Above The Whistle

What makes a championship high school soccer program? In this revealing conversation with Sarah Beecher, head coach of Farmington High Girls Soccer, we discover it's much more than just tactics and talent. Starting with her own journey as a goalkeeper for Davis High and later at the collegiate level, Coach Beecher shares how her playing experience shaped her coaching philosophy. "I treat...

Grant Carraway's journey from frustrated quarterback to respected trainer reveals the power of creating solutions to problems you've personally experienced. As founder of First Down Training, Grant has built a thriving business by filling the void he encountered as a young player searching for quality quarterback instruction. "I was constantly on YouTube searching for stuff and tryi...

Coach Junior Solo takes us on a deeply personal journey back to his roots at West High School in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood. As both the football head coach and girls basketball coach at his alma mater, Solo has shouldered the weight of transforming programs that had struggled for decades while creating a brand that makes West a destination rather than a stepping stone. "You...

When Coach Nate Tuatagaloa says "we don't recruit, we represent," he captures the essence of his leadership philosophy that's transforming Fremont High School football into one of Utah's premier programs. His journey from college player at Southern Utah University to head coach reveals how the best teachers of the game are constantly learning themselves. Coach Tuatagaloa&a...

Nick Vigil pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to survive and thrive through nine grinding seasons in the NFL. With remarkable candor, the former Dallas Cowboys linebacker shares the physical and mental challenges that come with playing America's most demanding sport at its highest level. From his unorthodox entry into the NFL draft (where he simply declared without getting scouting...

In this engaging episode, Wes Johnson, head coach of Arizona's triathlon program, unpacks his journey from competitive swimming to leading aspiring triathletes. He shares the crucial balance that coaches must maintain—juggling rigorous training with the personal lives of athletes.  Wes dives into the psychological dimensions of coaching, discussing how understanding mental resilience plays a...

Brad Clifford, a former tight end from the University of Utah, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a sports-filled upbringing to his collegiate football career in Utah. Despite his talent for rugby, Brad chose to focus on football, a decision influenced by strong personal connections with coaches like Kyle Whittingham, Gary Anderson and Kalani Sitake. Through engaging personal stories, h...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Casey Sutera, the celebrated Utah High School Association's 5A Coach of the Year. Coach Sutera opens up about his transition from feeling adrift after his playing days to discovering a calling in coaching that not only nurtures athletes but enriches their lives with invaluable lessons. His philosophy of leading with love and building trust with...

What does it take to become the National Baseball Coach of the Year? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Coach Kim Nelson, who has been honored with this prestigious title in 2023. Coach Nelson shares his incredible journey from being a standout player at BYU, mentored by the legendary Glenn Tuckett, to representing the USA internationally and transitioning into a highly successful coach...

Join us as we sit down with Britton Johnson, former NBA player and Murray Spartan legend, for a nostalgic journey through his basketball career. Britton opens up about his formative years at Murray High School, including the influential impact his coach,  Gordon Keener, had on his success. He recounts the highs and lows of his journey, from high school championships to the intense and contrasting...

Unlock the secrets to empowering the next generation of star athletes and leaders with Zach Safel, the innovative force behind Custom Built Strength. As we journey through Zach's unique philosophies, you'll grasp the transformative power of tailored youth athletic training. Experience the revelation of strength and explosiveness as cornerstones of athletic prowess, guided by a steadfast...

Ben Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done!! Ben has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. He believes in being disobedient to average and in a world where most people try to fit in, Ben tries to teach us to STAND OUT! Ben was Ut...

This week we sit down with Coach Quincy Lewis to reveal the coaching philosophy that made him Utah’s winningest basketball coach. Step into our conversation and experience the power of situational practices, the mental gymnastics of a comeback, and the sweet victory of sharing a state championship with his son, Cooper. Quincy's ability to instill resilience in his players is a testament to hi...

Ever wondered how an NFL-worthy quarterback is made? Tune in as we sit down with Dustin Smith, quarterback whisperer and the brains behind QB Elite, to unearth the journey from injury to inspiration that catapulted his coaching career. With anecdotes of working alongside football legends like Ty Detmer, Dustin peels back the curtain on the art of quarterback training, emphasizing the importance of...

When the echoes of cheering crowds fade and the bright stadium lights dim, what lingers in the hearts of athletes and coaches alike? Today's episode is a testament to the profound journey of Mary Kay Amicone, the esteemed Weber State softball coach, whose life story is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of family, adversity, and triumph. From the early days of balancing elementary school...

Step inside the huddle with Brent Browner, the visionary head coach behind the national champion Bishop Gorman football team, as he unpacks the playbook of success for high school sports greatness. Our conversation traverses the captivating landscape of nurturing athletes in the spotlight, where the stakes are as high as the passions that drive them. Coach Browner is not just about wins and losses...

When the count's full, it's the unwavering perseverance and the iron will that carve a path from the minors to the Major Leagues for former MLB pitcher, Jared Fernandez on our latest episode. We're not just talking about balls and strikes; this is a story of persistence woven with the threads of Jared's awe-inspiring journey from Kearns High to the Major Leagues. His riveting n...

When Fred Nadeau's high school basketball coach suggested he switch his focus to golf, little did he know it would tee him up for a life-changing career. Our latest episode brings you an intimate conversation with Fred, a celebrated golf pro with over 25 years in the PGA, as he shares his personal evolution from a multi-sport athlete to a dedicated mentor on the green. His story isn't ju...

From the humble beginnings in a small Montana town to the influential world of college sports administration, Doug Fullerton's story is as captivating as it is exceptional. Our latest episode takes you through his remarkable journey, detailing how discipline and leadership learned as an army pilot and commander were pivotal in shaping his views and methods in sports governance. As we converse...

When the whistle blows and the stadium lights blaze, a story unfolds beyond the gridiron—one of resilience, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we look beyond the championships to reveal the heartbeat of Corner Canyon High School football with the illustrious Coach Kjar, a titan of the sport whose life journey transcends the playbook. From his formative years in Wyoming to...

Every life is a story, and some are imbued with the passion and resilience that can inspire us all. On our latest episode, we're honored to host Eric Thompson, Ogden High School's beloved football coach, who takes us through his transformative journey from a zealous young athlete to a coaching legend, all while grappling with the challenges of ALS. His tale unfolds from the vibrant field...

Welcome to Above The Whistle. I believe coaches can have some of the biggest impacts on a kid's life through the lessons they teach through sport. A great coach can change the trajectory of a child's life as well as create the fundamentals for the next generation to succeed.  On Above the Whistle, we will dive deep into the mindset of greatness in both sport, and life, with some of the b...