was 20 minutes away from the NCAA Tournament and is one of the most elite mid-major college basketball programs in the country! Everyone in the MAC and, for sure, in his home city of Chicago knows Coach Thorpe as "AT". Coach AT has a wealth of experience: stops at Buffalo, UMKC, Toledo, Green Bay, Saint Louis, Ball State, and Lewis. Actually, Coach AT started his coac...
2021-09-1749 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 30 - Marlon "Smoke" Williamson, Assistant Coach at Central MichiganCoach Marlon “Smoke” Williamson’s Story:In this episode, you’ll hear from Marlon “Smoke” Williamson. Coach Williamson is currently an assistant coach for Coach Tony Barbee at Central Michigan University. As you soon will hear that Marlon received the nickname "Smoke" at the age of five. And, everyone in the city of Detroit and the college basketball profession knows Coach Smoke! After a terrific playing career at Youngstown State University, Coach Williamson came back to Detroit to coach with legendary AAU Coach Durand “Speedy” Walker and his respected “The Family” AAU Team. After a productive AAU coaching career, Coach Smoke...
2021-09-1337 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 29 - Jon Borovich, Assistant Coach at Northwestern UniversityCoach Jon Borovich’s Story. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jon Borovich. Jon is currently an assistant coach for Coach Chris Collins at Northwestern University. Jon is entering year three as a Big 10 Assistant Coach. Jon played at Central Michigan for Coach Jay Smith. You will soon hear that Coach Smith truly propelled Jon into Coaching. After his playing career concluded, Jon has had the opportunity to work for some incredible leaders: Coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State, Coach Greg Kampe at Oakland, Coach Brian Gregory at Dayton, and Coach Mark Montgomery at Northern Illinois. Jon provi...
2021-09-0937 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 28 - Spike Albrecht, Graduate Assistant Coach at PurdueCoach Spike Albrecht’s Story. In this episode, you’ll hear from Spike Albrecht. Spike is currently a Graduate Assistant Coach for Coach Matt Painter at Purdue University. At 29 years of age and after a successful medical sales career, Spike is now embarking on his true passion: Coaching. This is an incredible behind-the-scenes glance at Spike’s two college coaches: Coach Painter and Coach John Beilein. The lessons that Spike shares from these great coaches are simply terrific. Wait until you hear the attributes that he admires about Coach Painter. In addition, the lessons on Culture he shared from Co...
2021-09-0633 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 27 - Jeff Rutter, Assistant Coach at Miami UniversityCoach Jeff Rutter’s Story. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jeff Rutter. Jeff is currently an Assistant Coach for Coach Jack Owens at Miami University (OH). As you will soon hear, this is a high-level 90-minute master course about being a college coach. This is a college assistant coach who lives the profession 24/7/365. Coach “Rutt” known throughout the coaching profession pours so much into this podcast about helping young coaches. Coach Rutt has been a coach for 34 years and has an incredible wealth of experience at Iowa State, Drake, Northern Iowa, Stetson, and North Dakota State. In additi...
2021-09-031h 37Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 26 - Cornell Mann, Assistant Coach at MissouriCoach Cornell Mann’s Story. In this episode, you’ll hear from Cornell Mann. Coach Mann is currently an assistant coach for Cuonzo Martin at the University of Missouri. Coach Mann is entering year five with Coach Martin. “Corn” as the entire coaching community knows him has a wealth of experience: assistant coaching stops at Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Oakland, Dayton, and Iowa State. And Coach Mann is synonymous with helping the head coaches that he assists: WIN! In over seventeen years in the profession, Coach Mann has been to postseason play twelve times. Including ten times to the NCAA...
2021-09-0139 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 25 - Mike Roberts, Assistant Coach at CincinnatiCoach Mike Roberts’ Story. In this episode, you’ll hear from Mike Roberts. Mike is currently assistant coach for Coach Wes Miller at the University of Cincinnati. Coach Miller was recently selected as the Head Coach of Cincinnati. And, Coach Miller immediately hired Coach Roberts to help with his quest to build Cincinnati again as a major factor in college basketball. As a matter of fact, Mike and Wes worked alongside each other for eight years at UNC Greensboro. At UNCG, they helped build one of the best mid-major basketball programs in America. Coach Roberts played at the India...
2021-08-3042 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 24 - Ernie Zeigler, Assistant Coach at Mississippi StateCoach Ernie Zeigler’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Ernie Zeigler. Ernie is currently an assistant coach for Ben Howland at Mississippi State University. As a matter of fact, Coach “Zeig” as so many people know Ernie in Detroit, Michigan, and across the nation, has worked for Coach Howland for 12 seasons. Ernie has assisted Coach Howland at Pittsburgh, UCLA, and Mississippi State. In addition, Ernie has been a Head Coach in China, Saudi Arabia, and at Central Michigan. Right away, Ernie talks about the importance of being loyal to your head coach. He gives one of the mo...
