161. Coach Tom Peterson: Building Champions with Faith, Heart & Vision

In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with veteran volleyball coach Tom Peterson to explore his remarkable career and the principles that shaped his life’s work. From humble beginnings in Utah, where boys’ volleyball wasn’t yet recognized, Tom carved his own path, eventually leading teams at Penn State, BYU, and Southern Virginia University to national championships.Tom shares how faith, unity, and a deep sense of purpose guided his coaching philosophy. Whether breaking California’s dominance in men’s volleyball or building programs from the ground up, he focused on more than athletic success—creating family-like bonds through traditions such as weekly family home evenings and teaching his players to grow as men of integrity and faith.Beyond the victories, Tom reflects on his true legacy: mentoring young men, being a father figure to those in need, and showing that leadership is about building lives, not just winning games. His story is one of vision, heart, and lasting impact both on and off the court.