From Homeless Teen to Head Coach with Coach Josh Schertz

Coach Josh Schertz went from a homeless high school dropout to leading a Division I basketball program. In this powerful conversation, Coach Schertz shares the setbacks that shaped him, the mentors who changed his path, and the philosophy of Kaizen—continuous daily improvement—that drives his success. Packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and belief, this episode is for anyone chasing growth on or off the court.   Josh Schertz, named head coach of the Saint Louis Billikens in 2024, has built a reputation as one of college basketball’s premier program-builders. He revitalized Indiana State with a Missouri Valley Conference title and national Coach of the Year honors, after turning Lincoln Memorial into a Division II powerhouse with multiple 30-win seasons and deep tournament runs. Known for his up-tempo, efficient offense and detail-driven approach, Schertz brings vision and consistency to every program he leads. Off the court, Schertz is equally focused on relationships and community. A husband and father of two, he carves out time to travel with his family, often unplugging from basketball to recharge. He’s active in the Jewish community and makes it a priority to connect the Billikens with the broader St. Louis culture. A self-proclaimed foodie with a love for sushi and Italian cuisine, Schertz enjoys exploring local spots and has a traveler’s heart, with the Amalfi Coast among his favorite destinations. He also follows tennis, baseball, and football. At his core, Schertz sees coaching as more than wins — it’s about building trust, shaping lives, and creating bonds that last well beyond the final buzzer.   Watch the Full Episode Here!