The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together

In this episode, Coach Hernandez opens with a story about a sign he saw in a barbershop many years ago dealing with how teenagers feel about their parents. He continues with what young people need in their Life's Hike backpack. He calls it part of life's road map. His next segment gives coaches an approach he used on how he wanats his players to conduct themselves. He concludes with a tip for athletic directors about getting some important information as quickly as possible.

Coach Hernandez talks about his days as a teacher and making things relevant with his students. He references some things about the movie The Karate Kid and how this can help young people develop muscle memory. Another segment on tips for AD's and businesses about websites that give you credibility and are helpful to all who go to the websites. He ends with some GOOD STUFF bout the power of words.

In this episode coach opens with a line from a Billy Joel song that leads into a discussion about making some changes in one's life. A second observation concerns the song Tin Man by America and how the Wizard of Oz helps him. This translates into helping yourself. For those in leadership positions, tips about being organized are presented. He revisits the idea about parents being their children's most important coach.

In episode 22, Coach Hernandez opens with the idea about players knowing their roles on a team and some just want to be with their friends and that courage means different things to different players. He has a tip for athletic directors dealing with medical information and adds to previous episodes about helping parents deal with the Fear of Failure situation in young people. also time management is discussed for those going away to college.

Coach brings back the 'NUMBERS" thing, this time with the number 21. Athletic Directors and others in positions of leadership are encouraged about being highly organized. Coaches are presented with a motivational tool focusing on player involvement. Parents are encouraged to help their children develop resiliency, before the onset of fear of failure. He gives three ways to help with this aspect of the growing up process.

This episode opens with a focus on part of his title WINNING TOGETHER" and how important it is. Athletic directors, coaches and business managers are presented with an idea of what coach labels a "Captain's Council" He concludes with a continuation of his idea about helping to develop a positive attitude for players, children and workers.

In episode #19, Coach Hernandez opens with an explanation about a poem entitled "OZYMANDIAS" about a long ago deceased king whose castle ruins are discovered in the desert. It relates to his thoughts on trying to accomplish successes even though ours maybe forgotten one day. Coaches and parents are presented with the idea of young people having a Fear of Failure and some ways to help with this. Parents, coaches and business leaders get a discussion about ATTITUDE" for their players and workers and ways to improve it.

In episode 18, Coach Hernandez revisits his locker room slogan from the previous episode by helping students, or anyone, determine whether something they are about to do is right or wrong. Coaches are presented with the issue of what makes a great coach and leaving a "legacy". The parents are given some direction in helping their child get and keep motivated. He adds a promise to address "ATTITUDE" in the next episode after giving the first of a few ways to help the coaches with motivating their child!

In this episode, Coach opens with some interesting facts about numbers and presents a couple of websites that could be fascinating.  Happens that number 17 is one of his favorite numbers and explains why.  For coaches, he suggests a unique way to say a pre-game prayer.  You'll find this interesting.  He addresses to students about two important ideas...discipline and regret through a locker room slogan.  For parents, Coach suggests and open dialogue that can greatly help their child's working relationship with their coaches. 

In Episode #16 Coach Hernandez opens with a parable that presents an example of how someone keeps things in perspective.  Our athletic children experience many things during their young years and perspective helps with dealing with this issue. For coaches, he presents "end of practice" routines that will send the players off with a few meaningful minutes.  For parents and students, Coach brings up two situations that will help with maintaining a good relationship with their classroom teachers.

In Episode 15, Coach Hernandez shares leadership lessons drawn from his experience as a restaurant owner, athletic director, and Marine Corps leader. He breaks down what coaches should look for when choosing team captains, including the core characteristics that separate true team leaders from talented players. Coach Hernandez also speaks directly to parents about helping young athletes keep sports in perspective, especially when pressure and expectations start to grow. He closes with a challenge for athletic directors and business leaders: one essential "demand" that can strengthen culture, accountability, and performance for everyone on the team.

In Episode 14, Coach Hernandez takes a deep look at the world of travel ball and club sports. What began as an alternative pathway for development has grown into a 40 billion dollar industry in the United States, bringing both opportunity and pressure. Coach Hernandez breaks down the competitive benefits while also examining the psychological impact on young athletes and the significant financial demands placed on families. He explores when these programs can be helpful, when they may be harmful, and what parents and athletes should consider before committing.

