Ocean State Volleyball

Mike Freitag | Put Back In The Game What You Get

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with Executive Director of Coaching for Colorado Youth Soccer Mike Freitag. Mike shares his experience as an assistant and head coach along with his personal experiences playing soccer. He also provides advice to parents and encourages them to be supportive from the sidelines.

Julie Chu | Versatility

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with Olympic medalist and World Champion Julie Chu. Julie shares her personal story of becoming the great hockey player she is today along with how she feels about being the first Asian American women to play for the U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. She also provides insight on how to be an effective captain, the importance of being a versatile player and what is in store for her future.

Jim Liston | Creating An Environment To Succeed

In this episode, Jim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance talks with former Chivas USA strength and conditioning coach and former Los Angeles Galaxy coaching staff member Jim Liston. Jim shares his experience as a coach including how to create an environment to succeed. He also shares his advice regarding weight training, the pros and cons of specializing in one sport and minimizing the risk of injury for your players. Lastly, he shares his personal experiences coaching top soccer athletes.

Sam Snow | Be Loud When Something Goes Right!

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with Sam Snow who joined the technical department of U.S. Youth Soccer as the Assistant Director of Coaching Education and after just one year, was promoted to his current role as the Director of Coaching Education

Marcelo Balboa | Pressure Makes you Play Better

In this episode, Jim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance talks with one of the top players in U.S. soccer history Marcelo Balboa. Marcelo shares his experience being coached by his father and being a coach of his sons team. He also discusses his youth soccer experience and coaches that have had a positive impact on his career. Lastly he shares his experience as a coach and the future of soccer in the U.S.

Lee Kemp | Wrestlers Are Not Quitters

In this episode, Jim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance talks with one of the greatest wrestlers in the world Lee Kemp. Lee shares the importance of a strong work ethic and great coaches. He also talks about some of his greatest competitors including Dan Gable and not being able to go to the 1980 Olympics due to the U.S. team boycott. He eventually made it to the Olympics in 2008 as a coach and shares what that meant to him and his experience.

Shannon Boxx | Passion For The Game

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with 2012 London Olympic Gold medalist Shannon Boxx, who shares how being a multiple sport player through high school helped her be successful in soccer along with stories of growing up in a competitive household that included her sister Gillian Boxx, also a Gold Medalist in Softball. She also talks about playing soccer on AYSO teams, the club level, at Notre Dame and on the National Team.

Jake Varner | A Family Tradition

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with 2012 London Olympic Gold medalist Jake Varner, who shares how wrestling for his dad and cousin as a coaches impacted his career and how to deal with parents as coaches. He also talks about this current coach Cael Sanderson, the importance of nutrition in wrestling and reflects on his Olympic experience.

Clarissa Chun | You Have To Beat The Best To Be The Best

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with 2012 London Olympic Bronze medalist Clarissa Chun, who shares how her diversity in sports helped her make it to the Olympics. And how she deals with loses and always honors the game.

Tervel Dlagnev | Loving The Process

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with 2012 USA Wrestling Olympic team member and 2012 Pan Am Champion wrestler Tervel Dlagnev. Tervel shares with Responsible Sports his philosophies on training for wrestling and competition that despite a very late entrance into wrestling has enabled him to reach the sports highest levels. With firm faith in himself and a positive outlook on every discouraging moment along the way Tervel has learned to love the process that is learning to be a great wrestler.

Kelsey Campbell | Taking Responsibility

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with 2012 US Olympic hopeful and two times NCAA national Champion Kelsey Campbell. Kelsey shares with us her decision to move from traditional high school women’s athletics into wrestling and what she learned while being the only female on both her High School and College wrestling teams. She credits her family, training partners and coaches for helping her get to the Olympics but at the same time acknowledges how important it is that she takes full responsibility for her performance on the mat.

Brian Leetch | Consistencies

In this episode, Jim talks with NHL legend and three time Olympian Brian Leetch. With more than 20 years of professional and Olympic hockey experience, Brian credits his father for having taught him how to use what values hockey instilled in him in his life. Drawing on those same values and philosophies taught to him by his father, coaches and teammates Brian, now as a youth coach, works hard to inspires his own youth athletes with consistent leadership.

Phil Housley | 24 Hour Rule

In this episode, Jim talks with NHL legend and current Stillwater Area High School Hockey team coach Phil Housley. Having returned to his roots following a very successful 21 year NHL career, Phil is passionate about the many life lessons that can be learned through hockey. He believes that high school athletes are at a particularly critical point in their development both as hockey players and as people. Through hard work and philosophies like his “24 Hour Rule” Coach Housley is giving all his players the chance to prepare for great hockey and even better lives!

Jerry York | Calm Coach = Focused Players

In this episode, Jim talks with Boston College and 2012 NCAA Men’s Hockey National Championship coach Jerry York. Relying on over forty years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, Jerry shares with Jim what makes a great coach, how to motivate and lead players and how remaining calm on the bench has often given his team a winning edge.

