Sideline Ascent

Sideline Ascent

Sideline Ascent, hosted by Mike Marich (mindsetcurated.com) and Taryn Sheehan (morriganathletics.com) The next generation of athletes deserves leaders who reflect them, understand them, and actually see them. And coaches deserve more than survival mode. They deserve community. They deserve mentorship. They deserve tools that make the job sustainable, not just for the season but for the long haul. The youth and college landscapes are changing fast. NIL is reshaping opportunity. The transfer portal is redefining how teams are built. Coaches are navigating more complexity than ever, and they shouldn't have to do it alone. Each week, Mike and Taryn dive into real conversations with coaches at the top of their games about what coaching looks like today: supporting athletes' emotional well-being, navigating life outside the sport, building culture, managing modern pressures, and growing into confident, capable leaders beyond the game. We're breaking the cycle by giving coaches the guidance so many of us never had. No ego. No gatekeeping. Just honest talk, practical tools, and a community that lifts each other up. Wherever you are on your coaching journey — on the track, on the court, in the classroom, or figuring it out as you go — this space is for you. This is Sideline Ascent. Let's climb together.

  1. 2 Sept

    Episode 12: The Coaching Mindset: Adell Harris on Leadership, Growth, and Refusing to Lose

    Adele Harris shares her journey from playing Division I basketball to becoming a successful coach, highlighting the impact of her first coach and the lessons learned from leading a team. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, leadership, and the development of student-athletes. Additionally, she discusses the significance of working with the right coaches and the resources available for professional development. The conversation covers topics such as coaching, leadership, personal growth, and the creation of the 'Refuse to Lose' company. Adell Harris shares insights on the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and building a support system in the coaching profession. She also emphasizes the need for personal discipline and the value of learning from other leaders. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the book '10x' and the mindset of thinking big. Takeaways Mentorship and leadership are crucial in shaping the development of student-athletes.Working with the right coaches and mentors can significantly impact a coach's trajectory and success. Mentorship and support are crucial for coaches, especially for first-time head coaches.Adaptability and the ability to think like a CEO are essential for success in the coaching profession.Personal discipline and the pursuit of continuous learning are key to becoming a better coach and leader. Chapters 00:00 The Impact of the First Coach04:43 Lessons from Leading a Team07:10 The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership18:27 Working with the Right Coaches and Mentors31:22 The Coaching Partnership31:58 Elevating the Head Coach33:38 Dress for the Role You Want35:41 Adversity as an Advantage36:13 The 'Refuse to Lose' Journey52:26 The Coaching Mindset 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy Adell Harris PEACC

  2. 26 Aug

    Episode 11: Coaching the Coaches: Andy Dunn on Mentorship and Sustainability in Athletics

    Andy Dunn, Director of Athletics and Afternoon Program at the TAF School, shares his journey from Yale to Taft, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with student athletes and coaches. He discusses the unique environment of boarding schools and the impact of mentorship and balance in the athletic department. The conversation covers topics related to coaching, mentorship, leadership, and the challenges faced by female coaches. It also delves into the importance of relationships, communication, and work-life balance in the coaching profession. Takeaways Relationships and mentorship are crucial in the development of student athletes and coaches.The role of an administrator in a boarding school environment goes beyond wins and losses, focusing on the holistic development of young individuals. Managing up as a coach involves picking battles, advocating thoughtfully, and giving administrators an opportunity to support you.Female coaches need support, mentorship, and understanding from administrators to make the coaching profession sustainable. Chapters 00:00 Journey to Taft: From Yale to Boarding School02:42 The Importance of Building Relationships08:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life14:23 The Role of Coaches in Boarding Schools25:40 Transformational Leadership and Mentorship29:08 Managing Up as a Coach36:27 Preparing for the Next Coaching Role42:29 Challenges Faced by Female Coaches51:36 Leadership Advice for New Coaches and Administrators52:20 The Importance of Process and Outcome in Coaching

  3. 19 Aug

    Episode 10: Coaching With Purpose: Mason Poli on Culture, Leadership & Player Ownership

    Mason Poli, head coach of Quinnipiac University's men's lacrosse team, shares insights on leadership, coaching philosophy, and team culture. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting the right people, building a strong team culture, and evolving as a coach. The program's success is attributed to punctuality, attention to detail, and the leadership hierarchy within the team. The conversation covers various coaching strategies and philosophies, emphasizing the importance of player ownership, free play, and developing a coaching tree. It also delves into the challenges of coaching and the need for mental health support. Mason Poli shares insights on delegation, asking questions, and building confidence as a coach. Takeaways Recruiting the right people is crucial for building a successful team.Leadership by Darwinism allows players to earn leadership roles through their actions and commitment.The program's success is attributed to punctuality, attention to detail, and the leadership hierarchy within the team. Player ownership and free play are essential for developing leadership and decision-making skills.Coaches should prioritize mental health support and create an environment where players feel comfortable and motivated.Delegation, asking questions, and building confidence are key habits for effective coaching. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mason Poli01:03 Face Off Questions03:17 Transition to Coaching05:06 Recruiting and Networking09:33 Youth Development and Changing Landscape of Lacrosse15:01 Balancing Sports and Academics26:57 Coaching Philosophy and Values35:07 Leadership and Team Culture36:07 Player Ownership and Free Play37:28 Challenges of Coaching and Mental Health Support42:17 Coaching Strategies and Philosophies57:18 Building Confidence and Delegation

  4. 12 Aug

    Episode 9: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup: Rethinking Coaching Culture w/ Dr. Alix Krahn

