Shows
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #151: Bill Cleary on Recruiting The Truth About Division II Recruiting: Fit, Growth, and Learning Through Failure 🏀🎯 In Part 2 of this conversation, Matt Rogers sits down with Bill Cleary, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II St. Thomas Aquinas College, to talk about the reality of college recruiting and athlete development.This episode focuses on two critical truths families need to understand:🏀 NCAA Division II is not a step down from Division I — it’s about opportunity, development, and the right fit. 📈 Too many athletes arrive at college without ever being pushed, ch...
2026-02-1649 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #150: Bill Cleary “Bet on You” – Building Confidence and Player Ownership with Bill Cleary (Part 1) In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Matt Rogers sits down with Bill Cleary, Assistant Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at St. Thomas Aquinas College, for a powerful and honest discussion about coaching women and developing true confidence in today’s athletes.Bill shares what he’s learned over more than two decades of coaching about the growing challenge of self-worth, the impact of comparison and social media, and why many athletes struggle to recognize their own valu...
2026-02-1350 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #149: Emily Kohan on Recruiting🏐 What Division I Volleyball Recruiting Really Looks Like | Emily Kohan In Part 2 of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Emily Kohan, NCAA Division I Head Volleyball Coach at Colorado State University, to break down what the recruiting process actually looks like from a coach’s perspective.Coach Kohan pulls back the curtain on how Division I programs evaluate athletes, how early the recruiting timeline really starts, and what families need to understand about visibility, communication, and realistic expectations in today’s volleyball landscape.Thi...
2026-02-0930 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #148: Emily Kohan🏐 Emily Kohan on Building a Sustainable Division I Volleyball Program at Colorado StateIn this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Emily Kohan, head coach of Colorado State Volleyball, to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a successful NCAA Division I program in today’s college athletics landscape.Four years into her tenure as head coach, Kohan shares how she leads with intention—developing systems, prioritizing communication, retaining players in the transfer portal era, and balancing elite p...
2026-02-0643 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #147: John Payan on Recruiting John Payan on the Recruiting Fit Truth About Division III Basketball | (Part 2) In Part 2 of this Significant Coaching conversation, Matt Rogers continues his discussion with John Payan, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Coe College, with a deep dive into what college basketball recruiting actually looks like from the coach’s seat.Payan breaks down how he builds his roster—starting with fit as a student and person before anything basketball-related—why winning your “backyard” matters, and how geography, culture, and family support all factor into long-term success. He ex...
2026-02-0127 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #146: John Payan🏀 John Payan on Mindset, Accountability, and Building a Program That Holds Under Pressure | Significant Coaching Podcast In Part 1 of this Significant Coaching conversation, Matt Rogers sits down with John Payan, head men’s basketball coach at Coe College, for a deep, honest discussion about what it really takes to build a program that lasts.Payan shares lessons from his rise through the coaching ranks—from grinding as a graduate assistant to helping lead back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams, and now carrying the responsibility of the head chair. He breaks d...
2026-01-3039 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #145: Dr. Bob Dranoff on RecruitingThe Commissioner's Take on Recruiting: Fit, Expectations, and the Division II Reality | Bob Dranoff (Part 2) In Part 2 of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Dr. Bob Dranoff—long-time athletic director at Molloy University, former administrator at St. John’s University, and recently retired commissioner of the NCAA Division II East Coast Conference—for a realistic look at college recruiting.This episode focuses on what coaches, families, and recruits often misunderstand about opportunity, scholarships, and fit—particularly at the Division II level. Drawing o...
2026-01-2618 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #144: Dr. Bob Dranoff🎙️ From the Commissioner’s Chair: What NCAA Division II Leadership Really Looks Like | Bob Dranoff What does it actually mean to lead an NCAA conference?In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Bob Dranoff, former Commissioner of the East Coast Conference, for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at leadership from the highest level of Division II athletics.Bob shares what most coaches and athletic directors never get to see—the reality of conference leadership. From balancing presidents, athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes, to running...
2026-01-2346 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #143: Candace Moats on Recruiting🎙️ 3-Peat Perspective: How Candace Moats Recruits for Championships That LastHow do you win a three-peat—and keep doing it without burning out your culture, your players, or yourself?On Part 2 of this two-part series on the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers continues the conversation with Candace Moats, Head Volleyball Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, AVCA Coach of the Year, and leader of a program that has captured three consecutive NAIA National Championships.This episode zeroes in on r...
