Episode #166: Larry Yoder

🎙️Building a Program That Lasts | Larry Yoder | Significant Coaching Ep. 166 In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what it takes to build—and sustain—a successful college program over time. This is a real, honest conversation about how programs are actually built, what coaches go through in the early years, and how discipline, accountability, and consistency shape long-term success. From starting with limited resources and learning on the fly, to creating a program that players and parents trust, Coach Yoder shares what it really looks like behind the scenes—and why staying committed to the process matters. Yoder is in his 17th season at Mount Mercy, where he has compiled over 400 wins while leading the Mustangs to multiple conference championships, NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a fifth-place finish at the NAIA World Series. His program has rewritten the record books offensively, while continuing to excel in pitching and defense, and he played a key role in the development of Busse Field—one of the premier softball facilities in the NAIA. 🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/soft... CHAPTERS 00:40 “What Are You Doing?” – First-Year Reflection 02:00 Taking Over a Struggling Program 03:30 Rebuilding a Roster from Scratch 05:30 Early Wins & Finding Momentum 08:15 Lessons from the Early Years 12:00 Building the Culture Over Time 16:30 Sustaining Success for 17 Seasons 21:00 Leadership Growth as a Coach 26:00 Raising the Standard Every Year 30:00 Advice for Coaches Building Programs 35:00 Closing Thoughts Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes Don't rely on mere chance. Be significant with your future. The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment. Get your copy here at Amazon.com Also, check out the companion workbooks The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Recruit's Journals at coachmattrogers.com or amazon.com. Support the show 📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com 📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs? Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together: Schedule FREE Recruiting Session 🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education? Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak: Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call 📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow? Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball. 📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow? Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.