Life on the Road - A Coach's Journey

In this episode of Life on the Road: A Coach's Journey, hosts Alphonza Kee and Scott Bollwage sit down with Head Coach Rob Jones of Norfolk State University, one of the most accomplished coaches in HBCU basketball history.Coach Jones brings 251 wins, 5 MEAC Regular Season Titles, 3 MEAC Tournament Championships, 3 MEAC Coach of the Year awards, and a 2024 CIT National Championship to the conversation. But behind every stat is a story that most people have never heard.Coach Jones opens up about growing up in Queens, NY and carving his own path in the coaching world without the benefit of a famous coaching tree or built-in network. He shares how Championship Production basketball videos became his film room, his classroom, and his foundation, and how that hunger to self-educate fueled everything that followed.We go deep on what it truly means to coach at every level, from JV and freshman ball to AAU to Division I, and the journey from interim head coach to full-time head coach in 2014. Coach Jones also takes us inside the story of his very first recruit, a player nobody else believed in, where Norfolk State was the only program willing to offer him a scholarship, and what it was like coaching his own former teammates.This is a masterclass in self-made coaching, sustained excellence, and the kind of leadership that turns programs into legacies.Whether you're a first-year JV coach trying to find your footing or a veteran looking to reconnect with why you started, this episode is for you.Follow us: @LifeOnTheRoadPodcast | @CoachAKSB

What does it take to go from graduate assistant to national champion in less than a decade?Coach Easton Bazzoli, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Gannon University, sits down with Alphonza Kee and Scott Bollwage on Life on the Road, to tell the complete story of one of the most remarkable rises in college basketball history.Bazzoli's journey did not start with a head coaching offer or a guaranteed path to the top. It started at Union University in 2017 as a graduate assistant, thrown right into the fire from day one, learning the game from the ground up, doing the grunt work, and soaking up every lesson he could from the coaches around him. He was promoted to a full assistant position in 2018 and spent years building his foundation the right way, one practice, one film session, and one recruit at a time.When he arrived at Gannon University in 2024 as an assistant under Coach Jordan Fee, he walked into a program that had just completed the biggest single season turnaround in NCAA history, going from 3 wins to 32 wins in one year. That culture of winning every game, competing every day, and holding each other to the highest standard was already in place. And Bazzoli was right there in the middle of it, watching it all unfold and contributing to every step of that climb.Then everything changed on April 2, 2024, when Coach Fee resigned to take an assistant position at Florida Atlantic. Bazzoli was named head coach the same day. No lengthy search. No transition period. Just a phone call and a new title on a program coming off one of the greatest seasons in Division II history.Most coaches would have cracked under that pressure. Bazzoli went 0-2 to start his first season. The doubt crept in. The imposter syndrome that every young coach knows all too well started asking its familiar questions. Do I have what it takes? Am I ready for this? But instead of panicking, Bazzoli did what great coaches do. He reflected. He leaned on the personal experiences that shaped him. He called on the lessons of the mentors who had poured into him throughout his career. And then he went to work.The Golden Knights finished that first season 27-7, winning the PSAC West division title and the PSAC Tournament. Year two brought even more. Bazzoli led Gannon to the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship, defeating Lander 84-61 in the title game and cementing his place as one of the youngest and most successful coaches in college basketball history. His overall coaching record now stands at an elite 61-10.But behind the wins and the banners is a real and honest story. The restaurant that forgot the head coach's food order and the survival cheat code every assistant coach needs to know. The weight of taking over a 30 win program at just 30 years old. The quiet moments of doubt that even champions experience. The teammates and mentors who spoke life into him when he needed it most. And the unwavering support of his family who sacrificed alongside him through every early morning, late night, and crossroads moment of this journey.Coach Bazzoli also opens up about what he looks for in recruiting, why character matters more than talent when building a championship culture, the importance of team chemistry, and how a group that nobody feared walking into the gym became the last team standing at the end of the season.This is not just a basketball conversation. This is a conversation about belief, resilience, leadership, and what it truly means to trust the process when nobody else sees it coming. Whether you are a coach, a player, a parent, or someone chasing a goal that feels bigger than you right now, this episode is for you.New episodes every Thursday. Follow Life on the Road, A Coach's Journey on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and X.@LifeOnTheRoadPodcast | @CoachAKSB