Jordan Burroughs | Training Mentally & Physically For Success

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance steps in for Jim and talks with 2012 USA Wrestling Olympic Team member and 2011 World Champion wrestlers Jordan Burroughs. Jordan shares with us his journey from humble beginnings to collegiate and international wrestling prowess. With the help of family and coaches, Jordan has worked hard to develop himself both mentally and physically for the adversities he will face both on the mat and in life.

Kaitlin Cochran | The Power Of Discipline

In this episode, Jim talks with current U.S. National Team softball outfielder Kaitlin Cochran. Kaitlin shares how the self discipline she developed through her experiences in softball helped her juggle successfully sports and studies. She talks about how supportive parents, motivational coaches and her teammates have inspired her to strive for greatness and how she hopes that softball will soon return to the Olympics.

Jenny Potter | Hockey's Life Lessons

In this episode, Tina Syer, Chief Impact Officer of Positive Coaching Alliance fills in for Jim Thompson, and talks with long-time USA Women’s National Hockey Team member Jenny Potter. Jenny talks with responsible sports about the many life lessons she has learned through participating in hockey. She shares wonderful stories about her family growing up, her own family today and how hockey and other sport activities away from the ice have truly enriched her life.

Tom Bobadilla | Influencing Player Behavior

In this episode, Jim talks with long-time US National, FIFA and AYSO Referee Tom Bobadilla. Tom shares how important it is that a referee connect with players and coaches both before and during competition to ensure that everyone has a truly enjoyable experience. Tom shares his philosophy that referees police behavior, but also help keep attitudes and emotions in check before fouls are committed.

Michele Smith | Control the Controllables

In this episode, Jim talks with former U.S. National Team softball pitcher and two time gold medal Olympian Michele Smith. Michele shares how she stayed positive and in control through tough moments in competition. Taught to her by her father, “control the controllables” is a mantra that has helped Michele excel in difficult times throughout her career.

Rulon Gardner | Can Do Attitude

In this episode, Jim talks with two-time Olympic wrestling medalist Rulon Gardner. Gardner explains how a “can do” attitude, forged on his family farm and encouraged by teachers and coaches, helped him to achieve his personal best in sports and in life. It was his strong personal belief in self that lead him from humble beginnings to the Gold Medal podium.

Cam Neely | Positive Outlook

In this episode, Jim talks with NHL Hall of Fame and Boston Bruins right wing hockey legend Cam Neely. Neely shares his secret to success: the power of positive thinking. Taught to him by his dad, this positive approach helped Neely bounce back from mistakes, recover from injury, and overcome two devastating losses in the Stanley Cup.

Sigi Schmid | Coaching Insights

In this episode, Jim talks with renowned soccer head coach Sigi Schmid. Beginning with his AYSO experience through college and professional coaching ranks, Schmid shares his incredible insights on coaching including handling the pressure to win, helping players improve, scouting players, and what lessons he’s learned throughout his coaching career.

Al MacInnis | Always Keep Learning

In this episode, Jim talks with Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medalist Al MacInnis, who shares how he became on of the top defenseman in the NHL through practice, working on weaknesses not just strengths, and always trying to learn and get better.

Kirk Herbstreit | For The Team

In this episode, Jim talks with Emmy Award Winning College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who talks about how he dealt with early road blocks while playing football at Ohio State, individuality in sports, the importance of responsible sports parenting and the “Win It All” mentality in pro sports.

Herm Edwards | Making An Impact

In this episode, Jim talks with current ESPN NFL Analyst and former NFL Head Coach and Player Herm Edwards, who talks about how making an impact starts at home with the parents, how his father helped him develop as an athlete and the importance of resiliency in sports and as well as life.

John Buccigross | Lessons Learned

In this episode, Jim talks with ESPN Anchor and writer John Buccigross, who talks to Jim about being a youth sports parent, a late bloomer among his peers and the important lessons a young athlete can learn from playing sports.

Ken Eriksen | The Power of Positivity

In this episode, Jim talks with current Head Coach of the USA Women's Softball Team Ken Eriksen, who talks about how controlling your emotion is the key to controlling the game, the lessons he learned while playing for Hall of Famer Robin Robert and how his playing experience as a catcher has influenced him as a coach.

Brandi Chastain | Becoming The Kind Of Player You Want To Be

In this episode, Jim talks with World Cup and Olympic Champion soccer player Brandi Chastain, who talks to Jim about how athletes deal with transition, bouncing back from injury, truly inspiring coaching, and her favorite memories from the US National Team and in this year’s Women’s World Cup.

Steve Young | It’s My Responsibility

In this episode, Jim talks with NFL Hall of Famer and Three Time Super Bowl champion Steve Young. Steve shares key insights about leadership, maturity, and responsibility on the field, supporting and inspiring teammates as a player and a parent, and the life lessons he drew from sports which have led to a varied and successful career after professional football.

Jim Mora Jr | Becoming A Team

In this episode, Jim talks with Former NFL Coach and NFL Network Analyst Jim Mora, who talks about time with his father, the lessons he learned as a player and as a coach, the impact that good youth coaches have on athletes in their formative years, and the way teammates are brought together from all different backgrounds and outlooks in order to accomplish a common goal.