2021-08-2733 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 23 - Keno Davis, 2008 National Coach of the YearCoach Keno Davis’ Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Keno Davis. Coach Davis was the 2008 National Coach of the Year. As a matter of fact, Keno and his dad, Dr. Tom Davis have both been National Coach of the Year winners. Dr. Davis won the award in 1987. Keno has been a Head Coach for 13 Seasons. He has been at Drake, Providence, and Central Michigan. As you will find out, Keno has been around coaching since he was an infant. As a matter of fact, Keno shares a great story of when he was seven years old and...
2021-08-2538 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 22 - Drew Valentine, Head Coach at Loyola University ChicagoCoach Drew Valentine’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Drew Valentine. Drew is currently the Head Coach at Loyola University Chicago. Drew was promoted to Head Coach on April 5, 2021. Prior to being named head coach, Drew was an assistant coach for Porter Moser at Loyola. As you will soon hear, Drew Valentine is all about leading. In eight seasons on various coaching staffs during his career, Coach Valentine has been a part of teams who went to the postseason seven times, including three NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, two of which resulted in trips to the Final Four...
2021-08-2343 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 21 - Ryan Marks, Head Coach at the University of St. FrancisCoach Ryan Marks’ Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Ryan Marks. Coach Marks is currently the Head Coach at the University of Saint Francis. This NAIA power house in the Chicagoland area is so fortunate to have Ryan at their helm. Coach Marks has been a Head Coach for 20 years now. He has been a Head Coach at the DI, DII, DIII and NAIA level. He has been to 10 post-season tournaments as a Head Coach and Assistant Coach. Right away, you are going to learn how two current NBA executives, R.C. Buford and John Hammond, mento...
2021-08-211h 08Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 20 - Kevin Kuwik, Assistant Coach at DavidsonCoach Kevin Kuwik’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Kevin Kuwik. Kevin is currently an assistant coach for Bob McKillop at Davidson College. Coach Kuwik has had an incredible coaching career. As a student at Notre Dame, Kevin studied mechanical engineering and basketball! Kevin was a student assistant coach for Coach John MacLeod. At Notre Dame, Kevin’s passion for coaching surpassed a potential engineering career. Kuwik began his coaching career at Christian Brothers University. He then went to Division II Saint Michael’s College. Coach Tim O’Shea gave Coach Kuwik his first Division I shot at O...
2021-08-1843 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 19 - Charles Thomas, Assistant Coach at DuquesneCoach Charles Thomas’ Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Charles Thomas. Coach Thomas is currently an assistant coach for Keith Dambrot at Duquesne University. Charles has been at Coach D’s side for 12 seasons (seven years at Akron and five years at Duquesne). However, Coach Thomas and Coach Dambrot have known each other for over 35 years. Charles and his twin brother, Carl, played at Eastern Michigan University, with Coach Dambrot as one of their assistant coaches. This year, Charles and Carl are entering EMU’s Hall of Fame this year. Charles had a great career at EMU and p...
2021-08-1649 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 18 - Thomas Kelley, Assistant Coach at Western MichiganCoach Thomas Kelley's Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Thomas Kelley. Coach Kelley is simply known as TK. TK is currently an assistant coach for Clayton Bates at Western Michigan University. Coach Kelley fell in love with the game of basketball at the age of seven. On a trip to Michigan State as a 6th grader, TK knew that he wanted to be a Spartan. Battling through injuries his entire career at MSU, Thomas stayed in the gym and played a role in helping Coach Izzo get to his first Final Four in 1999. After a successful 15 ye...
2021-08-1349 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 17 - Nate Oats, Head Coach at The University of AlabamaCoach Nate Oats’ Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Nate Oats. Nate is currently the Head Coach at the University of Alabama. Alabama is fresh off 26 Wins and a Sweet 16 NCAA appearance. As a result, Coach Oats was named the SEC Coach of the Year, was a National Coach of the Year finalist, and was recently rewarded with a contract extension. I have been friends with Nate since 2002 when Coach Oats was named Head Coach at Romulus High School in Romulus, Michigan. Nate is an elite high major college coach. However, he is a high school coach...
2021-08-1149 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 16 - Matt Cline, Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Cleveland State UniversityCoach Matt Cline’s Story:In this episode, you’ll hear from Matt Cline. Matt is currently the Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Cleveland State University. That Head Coach: Coach Dennis Gates. Coach Gates is coming off a NCAA season appearance and is considered one of the finest Mid Major coaches in America. Right from the start of this podcast, Coach Cline mentions how Urban Meyer talks about how “love” is spelled T-I-M-E. And, time is what Matt gives to young coaches today. Coach Cline discusses a variety of topics and advice to help young coaches. In this...