🎙️🏀 Life On The Road: A Coach's Journey | ft. Bob Szorc, Associate Head Coach, Appalachian State Men's BasketballCoach Alphonza Kee and Coach Scott Bollwage sit down with Coach Bob Szorc. We go back and watch the Journey of a kid from the Chicago area pick up a whistle, step into a gym, and decide to give his life to the game of basketball. Trust us, this journey is one you do NOT want to miss!From the Illinois to the heart of Cleveland, Mississippi where he sat down at a restaurant, saw GRITS on the menu, and ordered them with absolutely zero idea what he was about to experience, Coach Szorc's road has been anything but ordinary. Talk about a culture shock! 😂🍽️But this episode goes WAY deeper than food. Coach Szorc gets real about the self-doubt that creeps in when you first step into coaching, not fully knowing what the job entails, wondering if you belong, and questioning everything. His message? Don't quit. Keep showing up. Because the confidence doesn't come first, the showing up does. Every single day you stay in the fight, you get better, and eventually you look up and realize you've become exactly the coach you always believed you could be. 💪He also opens up about one of the toughest decisions of his coaching career, closing a chapter he was comfortable in and stepping into a completely uncertain one with no guarantees and no roadmap. Just faith, courage, and a relentless belief in the process.And then there's the scouting story. 😂 Coach Szorc went to scout a football game, saw the team getting blown out, figured the game was in hand, and left early. That team came all the way back and WON. He missed every single second of it and had to find out from his HEAD COACH the next morning at breakfast. Let's just say, scouting to the end hits a little different after that one! 💀🏈Through it all, Coach Szorc has built one of the most elite defensive programs in the country at App State. 8 seasons. 133 wins. 76 Sun Belt victories. A '23-24 Sun Belt Championship. A '20-21 NCAA Tournament appearance. 6 straight top 50 national defensive seasons. And a culture built on showing up, competing, and never leaving early! 🏆🔒This episode is equal parts hilarious, inspiring, and packed with real talk about what it truly takes to build a winning program and a winning life on the road.Whether you're a coach, a player, an athlete, or just someone who loves a great story about grit, growth, and grits, this one is for YOU!🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms!📲 Follow us: @CoachAKSB on Instagram & X▶️ Subscribe: @LifeOnTheRoadPodcast on YouTube🐦 Follow Coach Szorc: @Coach_Szorc on X#LifeOnTheRoad #BobSzorc #AppState #Mountaineers #CoachLife #BasketballPodcast #OvercomingDoubt #NeverQuit #SunBelt

What does it actually take to make it in the coaching world? Coach Grant Leonard is pulling back the curtain and holding NOTHING back.From working multiple jobs just to stay in the game, to grinding through the camp circuit building relationships one summer at a time, to standing on the sideline of the NCAA Tournament for the FIRST TIME in Queens University history , this is the story nobody tells you about.Coach Leonard takes us through every twist and turn of his 20-year journey. The fork in the road moment where he had to decide between going home or keep fighting. The lessons learned coaching at the lower levels , finding his coaching voice, learning to recruit, and developing players from the ground up. The chaos behind the clipboard that only coaches will truly understand. And yes, we talk about the sweaters. 😂This isn't just a basketball story. This is a story about determination, sacrifice, and what happens when you refuse to quit on your dream.Whether you're a coach grinding at the lower levels, an aspiring coach wondering if it's worth it, or just a fan who loves the game , this episode is for YOU.New episodes of Life on the Road , A Coach's Journey with Coach Alphonza Kee and Coach Scott Bollwage drop every Thursday.🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

This week, Coach Alphonza Kee & Coach Scott Bollwage tap in with Akeem Miskdeen, assistant coach at Michigan, and this one is all about the journey.From knowing at an early age he wanted to coach… to starting as a volunteer at Hampton… to grinding his way through stops at Mount Olive, Wingate, Hampton again, Kent State, Florida Atlantic, Florida, Georgia… and now Michigan.We get into the mindset that separates real coaches, being fully committed to where your feet are, not chasing the next job, but making the job you have the most important one there is.We also dive into defining moments, the hesitation of leaving Wingate, the advice that changed everything, “never pass on an opportunity,” and what it meant for his journey.And then… the full circle moment.Back in his hometown of Chicago, coaching on one of the biggest stages in the game, and being part of something bigger than basketball, seeing the Fab 5 show up and support the next generation at the Final Four.This episode is about loyalty, growth, sacrifice, and what it really takes to build a career in this game.If you’re a coach, a player, or chasing something bigger… this one is for you.Tap in.🎙️ Life on the Road, A Coach’s JourneyNew episodes every ThursdayMake sure you Subscribe, Follow and Share with someone in the game!

