Everyday Mike

Adam Anderson is back on Everyday Mike to talk Friday night football in Central Illinois and what he’s seeing around high school sports right now. We start with a look ahead at Friday Night Showdown, including Taylorville at Mount Zion in Week 8 and a big Week 9 matchup at Williamsville. Then the conversation gets bigger. Why are some schools struggling to field varsity football teams? Are athlete...

Cody White made it to the NFL. But this conversation isn’t really about the NFL. It’s about everything it took to get there, and what happens when that chapter ends. Cody and I talk about growing up as a multi-sport athlete, competing at a high level in basketball, eventually choosing football, playing at Illinois State, and earning his way into the NFL as an undrafted free agent. But some of the...

We spend a lot of time asking whether someone can make our kids better. Can they coach? Can they train? Can they help them win? Can they get them recruited? Can they develop the livestock that wins the show? But maybe we’re stopping one question too soon. In this episode of Everyday Mike, Mike looks at youth sports, travel clubs, “elite” teams, livestock showing, and the adults we willingly place...

We spend a lot of time developing sport-specific skills. But who is developing the athlete underneath the uniform? In this episode, I reflect on our summer Separation Season and why I’m becoming more convinced that young athletes need sport-neutral, club-neutral development alongside sport-specific work. We talk movement, strength, recovery, confidence, ownership, and why developing the athlete ca...

The 2026 World Cup is over, but what happens next for soccer in America? Jesse Elmore returns to break down Spain’s championship run, the United States’ performance, and what this tournament could mean for the future of the game. We also talk about youth development, pickup soccer, technical training, and why Jesse and his wife Casey started Legends Soccer Training.

What can a competitive shooting sport teach us about leadership, parenting, coaching, sales, and life? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of Everyday Mike, I sit down with Dave Rolli to explore the parallels between high-level competitive rifle shooting, leadership development, and youth sports. Dave shares how a COVID project with his daughter evolved into a national-level pursuit,...

Players leave. Players quit. Families move on. That’s part of youth sports. But the real question isn’t if it happens—it’s how we handle it and why it’s happening in the first place. In this episode, Coach Mike talks through what this looks like from all sides: as a coach as an athlete and as a parent We get into: helping players leave the right way why “elite” doesn’t mean what it used to what re...

We talk about “passion” all the time in youth sports. But what does it actually mean? In this episode of Everyday Mike, Coach Mike takes a step back and looks at the word from a different angle — starting with a simple Google search and working all the way back to its root meaning: to endure and to sacrifice. With Easter as the backdrop, this episode isn’t about hype or intensity — it’s about some...

Kip McDaniel grew up in a competitive family of six, caught the coaching bug early, and now serves as Director at Midstate Soccer Club in Decatur, Illinois. As the outdoor spring season approaches, we sit down to talk player development, building club culture, and what it really looks like to keep youth sports positive. We dig into the “Midstate way,” the value of multi-sport athletes, coaching co...

Co-ops can be a great thing. But when enrollment math doesn’t match participation reality, and standards don’t evolve with classification, teams feel it. In this episode of Everyday Mike, I explore the good, the hard, and the often-ignored realities of co-ops in youth sports — and why moving up a class requires more than just combining rosters.

What happens when a drill slows down, gets clunky, or falls apart? In this episode of Everyday Mike, I share a simple basketball drill that reveals something much bigger about teamwork, communication, and response. When mistakes happen — and they always do — teams have a choice. Do we freeze and wait? Or do we communicate, adjust, and move forward together? This one’s for coaches, athletes, and pa...

As a coach and a parent, I’ve seen it from both sides. Some of the best moments in youth sports happen after the game — and unfortunately, so can some of the most damaging ones. In Episode #31 of Everyday Mike, I share a real car ride home after a tough county tournament loss, what it taught me about timing, emotion, and the “30-minute rule,” and why what kids hear between games often matters more...

