The Glue Guy with Jeff Everson: Sports Leadership, Team Culture and Belonging

What makes someone truly valuable to a team when their most important contributions never appear in the box score?In this episode of Bound for Greatness, Scott Jarvis sits down with Las Vegas author and former Division III football player Jeff Everson to discuss his new hockey novel, The Glue Guy.The story follows Liam Donley, an overlooked high school player with an extraordinary mind for the game, and Matt Ericson, a successful but burned-out professional athlete who becomes the first person to recognize Liam’s hidden value. Their mentorship develops into a powerful friendship that changes how both men understand leadership, belonging and their own identities.Jeff shares how his experience as a backup offensive lineman shaped the novel, why the best mentorship creates evidence instead of offering empty praise, and how leaders can maintain high standards without demeaning the people they lead. The conversation also explores psychological safety, invisible contributions, reciprocal mentorship and the responsibility coaches have to turn recognition into meaningful opportunities.This episode is essential listening for coaches, athletic directors and leaders who want to build demanding, connected and human-centered programs.The Glue Guy is available in paperback and ebook through Amazon.