Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers

Matt Rogers

🎙 Leadership. Coaching. The Work That Actually Matters. Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers is a weekly podcast focused on the craft of coaching, the responsibility of leadership, and the decisions that shape programs, people, and cultures in sport. Hosted by former Head College Coach and Athletic Director, Matt Rogers—who has led multiple teams to the NCAA National Tournament and helped over 4,000 student-athletes achieve their dream of playing their sport in college—the show features honest conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and professionals building teams and coaching individuals the right way. Matt is a national motivational speaker and also consults with small colleges across the country, creating significant recruiting, retention, and growth strategies for athletic departments navigating a rapidly changing landscape. He is also the author of Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes and the companion Recruit’s Journal Series for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. This isn’t a highlight reel or a hot-take show -- It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how championship programs are built—and how strong, confident, and healthy athletes become strong, confident adults. Every week: Fridays – Coaching & Leadership Episodes Program building, culture, staff development, and leading under pressure.Mondays – Recruiting Episodes Clear, practical conversations about today’s college recruiting process for athletes, families, and coaches.🎥 You can now watch the video version of every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers 🌐 Learn more at coachmattrogers.com  📍 New episodes every Monday and Friday

  1. Episode #173: David Arseneault on Recruiting

    1 DAY AGO

    Episode #173: David Arseneault on Recruiting

    🏀 Ep. 173: Recruiting for Grinnell’s System Basketball | David Arseneault Jr.  David Arseneault Jr., Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Grinnell College, returns for Part II of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast. In this episode, we focus on recruiting for speed in Grinnell’s System basketball—what it takes to play in a program built on pace, constant movement, and decision-making under pressure. David breaks down the type of player who thrives, how roles and minutes are defined, and why fit matters more than talent alone. We also discuss communication with coaches, academic expectations, and how recruits and families should think about choosing a program that operates very differently from traditional college basketball. If you’re a recruit, parent, or coach trying to understand what it really means to play fast—and whether you’re built for it—this conversation will help you think about the process in a more intentional way. 🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast  📺 Watch: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    43 min
  2. Episode #172: David Arseneault Jr

    4 DAYS AGO

    Episode #172: David Arseneault Jr

    🏀 David Arseneault Jr. — The Art, Discipline, & Evolution of System Basketball  David Arseneault Jr., Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Grinnell College, joins Episode 172 of the Significant Coaching Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most unique systems in the game. In Part 1, we go beyond the surface of “organized chaos” and get into the reality of coaching System basketball—how it’s taught, how it evolves, and why it’s far more intentional than most people realize. David breaks down the defensive philosophy behind the system, how they develop rim protection and positional awareness, and what it takes for players to adjust to the pace both physically and mentally. We also get into rotations, player buy-in, staff collaboration, and the balance between structure and freedom that allows his teams to play fast without losing discipline. This is a conversation about trust, identity, and coaching with conviction—while still evolving with the game. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into coaching at that pace, this episode delivers. 🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast  📺 Watch: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    54 min
  3. Episode #171: Mike McFarland on Recruiting

    27 APR

    Episode #171: Mike McFarland on Recruiting

    🎙 Division II Recruiting: The “Sweet Spot” | Dr. Michael McFarland In Episode #171 of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues the conversation with Dr. Michael McFarland, Athletic Director at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, to break down what today’s recruiting landscape really looks like for student-athletes and families. Dr. McFarland shares why NCAA Division II is the “sweet spot”—offering the right balance between academics, athletics, and overall student experience—and what recruits must understand to navigate the process the right way. This episode is packed with practical advice on communication, follow-up, and making informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment shaped by the transfer portal, roster limits, and increased competition. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Division II offers a powerful balance for student-athletes  How the transfer portal is impacting recruiting decisions  Why recruiting is now a 4-year relationship, not a one-time decision  The importance of communication, follow-up, and “call to action”  What recruits, parents, and coaches often misunderstand about the process  How to evaluate “fit” beyond just level, money, or prestigeLearn more about Dr. McFarland:  Click Here  Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    28 min
  4. Episode #170: Michael McFarland

    24 APR

    Episode #170: Michael McFarland

    🎙️ Building a Significant Athletic Department | Dr. Michael McFarland  On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Dr. Michael McFarland, Athletic Director at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and what it really takes to build a thriving athletic department. Dr. McFarland shares the philosophy that drives Bloomsburg’s success—Recruit. Retain. Graduate.—and breaks down how that mindset shows up every day through relationships, accountability, and a relentless focus on the student-athlete experience. From developing coaches to improving retention and academic success, this episode is a masterclass in building something that lasts—something that goes beyond wins and losses. If you’re a coach, athletic director, or leader looking to create a stronger culture and more meaningful impact, this conversation delivers real, practical perspective you can apply immediately. 🎧 Listen at coachmattrogers.com/podcast  🎥 Watch at youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers And don’t miss Part II, where we take this conversation into the recruiting landscape and what it means for today’s student-athletes and families. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    43 min
  5. Episode #169: Val Whiting on Recruiting

