Masters In Coaching Podcast

Tim Cates sits down with USD Beach Volleyball head coach Derek Olson for an in-depth conversation about a life built around the sport. Olson reflects on his journey from player to coach, including formative stops at Cal and the University of Washington, where he helped shape competitive programs and sharpen his coaching identity. Now, Olson faces his biggest challenge yet: building USD’s Division I beach volleyball program from the ground up. With the Toreros not scheduled to play their first match until 2027, he shares what it takes to start a program from scratch—recruiting, establishing standards, and laying a foundation built to last. Olson also dives into how earning his Master’s in Coaching and Exercise Science from Concordia University Irvine has influenced his philosophy, coaching style, and approach to culture-building. It’s a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at long-term program development, leadership, and the patience required to build something meaningful before the first whistle ever blows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Tim Cates on this powerful episode of the Masters in Coaching Podcast as he sits down with Andrew Parker, head golf coach at Woodbridge High School. Coach Parker shares his inspiring coaching journey — from his early days as an educator to his time as a hockey referee, to then taking over as a high school golf coach despite limited experience playing golf himself. In a heartfelt conversation, he opens up about how his team faced a devastating tragedy, and how the players, coaches, and community came together to support each other and ultimately win a CIF Championship. Coach Parker also reflects on how he is currently going through the Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration (MCAA) Program at Concordia University Irvine, and how it’s shaping his philosophy, leadership style, and commitment to building not just better athletes — but better people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with JT Ayers, the highly respected head coach of the track and field program at Trabuco Hills High School. Known for building one of the top high school programs in Orange County, JT shares insights into his coaching philosophy, the success behind his speed and performance training, and his passion for developing young athletes both physically and mentally. A key highlight of the conversation is JT’s journey through the Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration (MCAA) program at Concordia University Irvine. He reflects on how the experience shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of continued education for coaches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special LIVE podcast from the California Coaches Conference. Tim Cates hosts a panel discussion with CIF Southern Section Commissioner Mike West, former Harvard Westlake HS girls basketball coach Melissa Hearlihy, longtime San Clemente HS AD Jon Hamro and United Christian Academy AD Juan Denny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with longtime high school basketball coach and current Mater Dei HS Athletic Director Kevin Kiernan. Over his coaching career he has won 900 games, 12 CIF-SS titles, 6 CIF-State championshps and 2 National Championships in girls basketball. Kevin helped build the girls basketball program at Troy HS and has spent the last 17 years at Mater Dei where in 2024 he was named the WBCA National GBB HS Coach of the Year. Kevin has had many players go on to play college basketball and has seen several former players make it to the WNBA. Since 2021, Kevin has been serving as Athletic Director at Mater Dei, overseeing one of the biggest brands in high school sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with Fullerton College basketball coach Perry Webster to talk about his journey from player to coach. After being named the head coach at Fullerton College at the age of 26, he has won multiple Conference Championships and State Championships over the last decade while leading the Hornets. Perry is the only person in California Community College history to win state championships in three different roles - head coach, assistant coach and player. He talks about the importance of getting his MCAA from Concordia University Irvine for his coaching career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with NFL referee Carl Cheffers for an insightful conversation about Cheffers' remarkable career as an official, how referees prepare for each game, and his deep-rooted connection to the sport—shaped by his father’s influence both as a coach and referee. When discussing the preparation that goes into each game, Cheffers revealed the extensive training that NFL referees undergo. It’s not just about understanding the rulebook; it’s about studying game footage, analyzing trends, and ensuring physical fitness. Cheffers also discussed the relationship between referees and coaches and the important mentors in his career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates sits down with one of the greatest professional beach volleyball players in history, April Ross. A 3-time Olympic medalist and the winner of a Gold medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, April’s career spans over three decades, and her journey has been nothing short of legendary. From her days as an indoor volleyball star at USC, where she helped lead her team to two National Championshps, to becoming a dominant force on the professional beach volleyball circuit, April’s accolades are a testament to her incredible work ethic, skill, and dedication to the sport. After making a name for herself in the world of professional beach volleyball, April has transitioned into coaching