In youth sports, every team has rules — but the best programs live by standards. In this episode, Coach Mike breaks down the three non-negotiable standards that shape culture, effort, and identity: being coachable, being a great teammate, and giving 100% effort. Using real stories from a full program rebuild, a Geno Auriemma quote on fatigue, and a behind-the-scenes look inside his junior high and...

Building a program is easy when you’ve got talent, trophies, and support. But what happens when you’re starting from scratch — when you’re rebuilding, re-teaching, and sometimes wondering if anyone else even cares? In this episode, Coach Mike gets real about the uphill grind of rebuilding a girls’ basketball program at a small school — and the frustration that comes when the people above you don’t...

Life feels full right now — soccer, volleyball, basketball, harvest, work, family. But here’s the reminder I needed and maybe you do too: a full plate isn’t the problem … it’s the plan. In this episode, I break down three ideas that keep me moving forward: how we handle a full plate, how we manage our true capacity, and how support from others keeps us steady. Because some days you carry … and som...

Craig Beckmier has spent more than two decades building one of the top livestock judging programs in the country at Lincoln Land Community College. He’s more than a coach—he’s a mentor, a dad, and a man of faith who has shaped countless students for success beyond the ring. In this episode, we dive into what makes Lincoln Land special, why character matters more than trophies, and how livestock ju...

Game film is everywhere—from Hudl to Veo, from parents on the sideline to AI-tracked data breakdowns. But the question remains: Are we using it to develop our athletes—or to validate ourselves? In this episode, Coach Mike catches up with friend and broadcaster Adam Anderson to dig into the culture of filming youth sports. They talk about film as a coaching tool, a parenting crutch, and a personal...

A high school girl’s quiet sideline moment speaks volumes: “Dad, I love you… but please be quiet.” In this episode, Coach Mike explores what really helps — and what unintentionally hurts — from the sidelines. With real stories, research-backed insights, and practical tips for parents, coaches, and clubs, this is your reminder that sometimes the best leadership is a calm presence, not a louder voic...

After a wild weekend at a massive volleyball tournament, I reflect on what it means to be a good sports dad. From being present to staying calm in the chaos—this episode is for every dad on the sideline.

Jesse Elmore was the soccer guy growing up in our area. In this episode, we talk about his journey from starting the game at age 4 to playing professionally, and now coaching and raising kids in sports. Jesse shares what helped him stand out as a young player, what opened doors, and why having great coaches made all the difference. We also dive into parenting, youth sports culture, and his thought...

Tryouts can feel like a pressure cooker. In this episode, I break down what really matters—being coachable, being a good teammate, and giving 100% effort. Plus, I share stories and a perspective-shifting experience from a high-end volleyball tryout.

This week on Everyday Mike, it’s all about the real MVPs of youth sports—moms. From sideline chaos to quiet sacrifices, Coach Mike shares personal stories, famous shoutouts (including Kevin Durant and Crystal Dunn), and a little birthday madness—all wrapped in a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute. And yes, there’s even a competitive jab at his brother. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete—this o...

Easter may be over, but the reminder sticks with me: we were made on purpose, with purpose. In this episode, I reflect on a full weekend of family, food, and a few quiet moments that brought some clarity about calling, leadership, and showing up—especially when it isn’t loud. Whether you're a parent, coach, or just trying to lead well in your own life, this one's for you.

I reflect on my daughter’s volleyball journey—from her first open gym in 5th grade to the end of a successful 8th grade season. Along the way, I break down what she gained from playing club volleyball, how we approached growth through challenge, and the role open communication played in her development. I also share a few thoughts on how parents can support great coaches and help their kids become...

LeBron James just became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 points—and whether you love him or not, that’s an incredible achievement. In this episode, I break down what this milestone really means, the insane pressure he’s faced since he was 16, and how he’s stayed addicted to the process for 22 years. I’ll also talk about what we can all learn from his growth mindset, why I’ve always...