The Athletics Office

Great athletic environments are built on great communication. In this final episode of our Crucial Conversations series, we look back at the important conversations that take place between coaches, players, and parents and how each relationship plays a role in shaping the athletic experience. We recap the biggest takeaways from the series and discuss how better communication, accountability, trust...

Some of the most important conversations in athletics happen between teammates. In this episode of Crucial Conversations, we explore how player-to-player communication can build trust, strengthen relationships, and shape team culture. From holding teammates accountable and handling disagreements to encouraging one another through adversity, the way athletes communicate can make all the difference....

Some of the most influential conversations in athletics don’t happen on the field—they happen between parents. In this episode of Crucial Conversations, we discuss how parent-to-parent communication can shape the culture surrounding a team. From conversations in the stands and group texts to frustrations about playing time, coaches, and other athletes, the way parents communicate can have a lastin...

In this episode of The Athletics Office, we sit down with our new Facilities Director, Chad Edmondson, to get to know the person behind the scenes who helps keep everything running. We talk about Chad’s background, his journey into the role, what he’s looking forward to, and his vision for serving our students, coaches, staff, and community. Join us as we welcome Chad to the team and learn more ab...

Sometimes the most important conversation an athlete has doesn’t happen with a coach—it happens on the ride home. In this episode of our Crucial Conversations series, we turn our attention to one of the most influential relationships in athletics: Parent to Player. Parents want the best for their kids, but even well-intentioned words can create pressure, frustration, or confusion. So, what does he...

In this episode we meet the OCS Booster Club President, Brandon Sage. We break down what his responsibilities are and what it looks like to be the president of a service organization serving all of the co-curricular activities at OCSHave comments, questions or topic ideas? Send them over to theathleticsoffice@gmail.com or drop them in the comment section below!

Some of the most important—and sometimes most difficult—conversations in athletics happen between coaches and parents. In this episode of our Crucial Conversations series, we break down how coaches can communicate with parents in a way that builds trust, establishes clear expectations, and ultimately creates a better experience for student-athletes. How often should coaches communicate with parent...

Great athletic programs aren't built by one coach—they're built by coaching staffs that communicate, collaborate, and trust one another. From difficult decisions and constructive feedback to role clarity, collaboration, conflict resolution, and maintaining a unified vision, the conversations between coaches often determine the culture that athletes experience every day. Healthy communicati...

In this episode, we explore practical ways to strengthen communication, build mutual respect, and create an environment where athletes can grow both on and off the field. Whether you're a coach looking to better connect with your team, a player wanting to navigate challenging conversations, or a parent hoping to support your athlete, this discussion is packed with insights that can positively...

In this episode we talk to our Head Cheer Coach, Brady Boxwell of Oklahoma Christian School. She gives us insight into what coaching cheer looks like as well as a few things she wishes she could tell parents and things she wishes parents understood. Have any questions, comments or topic ideas? Drop them in the comment section or send us an email to: theathleticsoffice@gmail.com

What really drives athletes to work hard, push through adversity, and continue improving? In this episode of The Athletics Office, we dive into the psychology of motivation by breaking down the key differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. From the athlete who competes simply because they love the game to the player motivated by trophies, scholarships, playing time, or outside recogn...

In todays episode we meet the real boss of the OCS Athletics Department! The one that holds the department together, the one that keeps us afloat and the one thats always there to put out fires, Rebecca Winter! Rebecca is the Administrative Assistant for OCS Athletics and we take a deep dive into a day in her life, her responsibilities and everything she does at OCS!

Summer has become one of the busiest—and sometimes most overwhelming—times of the year for athletes and their families. Between camps, club teams, showcases, vacations, strength training, and the pressure to stay competitive, it's easy to feel like you're constantly trying to keep up. In this episode of The Athletics Office, we break down how parents, players, and coaches can navigate the summer s...

Booster clubs play a critical role in supporting athletic programs, but not all booster clubs are structured the same way. Some schools operate with a single, centralized booster club that serves every sport, while others rely on individual sport-specific booster clubs that focus solely on their own teams. In this episode, we break down the key differences between single and shared booster club mo...

In todays episode we meet the guy behind the camera, Eric Gomez. Eric is the Sports Information Coordinator and Game Day manager at OCS. We take a deep dive into what being the Sports Information Coordinator and Game Day manager looks like along with some of his responsibilities! When he's not editing podcast episodes or capturing content for OCS, Eric runs his own business Eric Gomez Media an...

When it comes to discipline in sports, one of the most challenging concepts to understand is that fair isn't always equal . Every athlete, situation, and circumstance is different, which means effective discipline often requires wisdom, context, and a focus on growth rather than simply treating everyone exactly the same. In this episode, we explore discipline through the eyes of the parent, th...

From participation awards and social media shoutouts to MVP trophies and championship celebrations, recognition has become a major part of today's athletic experience. But how much recognition is actually beneficial for athletes? And when does it start doing more harm than good? In this episode, we dive into the complex role recognition plays in sports. We discuss how acknowledgment can build conf...

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest conversations in youth and high school sports — public school vs. private school athletics. From facilities, funding, coaching opportunities, competition levels, recruiting exposure, culture, and player development, we break down the pros and cons of both environments and discuss how each can impact athletes and families differently. Whether you’re...

In this episode we talk to our Facilities Director and former Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Trevor Davis of Oklahoma Christian School. He gives us insight into what the backend of keeping a school running and keeping facilities maintained while also coaching. We also dig into his background a bit to find out exactly how he ended up at OCS and how he ended up in a coaching role for the boys bask...

In this episode of the Athletics Podcast, we dive into one of the hardest — and most important — parts of parenting young athletes: letting them fail. From missed shots and tough losses to being benched or struggling with confidence, failure can feel painful for both kids and parents. But it’s also where resilience, discipline, accountability, and long-term growth are built. Whether your child is...

In this episode we talk to our Head Wrestling Coach, James Lichtenberger of Oklahoma Christian School. He gives us insight into what coaching wrestling looks like as well as a few things he wishes he could tell parents and things he wishes parents understood. Have any questions, comments or topic ideas? Drop them in the comment section or send us an email to: theathleticsoffice@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into one of the most debated questions in youth sports today: As coaches and parents, should we encourage and support multisport athletes? We break down the benefits of multisport participation—from improved overall athleticism and reduced burnout to better long-term development—and weigh them against the pressures of early specialization, elite competition, and scholarshi...

In this episode we talk to our Head Baseball Coach, Romus Cezar of Oklahoma Christian School. He gives us insight into what coaching baseball looks like as well as a few things he wishes he could tell parents and things he wishes parents understood. Have any questions, comments or topic ideas? Drop them in the comment section or send us an email to: theathleticsoffice@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into one of the most hotly debated topics in modern athletics: early specialization. Should young athletes focus on one sport year-round to maximize their potential, or is there greater value in playing multiple sports? We break down the pros of specialization—like skill mastery, increased exposure to recruiters, and a competitive edge—and weigh them against the cons, incl...

In this episode we talk to our Head Girls Soccer Coach, Juan Castillo of Oklahoma Christian School. He gives us insight into what coaching soccer looks like as well as a few things he wishes he could tell parents and things he wishes parents understood. Have any questions, comments or topic ideas? Drop them in the comment section or send us an email to:theathleticsoffice@gmail.com