This week, Coach Alphonza Kee and Coach Scott Bollwage sit down with Tryston Lawrence and take the journey global.Tryston began building his coaching foundation through player development; which opened the door for him to get onto the sidelines. His attention to detail in his training created opportunities to train some of the best in the game from Chris Paul and Aliyah Boston. From there, he didn’t just get comfortable, he leveled up.At just 27 years old, he became the youngest head coach in Taiwan, and eventually winning a championship in China. Most recently, he stepped into the Unrivaled Basketball League with the Phantom Basketball Club, helping them reach the Championship Game (when they were picked to finish last).We also dive into his experience in Serbia, breaking down the Belgrade rivalry between Red Star and Partizan, one of the most passionate and high-pressure atmospheres in basketball.This episode is about growth, risk, and what it really takes to step outside your comfort zone and bet on yourself.Tap in.🎙️ Life on the Road, A Coach’s JourneyNew episodes every ThursdayMake sure you subscribe, follow and share with someone in the game!

Season 2 is here… and we’re setting the tone right away.Coach Alphonza Kee and Scott Bollwage kick things off by catching you up on their journeys since Season 1, the grind, the growth, and everything the road has taught them along the way.We’re also introducing two new segments:“Hoops Took Me Here, Hoops Took Me There” , the best places and the wildest, most unexpected stops the game has taken you.“Remember the Time” , real stories every coach has lived through, missed scouting reports, forgotten gear, and those crazy moments on the road and in recruiting that you can laugh about now… but definitely couldn’t then.New season. New energy. Same game.Tap in and ride with us.🎙️ Life on the Road, A Coach’s Journey

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage head out to the home of this year's Final Four (virtually), to catch up with the Head Girl's Basketball Coach at Sequoia Pathfinder at Verrado Way and 2023-2024 Coach of the Year, Lynn Ramage. Coach Ramage is also a part of Coach Bollwage's journey as they worked together at Greensboro College. He has a great story of working his way through the coaching ranks all the way up to becoming a head coach at the Division I level to this year coaching his girl's team to a state championship in Arizona. Enjoy another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road".

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with the Head Coach at Davidson-Davie C.C., Matt Ridge. Coming off another deep run in the NJCAA Division II Tournament, Coach Ridge discusses his early beginnings in the coaching profession as a Student Assistant at UNC, with their JV program to becoming the head coach at Davidson C.C. With five straight 30+ wins seasons, Coach Ridge has put Davidson-Davie C.C. on the National map and we a grateful to have him share some of the lessons he's learned on his "Life on the Road". #LifeOnTheRoad #Coaching #Basketball #DavidsonDavieCC

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage travel across the pond (virtually) and catch up with the head coach for Pallacanestro Trieste in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A, Jamion Christian. Coach Christian has a remarkable story to share with everyone, from being a "Player/Assistant" at Mount St. Mary's to working for Shaka Smart at VCU, then returning to his Alma Mater to become the head coach at Mount St. Mary's. Now he is the head coach for Pallacanestro Trieste in Italy. Like all of our guests, Coach Christian brings a wealth of knowledge for everyone to learn from. We hope you enjoy another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road".

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage bring back the head coach at Life University, Coach Kevin Easley to discuss the some of the "Madness" that takes place in March. Coach Easley was the Director of Basketball Operations (D.O.B.O.) at UNC Wilmington under current NC State Head Coach Kevin Keats when they made it to the NCAA Tournament back in 2016. We take a look into the behind the scenes of what happens once you find out who you're playing and where you're playing. We also discuss making it to the NAIA Tournament and what goes into that preparation. This episode gives our listeners a great opportunity to see what coaches go through off the court, not just the X' & O's and what you see on television. We hope you enjoy another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road".