2021-08-091h 06Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 15 - Pat Monaghan, Assistant Coach Southern IllinoisCoach Pat Monaghan’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Pat Monaghan. Pat is currently an assistant coach for Bryan Mullins at Southern Illinois University. If you are a Junior College Assistant Coach or a D2 assistant coach and you want to become a D1 assistant coach, you must take time to listen to Pat's story. From stops at Wayne State College (Neb.) to Coffeyville Community College to Loyola Chicago to Minnesota State to UW-Milwaukee to now SIU, Pat will share his steps to becoming an assistant coach for one of the best young head coaches in t...
2021-08-0638 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 14 - Kyle Barlow, Assistant Coach at Ohio UniversityCoach Kyle Barlow’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Kyle Barlow. Kyle is currently an assistant coach for Jeff Boals at Ohio University. Kyle’s story is an inspiration for any coach at the Non D1 level. Kyle was a standout player at Concordia University in Ann Arbor and then started his coaching career at Concordia. From Concordia, Kyle was a graduate assistant for Coach Beilein at Michigan. After Michigan, Kyle was both the Director of Operations and Assistant Coach at Toledo. For the last two seasons, Kyle has assisted Coach Boals. This year, Ohio had an...
2021-08-0447 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 13 - Eric Haut, Assistant Coach at Northern KentuckyCoach Eric Haut’s Story: In this episode, you’ll hear from Eric Haut. Eric is currently an assistant coach for Darrin Horn at Northern Kentucky. Eric played at Kent State and was encouraged to start his coaching career by Former Kent State Coach and Current Stony Brook Coach, Geno Ford. Coach Ford, along with Jim Christian, Rob Senderoff, Rob Murphy, and Ryan Pedon all impacted Coach Eric. Coach E, as his players call him, is the epitome of a player’s coach. His positive approach (his version of the 80/20 rule) is truly sensational. You will not want to mis...
2021-08-0249 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 12 - Chinedu Nwachukwu, Assistant at Youngstown StateCoach Chinedu Nwachukwu’s Story: In this episode, you'll hear from Coach Chinedu Nwachukwu. Chinedu is currently an assistant coach for Jerrod Calhoun at Youngstown State University. At 18, Chinedu knew that he wanted to be a coach when he was a student assistant coach for John Beilein at Michigan. While he was assisting the Michigan program, he was also coaching girls basketball in the Ann Arbor area (Freshman Basketball & AAU). Young Coaches: do you want to coach at the Division I level? Then Coach Chinedu is your guy. His incredible journey: Student Assistant at Michigan, GA at the Un...
2021-07-3051 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 11 - Bryan Smothers, Assistant Coach at NiagaraCoach Bryan Smothers’ Story: In this episode, you'll hear from Coach Bryan Smothers. Bryan is currently an assistant Coach for Greg Paulus at Niagara University. Bryan was a standout player for Coach David Greer at Wayne State (an excellent D2 in Detroit). After Coach Greer gave Bryan his start in coaching, Bryan spent five years at Michigan in multiple support staff roles. As you will find out, Bryan learned so much from Coach John Beilein and his staff. While at Michigan Bryan remained patient and continued to grow. Bryan shares an interesting perspective for how young coaches can gro...
2021-07-2843 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 10 - Justin Ingram, Assistant Coach at ToledoCoach Justin Ingrams’ Story: In this episode, you'll hear from Coach Justin Ingram. Justin is currently an Assistant Coach for Tod Kowalczyk at the University of Toledo. Justin is the son of a coach and coaching the game of basketball has been in his heart since he was a young boy. His dad, Mike Ingram, has been Lansing Community College’s head coach for 30+ years. He is Justin’s favorite coach of all time and has made a lasting impact on Justin. Justin is constantly working hard for Coach Tod, his co-workers, and players. You will appreciate the amount...
2021-07-2645 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 9 - Tell Me Your Story Coach Week 2 RecapOVERTIME: Kevin Mondro recaps week two of the Tell Me Your Story, Coach podcast. Every episode starts with the question: “Why do you coach?” And ends every episode with the question: “What are some simple tips for young coaches?” Coach Dro replays the answers from three MAC Head Coaches: Rob Senderoff, Fred Castro, and Clayton Bates on their simple tips for young coaches. Have a great week! Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEMoneyball Sportswear Moneyball, The Only Way To Ball! Great Sports Wear and Basketball Uniforms! Michigan Made! Dis...
