Play, Learn, Lead

In this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, we're joined by Coach Nichols — a true triple-threat at the middle school level, serving as head football coach, girls basketball coach, boys track coach, and athletic director.Coach Nichols shares his journey into coaching and how he balances multiple roles while keeping student growth at the heart of it all. We dive into how coaching middle school athletes is a unique opportunity to build character early, the differences in coaching boys vs. girls, and how track helps athletes discover what they're capable of.From leadership lessons to game day memories, Coach Nichols gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead young athletes — and why sports matter at this critical stage of life. Plus, don’t miss the rapid-fire round at the end where things get fun and fast!Whether you're a coach, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and heart.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to share with a fellow coach, educator, or football fan!Love this content? Hit subscribe and join the team! 🏆🔥 Let’s grow and learn together! 👊🎙️https://tinyurl.com/48wmzefp#MiddleSchoolSports#YouthAthletics#CoachLife#AthleticDirector#FootballCoach#GirlsBasketball#TrackAndFieldCoach#CharacterThroughSports#LeadershipInCoaching#PlayLearnLeadPodcast

This week on Play, Learn, Lead, we sit down with Coach Matt Lisle—one of the most inspiring voices in the world of baseball and softball. From experiencing homelessness in 2010 to becoming a Major League coach with the Chicago White Sox, Coach Lisle’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, faith, and purpose.In this episode, we explore: ⚾ How he went from rock bottom to the big leagues 🧠 The lessons that coaching at every level—from youth to MLB—has taught him 💬 What parents, coaches, and athletes need to understand about the real journey to success 🔥 How he teaches failure, leadership, and mental toughness 💡 Why his purpose is bigger than the game—and how he’s using his platform to impact lives off the fieldWe close things out with a rapid fire round where Coach Lisle shares his favorite drills, most underrated coaching tip, and the quote that carried him through his toughest days.This is more than a coaching episode—it’s a masterclass in perseverance and purpose.🎧 Tune in now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.#PlayLearnLead #MattLisle #BaseballCoach #SoftballCoach #FromHomelessToMLB #PurposeDrivenCoach #AthleteDevelopment #MLBCoach #MentalGame #SportsLeadership #CoachingJourney

This week on Play, Learn, Lead, we sit down with Coach KB Sallee—a former Division 1 volleyball player who now leads and mentors athletes at both the high school and club level. From her early days falling in love with sports to the moment she knew she was meant to coach, KB opens up about the journey that shaped her.We dive into:How sports shaped her as a young athleteWhat she learned as a D1 playerThe real mental and emotional battles girls face in sportsHow she leads with purpose far beyond the gameWhy coaching is about building character, not just skillsPlus, a rapid fire round that reveals her favorite drill, one-word coaching style, and the quote that keeps her grounded.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to share with a coach, teammate, or sports-loving student in your life!Love the episode? Hit subscribe and stay in the game with us! 🏀🎙️ Let’s keep playing, learning, and leading together: https://tinyurl.com/48wmzefpThis episode is packed with insight for parents, athletes, and anyone who believes in coaching with heart.#PlayLearnLead #VolleyballCoach #YouthAthleteDevelopment #GirlsInSports #CoachWithPurpose #AthleteMindset #SportsLeadership #HighSchoolCoach #ClubVolleyball #CoachesWhoLead #MentorshipMatters #BeyondTheGame #PurposeDrivenCoach #AthleteGrowth #MentalHealthInSports #SportsParenting #FemaleAthletes #VolleyballLife #CharacterOverStats #CoachLife #InspiringAthletes #LeadershipThroughSports #AthleteMentor

This week on Play, Learn, Lead, I had the chance to sit down with Kameron Roach, the Director of Student-Athlete Development at UNC Charlotte. From growing up as a young athlete with big dreams to becoming a D1 basketball player, Kameron's story is all about growth, grit, and giving back.We talked about the coaches who shaped her early on, the moment she realized she had the talent to compete at the next level, and what the recruiting process taught her. She opened up about why she chose to start her college career at Kentucky—and what led her to transfer and find her fit at UNC Charlotte.Now, in her role helping student-athletes thrive off the court, Kameron shares how she’s mentoring, motivating, and making a difference through leadership, career prep, and mindset development. This episode is full of heart, purpose, and powerful takeaways for anyone who works with young athletes.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to share with a coach, teammate, or sports-loving student in your life!Love the episode? Hit subscribe and stay in the game with us! 🏀🎙️ Let’s keep playing, learning, and leading together: https://tinyurl.com/48wmzefp#PlayLearnLead #KameronRoach #UNCC #StudentAthleteDevelopment #LeadershipThroughSports #CollegeAthletics #MrLeePodcast #CoachingMatters #MentorshipMatters #AthleteMindset #BasketballJourney #TeacherCoach #LifeAfterSports #GrowTheGame #PurposeOverPoints