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with Coach Andre Gray. Coach Gray is one of the most respected coaches throughout the state of North Carolina. We have the opportunity to listen to journey and hear all of the lessons he's learned along the way. As you'll see Coach Gray was very strategic on certain jobs he wanted to take, so he could get the job he wanted. We hope you enjoy another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road".

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage discuss one of the biggest topics in the coaching profession this time of year, the "Coaching Carousel". This time of year, many coaches are trying to win a conference championship and at the same time trying to keep their job. Coach Kee & Coach Bollwage discuss what is going through the mind of a head coach and an assistant coach (since we've both been in that position). We hope you enjoy this special episode of "Life on the Road".

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with the Head Boy's Basketball Coach at Milan High School in Milan, TN, Jason James. What makes this episode special is Coach James at an early age said he wanted to be a Division I head coach, and at the age of 31 that happened for him. And we get a chance to hear his Journey along his "Life on the Road". #LifeOnTheRoad #Basketball #Coaching

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage head to Wolfpack Country (virtually), and talk with Larry Dixon who is an assistant coach at North Carolina State University. Coach Dixon started at the high school level and worked his way all the way up to the highest level of college basketball. During our conversation we focus on how being a college coach can effect their children and also how it effects their relationship with their children. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage get a chance the talk with the head coach at Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville, NC, Ike Walker. Coach Walker has been the head coach at Jack Britt HS for 24 years (which is how long the school has been open for). With over 300 wins as a head coach, he shares some great stories and lessons learned along his "Life on the Road".

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage talk with Robert Brickey. Coach Brickey, like many coaches wanted to stay involved in the game of basketball once their playing career was over, so coaching was the next step. Coming off of an outstanding basketball career which included being named "Mr. Basketball" in the State of North Carolina, to three final four appearances playing for Duke University, Coach Brickey took his playing experience into the coaching world. This is another can't miss episode of "Life on the Road", especially his "Ultimate Coaching Staff". #LifeOnTheRoad #Basketball #Coaching #GoDuke

This week, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage take a trip (Virtually) to Forsyth Country Day, just outside of Winston-Salem, NC to catch up with their head boy's basketball coach, Doug Esleeck. Coach Doug, like many coaches in this profession, have had a few stops along his coaching journey, and at some point we have to decide what is most important to us in our lives. If you are at that point in your coaching career, you need to listen to this episode. Because Coach Doug, had that moment along his "Life on the Road". We hope you enjoy another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road". #LifeOnTheRoad #Coaching #Basketball #Family

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with the Head Coach at Life University, Kevin Easley. Coach Easley has a great journey with some great lessons learned along the way. From his early beginnings at UT Martin, all the way to becoming the Head Coach at Life University, Kevin Easley, like many coaches in this profession, has been through the ups and downs on his "Life on the Road." And we are fortunate for him to share the side that most people don't get to see coaches go through. Let us know what you think! #LifeOnTheRoad #Coaching #Basketball

On this week's podcast, co-hosts Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage take a trip (virtually) north of the boarder to Orangeville Prep in Canada to catch up their Head Coach Larry Blunt. From starting at the small college level to coaching future NBA players along his "Life on the Road," Coach Blunt, like all of our previous guests, has an amazing coaching journey. We hope you enjoy another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road".

On the episode of "Life on the Road" Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with one of the winningest coaches in the state of North Carolina, the Head Coach at North Carolina Wesleyan University, John Thompson. It is very rare in this day and age you see coaches stay at one school for a long period time and Coach Thompson is now in his 29th year as head coach at North Carolina Wesleyan. We are excited to for everyone to hear Coach John Thompson's journey along his "Life on the Road." #LifeOnTheRoad #Coaching #Basketball #NCWU

On this week's podcast, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage take a trip (virtually) down the Baton Rouge, LA and catch up with our friend/Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at LSU, Tim Kaine. Coach Kaine takes through his coaching journey and what a journey he has. Many coaches listening can appreciate his path to where he is now. From starting D-III to D-II to D-I, he truly started at the bottom and worked his way up on along his "Life on the Road". We hope you enjoy another episode of "Life on the Road".