    In this episode, we chat with Dr. Alix Krahn, Assistant Coach, Women's Volleyball, University of Toronto (Varsity Blues). The conversation covers the journey of a coach and researcher, the concept of servant leadership, and the challenges of overwork culture in sport coaching, particularly for women. It also delves into the emotional labor experienced by women coaches and the need for self-care practices in coaching. Alix discusses the impact of emotional labor on sport coaching, the gendered dynamics at play, and the need for boundary-setting and self-care. She also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and self-reflection in coaching, as well as the need for diverse leadership styles in the field of sports. Takeaways Servant leadership is about prioritizing the growth and well-being of team members above oneself.The overwork culture in sport coaching affects both men and women, leading to struggles in private and home lives outside of sport. Emotional labor in sport coaching impacts both men and women, but the study focuses on women's experiences.The need for boundary-setting, self-care, and forgiveness is crucial for coaches to maintain their well-being and effectiveness in their roles. Chapters 00:00 The Coach-Researcher Journey01:02 The Face Off: Quick Questions04:04 The Formation of Coaching Habits26:21 The Challenge of Emotional Labor28:52 The Impact of Emotional Labor in Sport Coaching30:41 The Gendered Dynamics of Coaching39:08 The Power Dynamics in Coaching Relationships50:16 The Importance of Boundary-Setting and Self-Care

  5. 5 Aug

    Episode 8: Creating a joyful environment for athletes w/ Princeton's Shelly Picard

    The conversation covers a range of topics including sports, coaching challenges, gender disparity in coaching, and creating a joyful environment for athletes. Shelly Picard shares her coaching journey, experiences, and insights into the world of coaching, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the need for more women in coaching roles. The discussion also delves into the challenges and rewards of coaching at different levels, emphasizing the value of creating a positive and joyful environment for athletes. The conversation delves into the importance of building trust and creating psychological safety within a team, the role of effective coaching and communication, navigating parental expectations, and the complexity of the coaching profession. Takeaways Coaching ChallengesGender Disparity in CoachingCreating a Joyful Environment Building TrustCreating Psychological Safety Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion00:16 Discussion on World Cup and Sports00:30 Getting to Know Shelly Picard00:42 Favorite Sports Movie and Walkout Song01:05 Coaching and Sports in Summer01:37 The Role of Coaches in Fitness02:02 Shelly's Coaching Journey03:35 Returning to Princeton and Coaching Experience04:15 Growth and Development as a Coach04:43 Challenges and Versatility in Coaching06:34 Imposter Syndrome and Coaching Realization08:21 Mentorship and Coaching Journey12:49 Gender Disparity in Coaching21:47 Coaching Challenges and Joy27:36 Building Trust and Psychological Safety30:08 Coaching and Communication45:44 Navigating Parental Expectations53:31 Complexity of Coaching Profession

  6. 29 Jul

    Episode 7: The Power of Purpose: Coaching for Impact Beyond Wins & Losses w/ Hofstra's Seth Tierney

    The conversation delves into the journey of coaching, the role of a coach, coaching burnout, building and inheriting a team, longevity and loyalty in coaching, coaching your own children, recruiting and culture building, financial literacy and NIL, and teaching life lessons through coaching. The conversation covers the topics of building relationships with players, coaching the US national team, the growth of lacrosse, adversity and resilience, and lessons from coaching. It delves into the challenges and rewards of coaching, the impact of professional lacrosse leagues, and the importance of mental resilience in sports. Takeaways Coaching involves a journey of building, inheriting, and sustaining a team over time.The role of a coach extends beyond the field, encompassing unseen work, burnout, and the impact on personal and professional life.Recruiting, loyalty, and longevity in coaching contribute to the culture and success of a team.Coaching one's own children presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth.Financial literacy and NIL play a role in shaping the future of college athletics and the life skills of student-athletes. Building strong relationships with players is essential for effective coaching.Coaching professional athletes requires a different approach compared to coaching college athletes. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Coaching01:20 The Role of a Coach02:08 Coaching Burnout and Unseen Work02:44 Building and Inheriting a Team04:06 Longevity and Loyalty in Coaching06:46 Coaching Your Own Children10:57 Recruiting and Culture Building17:35 Financial Literacy and NIL23:09 Teaching Life Lessons Through Coaching27:34 Building Relationships with Players31:07 Coaching the US National Team39:05 The Growth of Lacrosse36:44 Adversity and Resilience46:16 Lessons from Coaching https://gohofstra.com/sports/mens-lacrosse https://www.usalacrosse.com/us-men

About

Sideline Ascent, hosted by Mike Marich (mindsetcurated.com) and Taryn Sheehan (morriganathletics.com) The next generation of athletes deserves leaders who reflect them, understand them, and actually see them. And coaches deserve more than survival mode. They deserve community. They deserve mentorship. They deserve tools that make the job sustainable, not just for the season but for the long haul. The youth and college landscapes are changing fast. NIL is reshaping opportunity. The transfer portal is redefining how teams are built. Coaches are navigating more complexity than ever, and they shouldn't have to do it alone. Each week, Mike and Taryn dive into real conversations with coaches at the top of their games about what coaching looks like today: supporting athletes' emotional well-being, navigating life outside the sport, building culture, managing modern pressures, and growing into confident, capable leaders beyond the game. We're breaking the cycle by giving coaches the guidance so many of us never had. No ego. No gatekeeping. Just honest talk, practical tools, and a community that lifts each other up. Wherever you are on your coaching journey — on the track, on the court, in the classroom, or figuring it out as you go — this space is for you. This is Sideline Ascent. Let's climb together.