Featuring Carrie Prewitt, legendary Volleyball Coach and 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Completer

Summary

In this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck engage with Coach Carrie Prewitt, reflecting on her extensive coaching career and the principles of leadership and mentorship in sports. Coach Prewitt shares her transformative journey on the Appalachian Trail, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-discovery. The conversation delves into building a positive team culture, effective communication strategies, and the significance of creating a legacy through coaching. Coach Prewitt's insights on the similarities and differences between past and present athletes provide valuable perspectives for current and aspiring coaches.

Takeaways

- True leadership is about multiplying yourself, not just adding followers.

- Experiences on the Appalachian Trail taught me resilience and gratitude.

- Building a culture starts with the players and their commitment.

- Consistency and communication are key in coaching.

- Creating a positive team dynamic requires pushing players out of their comfort zones.

- Acknowledging players' efforts fosters a supportive environment.

- A good leader must exhibit the values they wish to instill in their players.

- Memorable moments in coaching often happen outside the game.

- Legacy is built through the success of those you mentor.

- The commitment of athletes has remained strong across generations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Mentorship

03:16 The Journey on the Appalachian Trail

06:11 Building a Winning Culture in Sports

09:11 Creating Positive Team Dynamics

12:13 The Importance of Communication in Coaching

15:06 Defining Leadership in Coaching

18:20 Memorable Moments in Coaching

21:23 Legacy and Transition in Coaching

24:07 Advice for New Coaches

27:10 Reflections on Generational Differences in Athletes