2026-01-1827 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #142: Candace Moats🎙️ 3x National Champions: How Candace Moats Builds Programs That LastWhat does it really take to build a championship program—and sustain it year after year?On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Candace Moats, Head Volleyball Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, AVCA Coach of the Year, and leader of a program that has now won three consecutive NAIA National Championships.But this conversation goes far beyond banners and rings.Candace shares powerful insight...
2026-01-1639 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #140: Sue Amendt🎙️ Built in a Small Town, Built to Last 🏐Coach Sue Amendt on Coaching, Community & Raising Athletes the Right WayWhat does it look like to build a championship program—and a meaningful life—in a town of just 2,000 people?In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, host Matt Rogers sits down with longtime friend and Hall of Fame volleyball coach Sue Amendt, the legendary leader of the Lena-Winslow Panthers. Growing up together in Lena, Illinois, Matt and Sue reflect on h...
2026-01-0940 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #139: Grant Leonard on Recruiting🎙️ Division I Recruiting, Unfiltered with Coach Grant Leonard🏀 In this Significant Recruiting Podcast episode, Matt Rogers is joined by Grant Leonard, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Queens University of Charlotte, for Part 2 of their conversation—focused entirely on Division I college recruiting.Coach Leonard breaks down how recruiting has changed, what coaches are really watching when they evaluate recruits, and why so many families misunderstand how Division I decisions are made.This episode is a must-listen for recruits, parents, and coaches who want clarity...
2026-01-0530 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #138: Grant Leonard🎙️ Season 3, Episode 1: Coaching, Culture & Leadership with Coach Grant Leonard 🏀To open Season 3 of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Grant Leonard, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at NCAA D1 Queens University of Charlotte.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation and is focused entirely on coaching and leadership. Coach Leonard shares what it really takes to build and sustain a Division I program—culture, roster construction, practice habits, staff alignment, and the daily standards that separate good teams from great ones.Direct. Ho...
2026-01-0256 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersTrailer: The Significant Coaching Podcast Season 3🎙️ The Significant Coaching Podcast Season 3Significant Coaching and Recruiting Podcast returns for Season 3 with deeper conversations about coaching, leadership, and college recruiting.Hosted by former head college coach, athletic director, and national scout Matt Rogers, the show features honest interviews with athletes, coaches, and leaders making a real impact at the high school, college, and professional levels. With experience helping over 4,000 student-athletes reach college athletics, Matt asks the hard questions—so listeners get the answers they need to make confident, informed decisions for their future.🎯 Fridays...
2026-01-0201 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #136: Donnie Danklefsen🥎🏆 Building Champions the Right Way | Coach Donnie Danklefsen What does it take to build a championship program—and sustain it for more than two decades?In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Donnie Danklefsen, Head Softball Coach at Trine University, a 2x NCAA National Champion and one of the most respected program builders in college athletics.In Part 1, we dive into leadership, culture, and the standards required to win the right way. Coach Donnie shares how he’s led his a...
2025-12-2647 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #135: Karrah Davis on Recruiting🎙️ Trust the Process: Recruiting, Patience & Perspective with Karrah Davis 🏐In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with Karrah Davis, Head Volleyball Coach at the NCAA Division III University of Dubuque — one of the great young coaches in college volleyball today.Coach Davis brings a rare and valuable recruiting perspective shaped by every step of the journey. From being an All-American student-athlete at Dubuque, to learning the craft as a graduate assistant, assistant coach, and associate head coach, she never skipped steps — and it shows...
2025-12-2231 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #134: Karrah Davis🎙️ Building Culture, Joy, and Sustained Success in NCAA Division III Volleyball 🏐In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Karrah Davis, Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Dubuque and one of the great young coaches in NCAA Division III.After watching her coach live this past season, Matt was struck by the identity of her program — disciplined yet joyful, gritty yet strategic, competitive yet deeply connected. That identity has translated into results: 🔥 50–15 record in her first tw...