This week, I sat down with East Gaston High School’s tennis coach and social studies teacher, Coach Conner, to explore her journey from a young athlete with big dreams to a powerful force in both the classroom and on the court.We kicked things off by talking about the younger version of Coach Conner—the sports she played growing up, what drew her to tennis, and the people who influenced her early on. She shared the goals she had as a student-athlete and how those dreams evolved over time.In the classroom, Coach Conner brings the same focus and strategy that she uses on the tennis court. We dove into how athletics and academics intersect, and how she helps students see the value in both. Her insights into the crossover between teaching and coaching were powerful—especially the way she builds a strong classroom culture rooted in teamwork, growth, and resilience.We wrapped the conversation with a look at leadership—how Coach Conner cultivates it in her students, how she teaches teamwork in an individual sport like tennis, and what she’s learned about inspiring kids in today’s world. She also opened up about where she sees herself growing next as both a coach and an educator.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and if you know a coach, teacher, or tennis lover, share this one with them. It’s full of heart, perspective, and practical gems from someone who leads with purpose.Love this content? Hit subscribe and join the team! 🏆🔥 Let’s grow and learn together! 👊🎙️https://tinyurl.com/48wmzefp#TennisCoach#HighSchoolTennis#CoachingMatters#CoachLife#FemaleCoaches#sportsleadership #PlayLearnLead#EducationPodcast#CoachTalk#StudentGrowth#MotivateInspireLead#PodcastForEducators#kuveikis#coachconner#reaganconner#eastgaston

This week, I sat down with W.C. Friday Middle School's football coach, Coach McCray, to dive into his journey from a multi-sport-loving kid to a dedicated leader on and off the field. Coach McCray shared how his early passion for all sports gradually narrowed to a focus on football and hockey during his middle and high school years.We unpacked the challenges his team faced this season—especially when it came to understanding that every role matters, not just the ones that make highlight reels. Coach McCray opened up about how he works to build a culture of accountability, both on the field and in the classroom, and the intentional ways he motivates students in today’s world.As he explains, the methods that worked 10, 20, or 30 years ago just don’t cut it anymore. Students today need new incentives—and those incentives look different for every kid. This episode is full of insight, passion, and practical wisdom from a coach who gets it.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to share with a fellow coach, educator, or football fan!Love this content? Hit subscribe and join the team! 🏆🔥 Let’s grow and learn together! 👊🎙️https://tinyurl.com/48wmzefp#PlayLearnLead#Podcast#Mr.Lee#Kuveikis#MatthewMcCray#WCFriday#teaching#coaching

Stuart Cramer High School has officially named a new head football coach—and in this episode, I had the chance to sit down with the man behind the whistle. From humble beginnings in a small town where football isn’t just a game but a way of life, to taking a leap of faith and moving over two hours away to seize this opportunity—his journey is nothing short of inspiring.We dive deep into the story behind the hire: how family legacy, grit, and an unwavering belief in building young men led him to this moment. But here’s the twist—his first love isn’t even football. 👀We talk about:The value of playing multiple sports vs. specializing year-roundHow he builds strong teams—both in the classroom and on the fieldWhat it truly means to shift from "Me to We"His vision for the Storm and why Stuart Cramer’s future looks brightIs the program in good hands? Tune in and decide for yourself.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to share with a fellow coach, educator, or football fan!Love this content? Hit subscribe and join the team! 🏆🔥 Let’s grow and learn together! 👊🎙️https://tinyurl.com/48wmzefp#PlayLearnLead#Podcast#Mr.Lee#Kuveikis#AshtonSimmons#StuartCramer#teaching#coaching

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Manning, head coach of the Cherryville High School girls soccer team. Coach Manning opens up about how sports shaped his childhood, the impact of a high school injury that changed the course of his college dreams, and the uphill battle of rebuilding a struggling program.We dive into what it really means to be a student-athlete, how he builds authentic relationships with his players, and his ultimate goal—not just for wins, but for growth. Whether you're a coach, a teacher, or someone who believes in the power of second chances, this one’s for you.#PodcastEpisode#NewPodcast#coachingpodcast #HighSchoolCoach#SoccerCoach#GirlsSoccer#studentathletes #InjuryRecovery#SportsJourney#MentorMindset#AthleteDevelopment#MoreThanSports#CherryvilleHigh#CherryvilleNC#NorthCarolinaSoccer#GastonCountySchools