In episode 12, Coach Hernandez opens with the issue of "Coaches Favorites".  Most coaches have their favorites, but while skills are part of it, they really like team members that have certain attributes that have nothing to do with their physical skills. He then discusses the issue of parents coaching from the stands, which creates difficult situations for all involved.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez examines the three-way relationship at the center of every youth sports experience: players, parents, and coaches. Using relatable stories, including the memorable "Kenilworth Special," he shows how simple, intentional communication can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and improve team dynamics. Listeners will learn: One question coaches can ask to build momentum and clarity Practical ways parents can support their athletes without adding pressure The simplest way kids can earn trust and independence at home Grounded in common-sense insight and real-world examples, this episode focuses on small actions that produce meaningful change on and off the field.

In this episode, Coach Jerry Hernandez talks about the fundamental realization that "there's not another you out there", a lesson he once shared with a frustrated former assistant coach whose players were making mistakes during a high-stakes game. This concept is a powerful reminder for both coaches and parents that children and athletes often don't possess the same level of talent, experience, or singular passion for the game as the adults guiding them. Coach Hernandez shares a moving anecdote about a premed student-athlete who feared disappointing his father by switching his career path to coaching, pointing out that parental love and support are far more impactful than a child's specific achievements or career choices. Moving into the "dreaded" topic of playing time, Coach Hernandez asserts that playing time and game strategy are the two decisions strictly reserved for the coach. He warns parents against "divisive behavior," such as speaking poorly of coaches or teammates, which only serves to make an athlete's experience miserable. Coach also talks about four specific things a player can do to earn more playing time, all of which require zero physical talent. He also emphasizes that raising a child who is respectable, mentally tough, and resilient is far more valuable than any athletic skill they may acquire on the field.

Willie Mays' career was defined by courage, persistence, and greatness. Coach Hernandez uses this spirit of simplicity and excellence to challenge leaders, players, and parents to elevate their daily standards. For coaches, the focus is on relationship-building. Coach Hernandez emphasizes the power of greeting every team member at the door, allowing leaders to gauge their emotional state and show genuine care for their well-being outside of the job or sport. For players and students, the episode highlights the necessity of respecting all school personnel, including maintenance staff, cafeteria workers, and faculty. Coach Jerry also reveals the five "no-talent" traits that coaches love to see in their athletes: Buying into the team philosophy. Performing tasks exactly as requested. Doing the "little things" that help the team. Maintaining enthusiasm, regardless of playing time. Arriving early with clean, proper gear. The episode concludes with a stern lesson on personal responsibility and punctuality. Coach Hernandez insists that players should manage their own equipment and live by the ultimate truism: "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. And if you're late, you're selfish, lazy, or you don't care". Building a successful team or culture is much like maintaining a high-performance engine; while the "big parts" get the glory, it is the small, consistent habits—the oil and the fine-tuning—that prevent a breakdown and keep the entire machine moving toward the finish line.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity: Winning Together, Coach Jerry Hernandez welcomes listeners to the year 2026 and discusses how to start the year with growth and intentionality. He suggests a unique New Year's resolution, improving physical flexibility, noting its benefits for performance, blood flow, and injury prevention. The episode provides actionable advice for each branch of the "athletic trinity": For Coaches: Coach Hernandez emphasizes the importance of teaching players public speaking, a skill that helps overcome common phobias and prepares them for life after sports. For Parents: He discusses the necessity of open communication regarding scheduling conflicts, urging parents to avoid scheduling appointments that interfere with practices and games to respect team rules and consistency. For Student-Athletes: Drawing from the experience of his own 60th high school reunion, Coach Jerry highlights the immense value of lifelong friendships. He offers practical tips on how to "be a good friend" by showing genuine interest in the hobbies, beliefs, and goals of others. Finally, Coach Hernandez shares a powerful locker room slogan: "Whatever your 100% looks like, give it," reminding everyone that while talents vary, the effort we put in is what truly matters.