Phil Jackson: Building Teams

In this episode, Jim talks with NBA coaching great and Positive Coaching Alliance National Spokesperson Phil Jackson, who shares his insights on how to build a true community within teams, finding voice for star players while encouraging role players to embrace their vital place on any successful team. Phil also shares his philosophy on balancing talent versus effort, the role of rivalries to motivate teams, and how to extend the lessons of sports beyond the court.

Shane Battier | The No-Stats All-Star

In this episode, Jim talks with current NBA Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier. Once profiled as a “No-Stats All-Star”, Battier shares with Jim his philosophy on being a great teammate, lifting the play of fellow players around him to create true team success. Battier also discusses the idea of “toughness”, beyond just physical toughness on the court. Battier’s commitment to himself and to his team is an ideal example for youth players of all sports.

Ron Wilson | The Art of Preparation

In this episode, Jim talks with the 2010 US Men’s Olympic Head Coach and current NHL Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach Ron Wilson. Known in hockey circles as a coach dedicated to preparation, Ron shares with Jim how the men’s team prepared for the Olympics, how preparation was one element of accountability to fellow teammates, and how preparation leads to playing relaxed and in the moment to come back with 24 seconds on the clock.

Jennie Finch | The Privilege of Pressure

In this episode, Jim welcomes Olympic Gold Medalist and National Softball Team pitching All-Star Jennie Finch. Borrowing a line from Billie Jean King, Jennie talks about the ‘privilege of pressure’, encouraging youth athletes to enjoy the moment and to Honor The Game by honoring themselves, their teammates, the history of the sport, and the opportunity to learn life lessons through sports.

Julie Foudy | Leadership In Sports

In this episode, Jim welcomes former US National Women’s soccer team player Julie Foudy. Foudy appeared in 4 World Cups, winning two FIFA World Championships. She also played in three Olympic Games, earning 2 Golds and a Silver. Foudy also served as the President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, served on the Commission on Opportunity in Athletics that examined the landmark 1972 Title IX Legislation. Today Foudy is a soccer analyst for ABC and ESPN as well as the co-founder of the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy.

Joy Fawcett | The Art of Communication

In this episode, Jim welcomes US National Women’s soccer team and three-time Olympic medalist Joy Fawcett. As one of the premiere defenders in the game, Fawcett holds the record for the highest scoring defender for the US National Team with 239 caps. She was also the only member of the team to play all minutes of the 1995, 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cup games as well as the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.

Dot Richardson | Teammates

In this episode, Jim talks with USA Softball Olympic Medalist Dot Richardson who shares her insights on how teammates play a pivotal role in helping athletes bounce back from mistakes and stay motivated. Dot reflects on a critical moment in Olympic history when the team had to recover from unexpected losses and how they refocused and rebounded. Dot also talks about how the lessons she learned on the softball field have translated to her professional career as a successful surgeon.

Doc Rivers | Filling Players’ Emotional Tanks

In this episode, Jim catches up with NBA Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers right after practice and the two discuss how to keep players’ emotional tanks full. Doc shares his strategies for coaching positively from the sidelines, how to involve both starters and bench players, how players can fill each others’ emotional tanks, and even shares some of his techniques used in pre-game and half-time chalk talks. Doc candidly relays real-life experiences with his current players and provides great examples that both coaches and players can use with their youth athletes.

Summer Sanders | Motivation

In this episode, Jim welcomes former Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders. Summer reflects on the coaches who influenced her career, keeping her motivated, positive and focused. She also talks about the important “home-coaching” provided by her mom and how she hopes to support her kids in their athletic careers.

Tony Dorsett | Overcoming Adversity & Mistakes

In this episode, Jim talks with Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett, who shares rarely heard stories from professional athletes on how they overcome challenges, how coaches help them bounce back from mistakes, and how parents can help young athletes focus on learning valuable life lessons from youth sports.

Alexi Lalas | Setting Goals

In this episode, Jim talks with former World Cup soccer player Alexi Lalas. Alexi shares with Jim how he set goals for himself as a premiere defenseman and how he stayed motivated to achieve both his goals and his team’s goals.

Ronnie Lott | Emotional Tanks

In this episode, Jim talks with Hall of Fame NFL cornerback and safety Ronnie Lott, about the notion of an Emotional Tank and how, just like a gas tank, when it’s full we can go anywhere we want to, but when it’s empty we can’t go at all. Ronnie shares his thoughts on how his tank was filled by coaches and fellow players, how he fill his son’s tank on and off the football field, and how he even works to fill the tank of his son’s coaches.

Doug Wilson | ELM Tree of Mastery

In this episode, Jim talks about the principle of coaching for mastery with Doug Wilson, former NHL hockey player and current general manager of the NHL San Jose Sharks. You’ll hear Jim and Doug discuss how parents and coaches can encourage youth athletes to focus on three main principles – effort, learning and bouncing back from mistakes – the “ELM Tree of Mastery.”