Above The Whistle

Deven McCann
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Above The Whistle. The podcast that takes you beyond the X's and O's and into the mindset of greatness as we sit down with coaches/athletic directors/former players across the country. 

  1. APR 30

    Sarah Beecher: From Goalkeeper to Gamemaker

    What makes a championship high school soccer program? In this revealing conversation with Sarah Beecher, head coach of Farmington High Girls Soccer, we discover it's much more than just tactics and talent. Starting with her own journey as a goalkeeper for Davis High and later at the collegiate level, Coach Beecher shares how her playing experience shaped her coaching philosophy. "I treat goalkeeping differently," she explains, recognizing the unique mental challenges facing players in that position. This understanding extends to her entire program, where she focuses on building confident players who understand their roles within the team structure. The most fascinating aspect of Farmington's success is their innovative approach to team culture. Their "FFF" (Fast Farmington Friends) system pairs seniors with groups of younger players based on geographic proximity, creating instant mentorship opportunities and support networks. This student-led initiative has transformed into a cherished tradition that builds family-like bonds across the program. Beecher's "three-minute rule" offers a powerful mental framework for handling game pressure. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the entirety of a match, players focus exclusively on three-minute segments during critical moments. "It refocuses people individually and as a team," she explains. "They're saying: we're going to get this game back in our favor and focus on these next three minutes." This simple but effective technique has become so ingrained that players now initiate it themselves during crucial moments. Through film analysis, individualized leadership development, and a commitment-focused culture, Farmington has built a program where players thrive both athletically and personally. Coach Beecher's approach demonstrates that high school sports can provide unique growth opportunities that complement rather than compete with club experiences. Whether you're a coach looking for fresh ideas, a player wanting to understand championship mentality, or simply a sports enthusiast interested in team dynamics, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a program where success follows naturally from strong relationships and clear values. Subscribe now and join us for more conversations with innovative coaches who are changing lives through sports. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    47 min

  2. APR 24

    Grant Caraway: How One Coach Is Redefining Football Training for a New Generation

    Grant Carraway's journey from frustrated quarterback to respected trainer reveals the power of creating solutions to problems you've personally experienced. As founder of First Down Training, Grant has built a thriving business by filling the void he encountered as a young player searching for quality quarterback instruction. "I was constantly on YouTube searching for stuff and trying to find any type of information, and there was nothing out there," Grant recalls of his playing days. This frustration sparked his mission to create accessible, high-quality training resources for quarterbacks and receivers. Unlike many trainers who simply run athletes through repetitive drills, Grant prioritizes teaching fundamentals and ensuring athletes truly understand concepts they can apply independently. What sets First Down Training apart is Grant's ability to translate complex biomechanics into language young athletes can comprehend. Though lacking formal education in kinesiology, his player-first perspective has proven advantageous: "Being able to digest that and understand it myself makes you a better teacher." This approach resonates particularly well with quarterbacks looking to refine their mechanics and receivers seeking to modernize their route-running techniques. The growth of First Down Training wasn't overnight success but the product of relentless effort. Grant shares three pivotal moments in his journey: his first viral video that created continuous exposure, the pandemic-era digital boom when he expanded to multiple platforms, and his breakthrough camp in New Jersey that launched consistent national sell-outs. Throughout this expansion, he's maintained his commitment to responding personally to messages and comments, spending 2-3 hours daily engaging with followers despite his growing audience. Looking forward, Grant plans to expand his camps to include more positions while potentially entering the recruiting space "the right way" - avoiding the common pitfalls of impersonal mass recruitment services. His ultimate vision includes training facilities in multiple states to serve athletes year-round, particularly in colder regions where indoor training is essential. Whether you're a parent seeking quality instruction for your athlete, a player looking to improve, or a coach interested in modern training methods, Grant's story demonstrates that authentic expertise combined with genuine care for athletes creates both business success and meaningful impact. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    56 min