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Russ, the head football coach and athletic director at East Rutherford High School. We dive into the mental side of sports and how it shapes young athletes far beyond the game. Coach Russ shares his philosophy on coaching the person before the player, emphasizing growth, resilience, and life skills over wins and losses. He explains why success on the field is always secondary to developing strong, confident individuals who can tackle life’s challenges head-on. Whether you're a coach, teacher, or parent, this conversation is packed with wisdom on fostering a mindset for success in sports and beyond.#Coach Russ #East Rutherford High School #Mentaltoughnessinsports#Coachingphilosophy #Athletemindset #Sportspsychology#Highschoolfootballcoaching #Coachingbeyondthegame

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Corey, the dynamic PE teacher at Ida Rankin Elementary, to dive into his journey from playing college baseball to shaping young athletes in the classroom. Coach Corey shares the highs and lows of his sports career, reflecting on the moments that didn’t go as planned—and the role he played in those challenges. We also explore how his experiences as an athlete fuel his teaching philosophy, the connections he builds with students, and the energy he brings to PE every day.If you're passionate about education, coaching, and the power of sports to shape young minds, this episode is for you!Tune in every Monday at for more insightful conversations with coaches who are also educators—because great teachers are often great coaches, too.

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Coach Hawkins, head coach of the men’s and women’s soccer teams at East Gaston, to explore the intersection of coaching and teaching. We discuss his journey through sports, the difficult decisions that led him to coaching, and where he sees himself in the future. Coach Hawkins shares his coaching philosophy and how he focuses on teaching through sports, helping student-athletes develop a growth mindset, mental toughness, and leadership skills that extend beyond the field. If you're passionate about coaching in the classroom, balancing sports and school, and building future leaders, this episode is for you!

From walk-on at Clemson to mentor—Coach Murray’s journey in teaching, coaching, and inspiringIn this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, we sit down with Coach Murray, the East Gaston Track & Cross Country Coach and high school math teacher, to explore his incredible journey. From his days as a walk-on at Clemson University to shaping young athletes in the classroom and on the track, Coach Murray shares his coaching philosophy, teaching strategies, and how he inspires student-athletes to push beyond their limits.Whether you're a coach, teacher, runner, or sports fan, this episode is packed with leadership insights, mentorship advice, and motivation for educators and athletes alike.🔹 How did Coach Murray go from student-athlete to mentor?🔹 What lessons from college athletics shape his coaching and teaching today?🔹 How does he motivate and develop high school runners in track & field and cross country?Don't miss this inspiring sports and education podcast episode—hit play now!🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, I sit down with Forestview High School Basketball Coach and educator, Steve Bartlett, to explore the power of coaching in the classroom and on the court. We dive into what it truly means to impact students beyond the game, highlighting the teacher-coach connection and the life lessons that extend far past basketball.Coach Bartlett shares his coaching philosophy, the mentorship role of coaches in education, and how sports leadership in schools shapes student-athletes for lifelong success. From leadership and discipline to resilience and teamwork, we discuss how coaches who teach inspire personal growth, confidence, and character development in their players.Whether you're a coach, educator, or someone who believes in the power of mentorship, this episode is packed with insights on teaching through sports. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how coaches who are also teachers make a lasting difference in students’ lives!

In this episode of Play, learn, Lead , I sit down with Coach Bowen, the passionate and inspiring PE coach at Pinewood Elementary in Gaston County, to discuss the impact of teacher-coaches in education. We explore his approach to keeping students active, engaged, and excited about physical education, highlighting how movement supports learning in the classroom and contributes to student-athlete development from an early age.Coach Bowen shares his insights on building character through sports, the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, and how coaches who teach play a crucial role in shaping healthy habits and lifelong fitness. Whether you're a coach, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies for using sports leadership in schools to empower students through physical activity.Tune in for an insightful conversation on the role of coaching in education, and discover how teaching through sports can create lasting change beyond the gym!

In this episode of Play, Learn, Lead, we sit down with Coach Medici, the new head football coach at East Gaston, to explore his journey from youth sports to high school coaching and the teacher-coach connection. Coach Medici shares how his experiences as a player, mentor, and educator have shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the impact of teacher-coaches in education and their role in student-athlete development.We dive into the leadership lessons learned through coaching, the connections between coaching and the classroom, and how sports leadership in schools fosters discipline, teamwork, and character building. Plus, Coach Medici discusses his vision for the future of East Gaston football, his approach to mentorship in athletics, and the lasting legacy he hopes to build for his players.Whether you're a coach, educator, or someone passionate about leadership and teaching through sports, this episode is packed with insights on how sports shape young athletes beyond the game. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, education, and the power of sports! 🏈🎧