From Iowa to UTSA: Kris Reupke on Failure, Grit & Fatherhood

In Coach Dad’s first guest episode, Jim sits down with Kris Reupke — husband, father, coach, business owner, former Division I pitcher at UTSA, and owner/manager of DBAT New Braunfels.Kris shares his story from small-town Iowa to junior college baseball, UTSA, coaching, business ownership, and fatherhood. Along the way, he talks about mental toughness, failure, preparation, recruiting, youth sports pressure, travel ball, and what it really means to develop young athletes.But the heart of this conversation is bigger than baseball.Kris opens up about learning the difference between being a coach and being a dad, especially on the ride home after games. He talks about the moment he stopped trying to correct everything and started asking better questions, listening more, and giving his son room to process.Jim and Kris also discuss what coaches look for beyond talent, why parents matter in the recruiting process, how athletes are shaped by the environment at home, and why youth sports should produce better people — not just better players.This episode is a practical, honest, faith-and-character-centered conversation for dads, coaches, and sports families who want to lead kids well.The mission is bigger than the game — and it starts at home.Have a question or want to join in the discussion? Click here to send us your voice or text message. We'd love to hear from you! 📩 Join the Coach Dad email list for weekly encouragement, practical tools, and honest conversations for sports dads, coaches, and families.Credits: Photo/Video: Noah Miller, Micah MillerVideo Editing/CoachDad Theme music: Asher Miller🎧 Listen to Coach Dad wherever you listen to podcasts. Contact: [email protected]📹 Video Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachdadlive🤝Want to support the CoachDad launch? https://coachdad.live/partner