    20 APR

    Episode #169: Val Whiting on Recruiting

    The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting | Ep. 168  On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes.  Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like.  This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy.  Topics include:   Mental toughness vs. mental health  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media  Creating healthy team culture  The relationship between identity and performance  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits  Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and experts helping athletes build stronger futures.   Visit coachmattrogers.com for books, recruiting help, speaking inquiries, blogs, and resources for coaches, athletes, and parents. Follow Coach Val on Instagram @iam.coachval or visit her website at mentallystrongher.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    17 min
  6. Episode #168: Val Whiting

    17 APR

    Episode #168: Val Whiting

    🧠 The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting  | Ep. 168  On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes. Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like. This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy. Topics include:  Mental toughness vs. mental health  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media  Creating healthy team culture  The relationship between identity and performance  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits Learn more about Coach Val here:  https://www.instagram.com/iam.coachval/ Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and experts helping athletes build stronger futures. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    50 min
  7. Episode #167: Larry Yoder on Recruiting

    13 APR

    Episode #167: Larry Yoder on Recruiting

    🎙️ The Reality of How Softball Coaches Evaluate | Larry Yoder | Ep. 167 In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what really matters in the recruiting process. This is a real, honest conversation about what coaches are actually looking for, how athletes can separate themselves, and why finding the right fit is more important than most families realize. Coach Yoder shares his perspective from over 17 seasons of building and leading a successful NAIA softball program—offering insight into communication, evaluation, and what helps recruits stand out for the right reasons.  🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/softball/coaches  ⏱️ Chapters  00:35 What Coaches Are Really Evaluating  03:10 First Impressions & Initial Contact  06:00 What Separates Recruits Early  09:20 Skill vs. Intangibles  12:15 The Importance of Fit  15:10 Common Recruiting Mistakes  18:05 Communication That Stands Out  21:00 Evaluating Competitiveness & Body Language  24:10 What Parents Need to Understand  27:00 Late Bloomers & Development  30:00 What Success Looks Like in College  33:00 Final Recruiting Advice  Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    26 min
  8. Episode #166:  Larry Yoder

    10 APR

    Episode #166: Larry Yoder

    🎙️Building a Program That Lasts | Larry Yoder | Significant Coaching Ep. 166 In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what it takes to build—and sustain—a successful college program over time. This is a real, honest conversation about how programs are actually built, what coaches go through in the early years, and how discipline, accountability, and consistency shape long-term success. From starting with limited resources and learning on the fly, to creating a program that players and parents trust, Coach Yoder shares what it really looks like behind the scenes—and why staying committed to the process matters. Yoder is in his 17th season at Mount Mercy, where he has compiled over 400 wins while leading the Mustangs to multiple conference championships, NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a fifth-place finish at the NAIA World Series. His program has rewritten the record books offensively, while continuing to excel in pitching and defense, and he played a key role in the development of Busse Field—one of the premier softball facilities in the NAIA. 🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/soft... CHAPTERS 00:40 “What Are You Doing?” – First-Year Reflection 02:00 Taking Over a Struggling Program 03:30 Rebuilding a Roster from Scratch 05:30 Early Wins & Finding Momentum 08:15 Lessons from the Early Year Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    51 min

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About

🎙 Leadership. Coaching. The Work That Actually Matters. Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers is a weekly podcast focused on the craft of coaching, the responsibility of leadership, and the decisions that shape programs, people, and cultures in sport. Hosted by former Head College Coach and Athletic Director, Matt Rogers—who has led multiple teams to the NCAA National Tournament and helped over 4,000 student-athletes achieve their dream of playing their sport in college—the show features honest conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and professionals building teams and coaching individuals the right way. Matt is a national motivational speaker and also consults with small colleges across the country, creating significant recruiting, retention, and growth strategies for athletic departments navigating a rapidly changing landscape. He is also the author of Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes and the companion Recruit’s Journal Series for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. This isn’t a highlight reel or a hot-take show -- It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how championship programs are built—and how strong, confident, and healthy athletes become strong, confident adults. Every week: Fridays – Coaching & Leadership Episodes Program building, culture, staff development, and leading under pressure.Mondays – Recruiting Episodes Clear, practical conversations about today’s college recruiting process for athletes, families, and coaches.🎥 You can now watch the video version of every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers 🌐 Learn more at coachmattrogers.com  📍 New episodes every Monday and Friday

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