Under Pressure: Coach Eric Kjar on Leadership, Mental Health, and Resilience

What does it really take to lead when the spotlight is relentless, expectations are sky-high, and every misstep is visible?Welcome to the second episode of The Stand4Kind Podcast with Shara Park—a space built to share real stories of inspiration, resilience, and growth.In this episode, we sit down with Coach Eric Kjar as he steps into a defining new chapter—his first year as head coach of the Weber State University football program, after building one of the most dominant high school football programs in Utah history. With 7 state championships, a 48-game winning streak over three seasons, and a track record for developing elite athletes at Corner Canyon High School, Coach Kjar knows what pressure feels like. But this conversation goes far beyond wins and losses.Coach Kjar opens up in a deeply personal way—sharing his own mental health journey, including being diagnosed with MS as a young coach and the lasting impact of losing his father to suicide. It’s a powerful reminder that even those who lead and inspire others are carrying challenges we don’t always see.We talk about what pressure does to your mindset, how to handle expectations when they feel overwhelming, and why mental health matters just as much as physical performance—especially for young athletes navigating high-stakes environments. Coach Kjar shares lessons on leadership, self-doubt, and the kind of resilience that isn’t always visible on the scoreboard.If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, questioned your abilities, or wondered what it truly takes to succeed when everything is on the line—this episode is for you.Subscribe to stay up to date. A new episode drops every Thursday.