On this Christmas edition of "Life on the Road" Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage talk with a rising star in the coaching profession, the head women's basketball coach at USC Upstate, Jason Williams. What makes this episode special is Coach Bollwage was an assistant when Coach Williams played at Greensboro College. So we pick up after his playing days were over and dig deep into his passion for helping and serving others along Jason Williams "Life on the Road". We hope you enjoy the latest episode of "Life on the Road". #LifeOnTheRoad #Coaching #Basketball #USCUpstate #WomensBasketball

On this week's episode of "Life on the Road" Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage have a chance to talk with the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Fayetteville State University, Luke D'Alessio. Coach D'Alessio has over 35 years of coaching experience and like all of our previous guests, he takes us back to where his coaching journey began. Like many coaches, coaching was not his main source of income, and we find out, it took Coach D'Alessio over 15 years for coaching to finally become a paid full-time coach. This is another can't miss episode and we can't wait for everyone to hear Coach Luke D'Alessio's "Life on the Road."

This week on "Life on the Road", Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with a coach who they consider family, Tennille Adams. Now, she's an assistant coach at the University of Alabama, but we all go back to our days when we were all coaches at North Carolina A&T. Like all of our guests, we take it back to the beginning, before our journeys would eventually cross paths and what it was like working together. We hope you enjoy another amazing journey and learn a few things from Coach Tennille Adams "Life on the Road".

On this week's episode of Life one the Road, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage talk with the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Allen University, Shawn Walker. Coach Walker has over 300 wins as a head coach. He has over 25 years of coaching experience, which means he has learned some great lessons along his "Life on the Road".

This week Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage talk with the Head Men's Basketball Coach at UNC-Pembroke Drew Richards. Coach Richards takes us back to the beginning of his coaching career and how he got started in the coaching profession. From being a Full-Time Volunteer coach (if you've ever coached at a small college, you understand) to becoming the head coach at UNC-Pembroke. Coach Richards discusses the importance of delegating responsibilities, and how to handle the times when responsibilities aren't completed within the coaching staff. If you're a coach, we not only hope you enjoy each episode, but take something away from each and every coach's journey along their "Life on the Road"

On this week's episode, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage talk with, Assistant Coach at Oral Roberts University, Bill Lewit. Coach Lewit takes us back to his beginnings as a coach. We discuss the success he had at Cecil Community College in Maryland, including winning a National Championship there. Then leaving to become at an assistant coach at the University of New Orleans and the dramatic twist that took place there. Coach Lewit has had a tremendous amount of success at every stop along his journey. Now he's taking on a new position as an assistant coach at Oral Roberts University. We hope you enjoy this episode!!! #LifeOnTheRoad #Coaching #Basketball #NABC #ORUBasketball

This week, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage get a chance to talk with the Associate Head Coach at Georgetown University, Jeff Battle. Coach Battle discusses his journey as a coach; what made him want to get into coaching and the lessons he's learned on his "Life on the Road".

On this week's episode of Life on the Road, Alphonza Kee & Scott Bollwage catch up with the Head Women's Coach at North Carolina A&T State University, Tarrell Robinson. We reminisce on our days working together at A&T and coming back to become the head women's coach there. Coach Robinson discusses the lessons he has learned along his journey and how he passes those lessons down to his coaching staff. Another outstanding episode of "Life on the Road" #LifeOnTheRoad #NorthCarolinaA&T #Basketball #Coaching #NABC #WBCA #NCAA #AggiePride

On this week's episode of Life on the Road, Alphonza Kee and Scott Bollwage catch up with the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Chowan University, Rob Burke. Coach Burke discusses looks back at the beginning of his coaching career and the influence his father had on him as a coach. This episode is lives up to the title of "Life on the Road" #LifeOnTheRoad #ChowanUniversity #Basketball #Coaching #NABC

On the week's episode of "Life on the Road" the "Brand" himself Jerry Eaves joins us to discuss his coaching journey. From his early start as a scout with the Dallas Mavericks to his 1st coaching position at Howard University to where he is now. #HowardUniversity #NorthCarolinaA&T #CharlotteHornets

Welcome to Life on the Road! This podcast will focus on giving coaches a platform to discuss their journey throughout the coaching profession. On this episode, Co-hosts Alphonza Kee and Scott Bollwage discuss their own coaching journeys. From what made them want to get into the profession to where they are today. This is a great episode to introduce everyone to Life on the Road!