Contacts Coaching Podcast

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ryan Diew, head basketball coach at Head Royce Boys basketball and proud alum of the school. Coach Diew shares his journey from being an athlete at Head Royce to playing basketball at Colgate University, and eventually returning to his alma mater to coach. He discusses his experiences as a walk-on, the valuable...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark speaks with Trey Brown, Head Football Coach and Associate Director of Admission at Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts. Trey shares his journey from growing up in Livingston, California, to becoming a key figure at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the USA. He discusses the importance of building personal conne...

In this episode of the Contacts coaching podcast, we sit down with Tyler Whitley, the head football coach at Taft School and Associate Athletic Director. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Torrington, Connecticut, to becoming a multi-sport athlete in high school, and eventually finding his passion in coaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling multiple roles at a boardin...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin interviews Justin Ferdinand, Athletic Director at a prestigious high school in San Mateo, California. They discuss Ferdinand's journey from growing up in San Ramon, California, to playing water polo at Chaminade University in Oahu, and his subsequent transitions through various coaching and administrative roles. The conversation cov...

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, Matt welcomes Jorden Radliff, a physiotherapist based in Melbourne, Australia. Jorden shares his journey from being a sports enthusiast to becoming an expert in ACL recovery and physiotherapy. The conversation dives deep into the differences between Australian and American sports systems, ACL injury recovery timelines, the role of mus...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we pivot from our usual focus on coaching to gain valuable insights from current collegiate athlete Ella Emmert, catcher at the University of Kentucky. Ella shares her unique journey into athletics, starting softball at age 10, and overcoming challenges to play at the collegiate level. She discusses the importance of gratitude, identity, and living...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we're joined by Meghan Levers, the Athletic Director at Overfelt High School in San Jose. Meghan shares her inspiring journey from her beginnings in the San Fernando Valley to her experience as a JV soccer coach, and ultimately, to her current role as AD. She discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges of managing sports programs with lim...

In this episode, the hosts welcome Donnie McKillop, Associate Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at East Coast Loomis Chaffee School. McKillop discusses his background growing up in Southern California, balancing multiple sports, and his journey through various coaching roles at institutions like Middlebury College, Springfield College, and Amherst College. He delves into the challenges and...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, Rafael, the Athletic Director at Modoc High School, returns to share his journey and discuss the unique challenges of running athletic programs in a small-town setting in northern California. He reflects on his path from student to teacher and administrator, highlights the importance of relationships and networking, and addresses the logistical hur...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, Josh Adams, the Athletic Director at Gilroy High School, discusses his extensive journey in sports starting from humble beginnings. Adams shares experiences from his background in high school sports, coaching youth wrestling, and various administrative roles in different districts. He highlights his progression from volunteering to becoming a head...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host welcomes back Coach Eddie Wilson for the third time, marking roughly two years since his last appearance. Eddie shares his experiences transitioning from Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, where he spent 24 years, to Vanden High School, his alma mater. He discusses the challenges and new dynamics of adjusting to a different environment,...

Join us on the Contacts Coaching Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Lori Perez, head softball coach at Sacramento State University. Lori discusses her Northern California roots, her climb through the coaching ranks, and the challenges she faced along the way. Lori shares her insights on player development, the impact of Title IX, navigating the transfer portal, and the evolving lands...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, we speak with Gerard Martin, an Australian coach who shares his journey from playing basketball in Australia to becoming an assistant coach for the Valley Suns in the G League. Gerard discusses his early days playing basketball influenced by his mom who played professionally, the transition from playing to coaching after a career-impacting injury,...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, host welcomes DJ Broome, the new head basketball coach at Cal Poly Humboldt. The conversation covers DJ's early life as a sports enthusiast, his transition from baseball to basketball, his collegiate career at Humboldt State, and his journey through various coaching positions. DJ shares insights into his coaching philosophy, the impact of his e...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we sit down with Will Burkett, an assistant basketball coach at Santa Clara University. Will shares his journey from being a high school athlete in Watsonville, through his time as a student manager at the University of Arizona, to playing and coaching roles at institutions like Monterey Peninsula College and Santa Clara University. He discusses th...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, we sit down with James Jansen, the Associate Head Coach at Davidson College. Coach Jansen shares his fascinating journey from coaching youth basketball in Melbourne, Australia, to becoming an associate head coach in the United States. He discusses the differences between the Australian and American coaching landscapes, emphasizing the integrated cl...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, host is joined by Paul Lankford, an accomplished basketball coach from Australia, to discuss his extensive journey through various levels of coaching. Paul shares his experiences from coaching local club teams to leading semi-pro teams and becoming a director of coaching. He also discusses his involvement with Australian Basketball Travelers, facil...

Welcome to the Contacts Coaching Podcast! In this episode, host welcomes Mark Alabakov, a professional basketball coach from Melbourne, Australia, to share his extensive journey in the world of coaching. Mark discusses his roots in sports, transitioning from a player to coaching at various levels, and the valuable lessons learned from some of Australia's top coaches. He delves into his coachin...

Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching podcast, featuring an insightful conversation with Coach DeMar Lane from KIPP Navigate College Prep. In this episode, Coach Lane shares his journey from East Oakland, California, through his athletic career at Laney College and Southeastern Louisiana University, to his current role as an athletic director. Tune in as Coach Lane discusses the highs and lows of...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we sit down with Sara Shaughnessy, the athletic director at Castilleja, as she shares her journey from growing up immersed in sports to stepping into her new role in 2025. Sarah discusses her formative experiences in sports, coaching youth volleyball, and her 13-year tenure at the International School of San Francisco. She touches on leadership les...

In this special episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we are joined by Carl Parnell, an expert marketer and educator, who shares his incredible journey from touring with a metal band to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Carl unfolds his story of transitioning from a musician to working at Microsoft, learning affiliate marketing, and eventually creating a highly successful online coaching bus...

Join us in this enriching episode as we catch up with Coach Gus Argenal, the newly appointed head basketball coach at UC Riverside. Reflecting on his successful tenure at Cal State San Bernardino, Coach Argenal shares invaluable insights on transitioning roles, the impact of COVID on basketball, the importance of clear communication, and adapting to rapid changes in the athletic landscape. Whether...

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we are joined by Nick Peck, an award-winning journalist, Amazon bestseller, and former athlete and coach. Nick shares his inspiring life story, overcoming a challenging childhood to succeed in sports, coaching, and journalism. He discusses the importance of networking, balancing multiple passions, and staying present-focused. Nick also delves into...

Join us on the Contacts Coaching Podcast as we sit down with JJ Santa Cruz, head basketball coach and athletic director at Copper Mountain College. Coach Santa Cruz shares his unorthodox journey through the world of athletics, from his early start coaching youth basketball to becoming a dean and coach in Joshua Tree, CA. Learn how he balances administrative responsibilities with coaching, adapts t...

oin us on the Contacts Coaching Podcast as we sit down with Angela Lewis, former basketball coach, speaker, and author, who shares her inspiring journey from playing professional basketball to coaching and writing. Angela discusses her new book, 'A Ball and A Chance,' and delves into the life-changing experiences that shaped her career. From her serendipitous discovery at Blockbuster to pl...