2021-07-2414 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 8 - Clayton Bates, Head Coach at Western MichiganCoach Clayton Bates’ Story:In this episode, we are joined by the current Head Basketball Coach at Western Michigan--Clayton Bates. Coach Bates is entering year two at WMU. Clayton gives a behind-the-scenes recap of year one as a Head Coach and shares a true and honest reflection of what it is like to move one chair over (from assistant to head coach). Right from the start, you will hear that Coach Bates has been preparing to be a head coach for years. Whether it is his thoughts on Culture, Player Development, Recruiting, Special Teams, and on and on, Co...
2021-07-2355 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 7 - Fred Castro, Head WBB Coach at Eastern MichiganCoach Fred Castro's Story: In this episode, we are joined by the current Women's Head Basketball Coach at Eastern Michigan--Fred Castro. Fred's journey to EMU is a good old-fashioned story about hard work and determination to succeed in this profession. From his start as a Student Assistant Coach at Oklahoma for Hall of Famer, Sherri Coale, to working his way across the country to eventually help Coach Mike Neighbors to a Final Four at Washington and getting hired at EMU in the most fascinating way possible, his "You never know who is watching" testimonial is simply a must-listen...
2021-07-211h 02Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 6 - Rob Senderoff, Head Coach at Kent StateCoach Rob Senderoff's Story: In this episode, you'll hear from Rob Senderoff, the Head Coach at Kent State University, who just completed his 10th season as the Head Coach of the Golden Flashes. He is the winningest coach in the history of Kent State Basketball. Right away, Rob dives into the Kent State culture and gives specific examples to illustrate why winning occurs under his leadership. When you walk into the Kent State basketball locker room will see the word 'Carpe Diem'. Coach Senderoff stresses to his players to make the most of each day. He breaks down e...
2021-07-191h 13Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 5 - Chill With DroOVER TIME: Kevin Mondro recaps week one of the Tell Me Your Story, Coach podcast. Every episode starts with the question: “Why do you coach?” And ends every episode with the question: “What are some simple tips for young coaches?” Coach Dro plays back the answers from DJ Stephens, Candice Finley, and Phil Martelli on their simple tips for young coaches. In addition, Coach Dro shares his vision for future episodes. As you will hear, he is excited to continue to advocate coaches and help young coaches learn from the coaches telling these stories. Buzzsprout - Let's get your p...
2021-07-1712 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 4 - Phil Martelli, Associate Head Coach at MichiganCoach Phil Martelli's Story: In this episode, you'll hear from Coach Phil Martelli, the University of Michigan’s Associate Head Coach. We dive right into his 45+ year career. The 2004 National Coach Of the Year shares his incredible insights. Coach Martelli is indeed a teacher of the game of basketball. However, he is truly a teacher of the game of life. His thoughts about coaching being a people business is truly fascinating. Coach Martelli's belief that the game is about People Not Titles resonates through the entire 60-minute interview. In addition, Coach offers so many real life coaching tip...
2021-07-161h 04Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 3 - Candice Finley, Associate Head Coach at XavierCoach Candice Finley's Story: In this episode, you'll hear from Xavier University's women's basketball associate head coach, Candice Finley. Candice has 18+ years of coaching and talks about her duty to pay it forward. Starting with coaching 10-year-olds to being a high school and AAU head coach to making the jump to college, Candice has been impacting the young women that she coaches. From assistant coaching stops at the D2 level to multiple D1 universities to now the Big East, Candice has invested her time and dedication to coaching the players at each stop. As you will hear, C...
2021-07-1452 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 2 - DJ Stephens, Associate Head Coach at Michigan StateCoach DJ Stephens' Story: In this episode, you'll hear from DJ Stephens, Michigan State University's Associate Head Coach. He shares his passion for basketball from the time he was 5 years old and how he's taken that passion to the next level in coaching and mentoring Big Ten basketball players over the past 18+ years at MSU. DJ lays it all out there in terms of loyalty, servant leadership, and the respect he has for Coach Tom Izzo. If you don't know Coach DJ Stephens yet, you will be blown away by how genuine and humble he is. DJ has...
2021-07-1253 minTell Me Your Story CoachEP 1 - The TrailerCoach Dro's Story: Welcome to the Tell Me Your Story, Coach podcast! This is the only episode you'll hear about Kevin Mondro's story and why he's created this podcast. Every episode after this one, you'll hear other coaches' stories and why they do what they do. Coach Dro's focus is to advocate for and help as many coaches as possible. Listen in to hear more about how and why this podcast was created and you'll even hear from a surprise guest!Follow Tell Me Your Story, Coach on Twitter at @CoachKevinDro and on Instagram at @TellMeYourStoryCoachB...
2021-07-0811 min