and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes. In addition to her athletic achievements, April also graduated from Concordia University Irvine and the MCAA Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Concordia University Irvine Associate Vice President of Athletics Crystal Rosenthal about the growth and success of the Eagles athletic department. She is also the Women's Softball Coach and just picked up her 700th career win! Crystal talks about sustaining a winning program for over two decades and the importance of a strong culture as one of the pillars in athletics. She is one of the first graduates of the MCAA from Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Murrieta Valley HS water polo coach Bryan Lynton about his 30 years in education and coaching. He has won 9 CIF Southern Section Championshps and been named the Regional Coach of the Year 3 times by USAWP. Bryan is the head coach of both the boys and girls water polo teams at Murrieta Valley HS, while also working with USA Water Polo as a coach and technical director. Bryan is a graduate of the MCAA from Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with former Penn State standout and current Mater Dei HS girls volleyball coach Dan O'Dell about his playing career and the success he's had bulding a championship program in Southern California. Coach O'Dell talks about the growth of volleyball in the US, the competitive play in Southern California and whether your child needs to play club sports to better their game. Coach O'Dell discusses why it was important for him to pursue his MCAA from Concordia University IrvineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with former Major League pitcher Daniel Stange about his journey in professional baseball and then coaching career after his playing days ended. The former big leaguer went back to school and then got his MCAA from Concorida University Irvine which led to a AD job and opportunites to coach college baseball. Tim and Daniel also get into some serious baseball chatter about the art of pitching and the state of the game in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a return visit for Ben Benavides, who talks with Tim Cates about his new role as Athletic Director at the Edgewood ISD in San Antonio. He was a standout athlete, who returned to coach high school football for neary 25 years before elevating to his new postion within the school district. Ben is a graduate of the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine and talks about his experience in the program and how it helped him in his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Palomar College Athletic Director Dan Lynds about his career as football player, football coach and coming back to oversee the Comets athletic department. He has helped with the building of a new football stadium and and softball stadium on campus at Palomar College. Dan also talks about his experience coaching football in Japan. Dan is a graduate of the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine and talks about his experience in the program and how it helped him in his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with new Long Beach State Basketball Coach Chris Acker about getting his dream job in college hoops. After serving as an assistant coach at San Diego State the last five seasons, Coach Acker is excited about building the Beach program and taking it to new levels in the Big West Conference. He talks about the importance of mental health with coaches and players. Coach Acker is a graduate of the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine and talks about his experience in the program and how it helped him in his growth as a coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Brooke Nicholson about career coaching volleyball to now the new Athletic Director at Mission Viejo High School. Brooke was a standout volleyball player, an All-American in college and has a been a successful coach the last decade before taking on a new role at her alma mater. Brooke is a graduate of the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine and talks about how her experience in the program has helped her get to the position she is in now at Mission Viejo HS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Dr. Jennifer Rizzo about her new role at Orange Lutheran High School here in Southern California. She's a former volleyball player, coach and longtime athletic trainer that has taken on the job of starting a Health and Human Performance Program at Orange Lutheran. Dr. Rizzo talks about how more and more high schools have athletic training programs for student to learn and possibly pursue a future in that field. Dr. Rizzo talks about her time in China during the pandemic. She is a also a graduate of the MCAA program from Concordia University Irvine and has returned as an adjunct professor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Brent Dohling about his job as District Coordinator of Athletics, PE, & Health with the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Prior to that, Brent spent over a decade as a teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal in Orange County. Brent is a graduate of the MCAA program from Concordia University Irvine and has returned as a adjunct professor. He also talks about his experience as an actor in the movie "Money Ball" along side Brad PittSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Cal State Dominguez Hills Associate Vice President and Athletics Director Eric McCurdy about his first year on the job and his plans for developing and expanding the athletics department. Eric is former D1 soccer player and hs worked in the private and public sector of high school and college athletics for over 30 years. Before