The Coachers Podcast

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, host Keanu Yamamoto sits down with Dan Stephens, the Women's Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Corban University. They discuss Coach Stephens' unique journey from a concrete contractor to a successful volleyball coach, highlighting the importance of passion and dedication in both sports and life. Coach Stephens shares insights into his coaching philo...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Coach Jordan Harlow, the head baseball coach at Linfield University. They discuss Coach Harlow's journey from high school coaching to leading a college program, his coaching philosophy, the challenges of modern coaching, and the importance of character in recruitment. Coach Harlow emphasizes the significance of teamwork, menta...

Coach Jon Eagle is a highly accomplished football coach with over 40 years of experience in high school and college coaching. Originally from Vancouver, Washington, he built a legendary career in the Pacific Northwest, compiling an impressive overall head coaching record of  278-77 across 34 seasons. Eagle’s head coaching journey included stints at Evergreen High School (Vancouver, WA: 88-39 from...

In this episode, Coach Steve Pyne shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the importance of building relationships, developing players, and fostering a strong team culture. He discusses the qualities he seeks in assistant coaches, and the balance between developing athletes and coaches. Coach Pyne emphasizes the significance of trust, compassion, and empathy in coaching, as well as the...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, we interview Coach Doug Sommer, a seasoned football coach with a rich history in coaching at various levels. Coach Sommer shares insights from his 40-year coaching journey, discussing the importance of mindset, the dynamics of coaching his sons / coaching with his sons, and the challenges faced in high school football today. He emphasizes the significance o...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, host Keanu Yamamoto interviews Coach Scott Criner. Coach Criner shares his journey in coaching, the importance of family, and his philosophy on developing young men through sports. He discusses the evolution of athletes, the qualities he looks for in assistant coaches, and the challenges faced in high school coaching today. The conversation also touches on...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Jim Shapiro, the head football coach at Kings High School in Seattle, Washington. Coach Shapiro shares his journey from a college football player to a successful coach, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, character development, and building champions. He discusses the influence of his mentor, Coach Frosty Westering, and how h...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Coach Tony Smith, head football coach at St. Paul High School. Coach Smith shares his journey into coaching, his philosophy on character development, and the importance of building a strong team culture. He discusses the challenges of coaching, handling setbacks, and the significance of leadership in sports. The conversation highli...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Coach John Lamanna, the head basketball coach at Whitman College. Coach Lamanna shares his journey from a student assistant to a successful collegiate coach, emphasizing the importance of finding one's vocation in coaching. He discusses his coaching philosophy, the significance of building relationships with players, and the r...

I had the privilege of interviewing Coach Kevin Keeney, Head Wrestling Coach at West Linn High School. A native of Canby, Oregon, Coach Keeney wrestled collegiately at the University of Oregon. In 1999, following his collegiate career, he founded the All-Phase Wrestling Club, where he continues to serve as coach and director. Additionally, he co-owns the Full Contact Fighting Federation, Oregon’s...

I had the privilege to sit down and learn from longtime PAC-12 and Mountain West coach, Gary Bernardi, whose illustrious career spans over 40 years at the Division I-A/FBS level. Coach Bernardi’s resume boasts a wealth of experience, having mentored NFL greats such as Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden and NFL All-Decade Team member Tony Boselli. Coach abides by a simple yet profound coaching code—empha...

Summary: Coach Weiss is a respected football coach and mentor with a remarkable career in both high school and collegiate athletics. Formerly the head coach at Grants Pass High School, he also dedicated 16 years to collegiate coaching, with notable roles at Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the University of San Diego. As SOU’s defensive coordinator, Coach Weiss was instrumental in securing mul...

In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Coach Wendell Say, a veteran coach with over 44 years of experience in high school football. Coach Say shares his journey from player to coach, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, building relationships with players, and instilling values such as attitude, accou...

In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Casey Bunn-Wilson, head coach of women's basketball at Linfield University. Casey shares her journey from a successful collegiate player at Oregon State to a dedicated coach, discussing her influences, coaching philosophy, and the importance of creating a positive team culture. She emphasizes the significance of building confi...

Summary In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Coach Brett Elliott shares his journey from player to head coach at Lewis and Clark College. He discusses his coaching philosophy, the importance of team culture, and embracing the challenge of becoming a Head Coach. Coach Elliott emphasizes the significance of mentorship, healthy competition, and the development of both players and coaches. He also...

In this conversation, Coach Andy Jackson shares his journey from a football player to a coach, influenced by his family's deep roots in sports. He discusses the importance of wrestling in developing toughness and resilience in athletes, his unconventional coaching strategies, and the significance of building a strong team culture. Coach Jackson emphasizes the need for self-awareness, the valu...

In this conversation, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Jackson Vaughan, Head Softball Coach, and Defensive coordinator at Linfield University. They discuss Jackson's journey from growing up on a cattle ranch to becoming a successful coach at the collegiate level. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing coaching responsibilities with family life, the importance of building a winning...

In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Coach A.J. Robinson, head football coach at Sprague High School. Coach Robinson shares his journey from being a coach's kid to leading his own program. He reflects on the lessons learned from his early coaching experiences, the importance of building a strong team culture, and the strategies he employs to inspire and communica...

In this episode of The Coacher's Podcast, Keanu Yamamoto interviews Kyoshi Harris, head coach at Garden City Community College. They discuss Harris's journey in coaching, the evolution of his coaching philosophy, and the importance of mentorship and player development. Harris shares insights on recruiting strategies, building a winning culture, and the challenges of establishing buy-in f...

In this engaging conversation, we interview Sharon Peterson, a two-time Olympian and esteemed volleyball coach, about her journey in coaching, the importance of continuous learning, and the dynamics of team building. Coach Peterson shares her insights on the mental and emotional aspects of coaching, the significance of leadership, and how to foster a winning culture. She reflects on her influences...

In this conversation, Coach Dan Lever shares his journey from a young football enthusiast to a seasoned coach, discussing the influences that shaped his career, the lessons learned from various coaching positions, and his philosophy on fostering toughness and community within the sport. He emphasizes the importance of empowering players, building strong team dynamics, and reflecting on success bey...

In this conversation, Coach Adam Guenther shares his journey from a stockbroker to a high school football coach, emphasizing the importance of family values, personal growth, and character development in coaching. He discusses his coaching philosophy, the significance of building a strong team culture, and the challenges faced in the coaching profession. Coach Guenther reflects on the lessons lear...

In this conversation, Coach Justin Starck shares his journey from being a player to becoming the head coach and athletic director at Thurston High School. He discusses the balance between his roles as a father and a coach, the importance of building a strong coaching staff, and the values that shape his coaching philosophy. Coach Starck emphasizes the significance of trust, loyalty, and accountabi...