The Harsh Reality of Officiating Division I Sports - Big 10 and 12 Umpire Josh Schepis

In this episode, Division I umpire across the Big 12 Conference and Big Ten Conference as well as an experienced coach, Josh Schepis shares powerful insight on what it truly takes to develop a championship mentality in today’s competitive sports environment. From handling pressure at the highest levels of officiating to learning from costly mistakes, Josh explains the mental discipline required to succeed when every decision carries weight.We also dive into how recruiting has changed, the impact of National Collegiate Athletic Association NIL, differences between today’s athletes and previous generations, and what coaches are now looking for beyond talent alone. Josh gives honest perspectives on leadership, accountability, and the standards athletes must meet to separate themselves.He also discusses coaching philosophy, the future impact of AI in sports, and shares real stories from behind the plate that reveal the harsh realities officials face at the highest levels of college athletics. This conversation covers much more across the evolving world of college sports and offers valuable perspective for athletes, coaches, and anyone serious about understanding what high-level competition really demands.