taking the job at CSDH, Eric operated his own sports consulting firm, which assisted student athletes and their families through the NCAA recruitment process. He had also recently assisted students in navigating the transfer portal and NIL (name, image and likeness) processes. Eric is a graduate of the MCAA program from Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates catches up with Gardy O'Flynn about his days in pro baseball and now 24 years teaching and coaching. Gardy is a nationally recognized throwing specialist with National Pitching East and Tom House Sports. He is also a graduated of the MCAA program from Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates catches up with Oregon State women's volleyball coach Lindsey Behonick about taking over the Beavers program and her goals as a 1st time head coach. Lindsey was one of the top assistant coaches in the country while at Pittsburgh and before that at Concordia University Irvine. Lindsey was an All-American volleyball player at CUI before she got her MCAA from CUI and pursued a career in coaching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates catches up with 4x Olympic medalist and Hall of Famer Brenda Villa about her journey from LA to Palo Alto to representing the United States in four different Summer Olympics. Brenda is the most decorated player in the history of women's water polo. She is now the head girls water polo coach at Orange Lutheran HS and a student in the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates catches up with Rod Sherman at the 2023 MCAA Coaches Conference at Concordia University Irvine. Rod is the head football coach at Orange Lutheran HS in Southern California. Rod is entering his 3rd season at the helm, returning to coach the Lancers after his first stint as coach and athletic director from 1997-2007. Coach Sherman then served as the athletic director and head football coach at Valor Christian High School in Colorado, and then as a dean and head football coach at Arapahoe High School in Colorado. In his successful coaching experiences, Coach Sherman has been a part of and led his teams to many championship titles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates catches up with Brian Barnes at the 2023 MCAA Coaches Conference at Concordia University Irvine. A repeat appearance on the podcast for Brian, who has been a long time educator and AD at West Covina HS, but is now making the move to Downey HS as a teacher and baseball coach. Brian is an alumni of the Masters in Coaching Program and is excited to be back on campus sharing his expertise and hear all the great speakers at the Coaches Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Jesse Foss about guiding his CUI Eagles lacrosse team to a 2023 MCLA National Championship. The former college lacrosse standout at Stoney Brook has been in Southern California for two decades coaching youth, high school and college lacrosse. Jesse is in his 5th season at CUI as the Men's Lacrosse Coach and will now help the program transition from Club to NCAA D2 in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Jenny Griffith about her 30 years coaching volleyball and the culture she has built at CUI since taking over in 2020 as their Beach Volleyball Coach. Jenny has a decorated career as player, winning 2 national championships at UCLA and playing professional indoor and beach volleyball. She is also a graduate of the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program at Concordia University IrvineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Dave Caetano about his 40+ years in education as a teacher and coach. He has coached middle school and high school girls basketball in Central California, winning over 750 games and 2 Central Section CIF Championships. Dave shares his wisdom from his years leading in the classroom and on the basketball court. He is also a graduate of the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program at Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Dr. Jason Valadao about his career as a Navy pilot and now doctor and team physician at the US Naval Academy. He is the author of "Exceptional Every Day" and currently is an adjunct professor with the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program at Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with 2x Super Bowl Champion Mike Cofer about his career as an NFL kicker. After football he became a race car driver, before settling in Las Vegas and getting into education. Mike is currently the head football coach and Athletic Director at SLAM! Nevada. Mike has his Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with CIF-SS Assistant Commissioner Kristine Palle. After being a standout swimmer and water polo player, Kristine returned to Mission Viejo HS as a teacher and coach. She quickly elevated into a role as Athletic Director with the Diablos. For the past 16 years Kristine has been helping run high school sports at the CIF-SS office. Kristine has a Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine and currently teaches classes in the program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Rainer Wulf about his 30 years in education and coaching here in Southern California. He was a CIF SS Coach of the Year at Trabuco Hills HS. As athletic director he was instrumental in hiring some of the great football coaches in the area. For the last 15 years Rainer has been the Assistant Commissioner of the CIF SS. Since 2009 he has been teaching at Concordia University Irvine and their Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with St. John Bosco HS football coach Jason Negro about the success of his program, recruiting in 2023, 7v7 football, and how he continues to win year after year in the best HS