2025-12-1940 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #133: Bet Naumovski on Recruiting🎙️ What Division II Coaches Really Look For: Recruiting with Bet Naumovski 🏀In Part 2 of this conversation, Matt Rogers sits down with world-class coach Bet Naumovski to unpack what NCAA Division II coaches are truly looking for in the recruiting process.Drawing from decades of experience building championship teams at Queens College, Bet offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how Division II recruiting really works—why fit matters more than flash, how coaches evaluate potential beyond stats, and what recruits and families often misunderstand about opportunities at this level.Bet also...
2025-12-1537 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #132: Bet Naumovski🎙️ Coaching That Transforms: A Conversation with Bet NaumovskiIn this week’s episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with longtime friend and decorated Queens College Head Women's Basketball Coach Elizabeth “Bet” Naumovski. Bet is the all-time winningest coach in program history and one of the most respected leaders in NCAA Division II women’s basketball.From building a nationally recognized powerhouse to developing All-Americans, Players of the Year, and high-character young women, Bet shares the principles, competitive standards, and people-first leadership that fueled her success at Queens. Sh...
2025-12-1259 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #129: Dr. Katherine Fell & Brandi Laurita on Recruiting🎙️ How Colleges Build Their Rosters: Inside the Room With Findlay’s President & VPIn this episode of Significant Recruiting, we’re giving families what they rarely get—insight straight from the top. Matt sits down with Dr. Katherine Fell, President of the University of Findlay, and Brandi Laurita, Vice President for Student Affairs & Athletics, to unpack how colleges truly build their rosters and what “fit” really means from an institutional perspective.Most families learn too late that each coach views their roster differently and every institution has...
2025-12-0122 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #128: Dr. Katherine Fell & Brandi Laurita🎙️ Leading With Purpose: Findlay’s President & VP Share the PlaybookIn this week’s Significant Coaching episode, Matt sits down with two remarkable leaders shaping the future of the University of Findlay — Dr. Katherine Fell, President, and Brandi Laurita, Vice President for Student Affairs & Athletics.Together, they break down what it takes to build a campus where people feel known, supported, and challenged to grow. From leadership clarity to campus culture to the powerful relationship between academics and athletics, this conversation is packed with insight for coaches...
2025-11-2845 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #125: Sophie Scott on Recruiting🏐 Sophie Scott | From Cal-Berkeley to What’s Next: A Two-Chapter Recruiting JourneyOn this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Sophie Scott, Senior Middle Hitter at Cal-Berkeley Volleyball, to talk about her recruiting journey from high school… and now again as a 5th-year senior preparing for her final season at a new program.Sophie discusses early communication, decision-making, injury setbacks, and what she’s learned along the way. Recently honored with the Cal HOPE Courage Award, she shares powerful insights for athletes and paren...
2025-11-1729 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #124: Sophie Scott🎧 Sophie Scott | Resilience, Leadership, and the Grind of Division I AthleticsOn this week’s Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Sophie Scott, Senior Middle Hitter for Cal-Berkeley Volleyball, to explore what it truly means to be a student-athlete at the highest level. Sophie opens up about her journey through injury, recovery, and rediscovering her love for the game. She shares what what it truly feels like to play at the Power 4 level and dealing with all the things athletes just one generation before her never had to worry about...
2025-11-1446 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #123: Dr. Greg Lott on Recruiting🎙️ Dr. Greg Lott: How to Find the Right College FitIn this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Dr. Greg Lott, Director of Athletics at Otterbein University, to break down what families and athletes really need to understand about the college recruiting process.Dr. Lott explains how Otterbein approaches recruiting through both a human development lens and a roster strategy lens—helping coaches identify the “sweet spot” roster size for their program, protecting athlete development, and ensuring every athlete has meaningful opportunity to grow. He...
2025-11-1017 min
Significant Coaching with Matt RogersEpisode #122: Dr. Greg Lott🎙️ Leading with Intention: Human Development, Culture, and Coaching Growth with Dr. Greg Lott (Otterbein University) In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Dr. Greg Lott, Director of Athletics at Otterbein University, to explore what it means to lead with intention in collegiate athletics. Dr. Lott shares how a single message from his own college years shaped his approach to coaching, leadership, and student-athlete development—learn as much outside the classroom as inside it. The conversation dives into identity, emotional intellige...
2025-11-0738 min