In this holiday-season episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, we mix a little Christmas humor with powerful life lessons for parents, students, coaches, and leaders. From the legendary struggle of "easy, no-tools-needed" toy assembly to the pressure-packed moments of youth sports, we explore what courage really looks like—for kids and for parents watching from the sidelines. Parents are reminded that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it, and that they remain the most important coach their child will ever have. Students are challenged to put the phone down, get curious, and actively search for knowledge—a habit that can elevate grades, spark new interests, and shape their future. Coaches and leaders are given a practical reminder that relationships matter, with a simple but powerful way to strengthen bonds with teachers, administrators, and families. As we wrap up the first seven episodes, this show reflects on gratitude, generosity, and doing something good for someone every day. It's a timely reminder that whether in sports, school, leadership, or life—we're better when we're winning together. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Coach Hernandez  shares practical ways coaches can build stronger partnerships with teachers (and why the teachers' lounge might be your most valuable "office"). He then shifts to "Parents as Coaches," urging families to be honest about athletic ability and to proudly support the athletes who don't get much playing time—often the toughest role in any program. The episode wraps with "corny" but powerful teammate habits: respect everyone, lead by example on the road, keep facilities clean, and show great body language in every handshake and high-five

In Episode 5 of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez kicks things off in the glow of Christmas lights, sharing childhood memories of New Orleans decorations, that unforgettable "Santa on an elephant" display, and why this season is the perfect time to teach kids about generosity, through things like Toys for Tots and visiting nursing homes with homemade cookies. Then he turns to coaches and leaders with a creative team-building idea: custom t-shirts with "insider" slogans that only your group understands, making identity and culture feel special from the inside out. For student-athletes, Coach offers a simple but powerful reminder: honoring your parents' rules, about chores, schoolwork, and how you handle yourself, strengthens the bond with the people who do so much for you. Parents, he closes with a challenging perspective from Dr. Mary Pipher on modern parenting: are we more focused on our kids' feelings than their behavior, their happiness more than their character? Coach unpacks the dangers of empty praise, low expectations, and why teaching kids how to work may be one of the greatest gifts you can give.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez starts with a powerful moment from an unlikely place: a Disney World janitor who quietly delivers a life lesson about PRIDE and doing every job the right way. From there, Coach breaks down what pride really looks like for today's athletes—how you carry yourself, how you represent your school and team, and why your body language should shout, "I'm proud to be here." Parents, Coach turns up the heat a little with a "Carpe Diem" challenge inspired by Dead Poets Society: your son or daughter only gets one chance to be a high school athlete. How are you helping them seize that moment and build memories that last a lifetime? Finally, Coach speaks directly to leaders and coaches about always being ready to "say a few words" when called on—and how preparation, first impressions, and the little things can open doors or quietly close them. Wake up with determination, go to sleep with satisfaction… and remember, little things make a big difference.

In Episode 3 of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez guides athletes, parents, coaches, and students through the seasonal transition between fall and winter sports—and the personal choices that come with it. Using real-life stories, motivational locker-room wisdom, and some good old-fashioned common sense, he explains why every person needs a "life backpack" filled with discipline, effort, and enthusiasm. This episode explores: How athletes can evaluate their season, recharge, or push forward Why body language never whispers—it screams, and how it affects performance, team morale, and recruiting What truly defines great parenting (hint: it's not touchdowns or trophies) How students can make teachers' lives easier and build success with one simple mindset: WIN—What's Important Now Packed with encouragement, relatable examples, and practical takeaways, this episode helps listeners keep moving forward on life's hike—one intentional step at a time.

In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez dives deeper into the three-way relationship that drives every youth sports experience: players, parents, and coaches. Through relatable stories—including the unforgettable "Kenilworth Special" treat—and practical, no-talent-required strategies, Coach explains how simple communication can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and build healthier team dynamics. Listeners will learn: A powerful question coaches can ask to boost team momentum How parents can support their athletes without adding pressure The easiest way kids can earn trust and independence at home Full of common-sense wisdom and real-world examples, this episode offers building blocks for positive, productive relationships on and off the field. Tune in, share with your circle, and remember: doing something good for somebody every day really is the winning play.

In the premiere episode of The Athletic Trinity, we set the foundation for what every coach, parent, and student-athlete needs to know about navigating today's world of youth and school athletics. This episode introduces the "trinity" at the heart of every successful athletic journey: the coach, the parent, and the athlete, each with a unique role, shared responsibilities, and a common goal.