football league in America. Coach Negro is also a graduate from Concordia University Irvine and their Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Steve Hagerty about his 35+ years coaching high school football in Southern California. Since 2008 Coach Hagerty has been at Bishop Amat HS and leading the Lancers acclaimed football program. Coach Hagerty is also now teaching a class at Concordia University Irvine and their Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Tracy Roberts about his 30 years as a teacher and high school golf coach. He is a PGA Class A Professional and author and founder of Play REAL Golf. Tracy is also an adjunct professor at Concordia University Irvine and their Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with super sports agent Leigh Steinberg about his career representing some of the NFL's biggest stars like Troy Aikman and Patrick Mahomes. Leigh discusses how money has changed sports and sports business over the years and his support of the CUI Sports Business MBA Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with CUI Women's Basketball Coach Christine Collins-Kiernan about her team and the upcoming 2022-2023 season. Coach Collins-Kiernan started as HS assistant coach, then an assistant coach at the D1 level, before taking over her own program at CUI and building it into one of the strongest DII women's basketball teams on the west coast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with former CUI Women's Basketball All-American Michaela VanderKlugt about her college career and now playing professionally overseas. Michaela graduated CUI with a degree in Biology and now is close to earning her masters degree from the CUI Masters In Coaching and Athletics Administration program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Courtney Thomsen about her path to becoming the Athletic Director at Midland University. Courtney was a stand out soccer player who got into coaching, then became a Sports Information Director at MCU before taking over as the schools AD. She also talks about her experience going through the MCAA Program at Concordia University Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Anthony Rouzier about his path to becoming one of the top high school coaches in California and his team playing in the #1 high school football league in the country. Coach Rouzier pivoted from pursuing a career in law, to his true passion of coaching football. Coach talks about building a culture for his program and the importance of being a leader to his players on and off the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Ben Benavides about returning to his alma mater and coaching the high school football team. His dedication on and off to the field to his players has helped turn around the program from a 1-win team to making the Texas HS State Playoffs last season. Ben also talks about his experience going through the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program at CUI Irvine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Jerry Campbell about his 50 years of coaching football at the high school and college levels. Jerry has written 47 books about football and the various offensive and defensive philosophies. Jerry is also an adjunct professor for the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with long time girls volleyball coach Bret Almazan-Cezar about his career in coaching and now his new job working with the Pac-12 Conference. Bret won 11 state CIF titles and was a 4x National Coach of the Year. Bret also talks about his experience graduating from the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Concordia University Irvine men's basketball coach Ken Ammann about his program and the success he's had at the NAIA and NCAA D2 levels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with long time Santa Ana HS Wrestling Coach Scott Glabb about his decades of success in the sport. Scott is a Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach for the work he did helping his student athletes on and off the mat. Read his book "A Saint In The City." Scott also teaches classes at CUI and their Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with CIF Southern Section Commissioner Rob Wigod about navigating high school sports through the pandemic and a return to normalcy for student athletes. Rob also talks about the partnership that the CIF and CUI have with the Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Margueritte Aozasa about taking over as the new UCLA Women's Soccer Coach and why getting her Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration from CUI was so beneficial for her as a leader and coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Olympic Gold Medalist Staciana Winfield about winning gold in Sydney and life now after as a teacher, swim coach and spokesperson for alopecia. She completed the MCAA program at Concordia University Irvine and is coming back to teach classes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Dusty Buell about being a CEO of a company and a high school soccer coach. He explains how the MCAA Program at Concordia University Irvine changed his philosophy of leadership and how it has positively impacted the way he leads at both of his jobs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier about his 40 years in education, coaching and the launch of the new Servant Leadership Institute at Concordia University Irvine..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Cates talks with Tom White, the Founding Director of the MCAA Program at Concordia University Irvine. Tom started the program in 2005 with 12 students and has helped grow it into the Nation's #1 athletics graduate program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.