  3. APR 15

    Coach Junior Solovi: Crafting Champions in Life and Sport

    Coach Junior Solo takes us on a deeply personal journey back to his roots at West High School in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood. As both the football head coach and girls basketball coach at his alma mater, Solo has shouldered the weight of transforming programs that had struggled for decades while creating a brand that makes West a destination rather than a stepping stone. "You can make all the excuses you want," Solo says with quiet determination, "but at the end of the day, we expect you guys to get out there, compete, and find a way to win." This philosophy has driven remarkable results, particularly with the girls basketball team, which went from winning just seven games in five years to a stunning 24-1 record and the school's first-ever state championship appearance. What makes Solo's approach unique is his understanding of the community's challenges. Many of his athletes work full-time jobs to support their families, forcing football practices to run from 6:30 to 10:00 PM during summers. Despite smaller numbers than traditional 5A programs, Solo refuses to lower expectations. He schedules top out-of-state competition, believing these experiences build character while showing his athletes they can compete with anyone. Beyond wins and losses, Solo focuses on creating post-high school opportunities for all his athletes. He organizes trades showcases where professionals introduce students to alternative career paths, reminding them that "football can end tomorrow" and they need plans beyond sports. His weekly check-ins with players build the relationships that form the foundation of his program. When you listen to this episode, you'll understand why Solo leads the state in getting his athletes recruited to college, and why he believes that "one of the most important kids you'll ever coach is the one that needs the program more than the program needs that kid." Subscribe now to hear more stories of coaches creating lasting impacts through athletics. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    57 min

  4. MAR 27

    Nate Tuatagaloa: Coaching with Heart

    When Coach Nate Tuatagaloa says "we don't recruit, we represent," he captures the essence of his leadership philosophy that's transforming Fremont High School football into one of Utah's premier programs. His journey from college player at Southern Utah University to head coach reveals how the best teachers of the game are constantly learning themselves. Coach Tuatagaloa's experience wearing both offensive and defensive coordinator hats simultaneously at Ben Lomond High School accelerated his coaching development in extraordinary ways. Rather than forcing players into rigid systems, he learned to adapt schemes to fit his personnel—a philosophy that has served him well at Fremont. What truly sets his program apart, however, isn't tactical innovation but relationship-building. The culture at Fremont starts in the weight room, where partner exercises teach mental toughness and teamwork. Walking rather than running between stations creates conversations and bonds between teammates. Academic excellence receives equal emphasis—with a team GPA of 3.51 and the "F'd My Life Club" ensuring players who fall behind academically face consequences. This approach reflects Coach Tuatagaloa's belief that grades directly correlate with on-field success. His "coach with a smile" approach requires staff to maintain positive interactions with players even in challenging moments. Tuatagaloa measures success not just by wins and losses, but by whether players defend their coaches to parents and whether relationships remain strong regardless of game outcomes. For young athletes looking to improve, his advice is simple: put your time toward effort, not distraction. Ready to hear more coaching wisdom that extends beyond the field? Listen now and discover how to create an environment where players can thrive through supportive accountability. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    57 min

  5. MAR 20

    Nick Vigil: What Does It Really Take to Survive 10 Years in the NFL?

    Nick Vigil pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to survive and thrive through nine grinding seasons in the NFL. With remarkable candor, the former Dallas Cowboys linebacker shares the physical and mental challenges that come with playing America's most demanding sport at its highest level. From his unorthodox entry into the NFL draft (where he simply declared without getting scouting grades) to playing through a broken foot during his most recent season, Vigil reveals the resilience required when your body becomes your business. He discusses the challenges of managing injuries, including three surgeries throughout his career, and how proper recovery techniques have evolved during his time in the league. The conversation takes us inside the perpetual instability of professional football, where coaching changes can spell the end of a player's tenure with a team. Having experienced five head coaching turnovers during his career with the Bengals, Chargers, Vikings, Cardinals, and Cowboys, Vigil explains how adaptability becomes essential for career longevity. His insights into the "goldfish mentality" – immediately forgetting mistakes and moving forward – provides a fascinating glimpse into the psychological requirements of elite athletes. We also explore the personal side of NFL life, with Vigil crediting his wife for managing their family's constant relocations while he focuses on football. As he contemplates pushing for that milestone tenth season while recovering from foot surgery, Vigil also shares his plans for life after football, including expanding the nonprofit foundation he started with his brother. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply curious about the realities behind the glamour of professional sports, this conversation offers honest perspective from someone who's lived it from multiple angles – as a rookie, a veteran, a starter, and a role player willing to contribute wherever needed. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    1h 1m

  6. MAR 4

    Coach Wes Johnson: Finding Balance in Sport

    In this engaging episode, Wes Johnson, head coach of Arizona's triathlon program, unpacks his journey from competitive swimming to leading aspiring triathletes. He shares the crucial balance that coaches must maintain—juggling rigorous training with the personal lives of athletes.  Wes dives into the psychological dimensions of coaching, discussing how understanding mental resilience plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance. He underscores the value of keeping training enjoyable to prevent burnout, steering conversations toward fostering an environment of vulnerability where athletes feel empowered and accepted. With insights on nutrition and sleep monitoring, Wes reveals the impact of basic health fundamentals on athletic performance. Moreover, he reflects on his experiences coaching Paralympians, highlighting the lessons learned on grit, determination, and breaking beyond perceived limits. Wes's commitment to establishing a supportive team culture shines throughout the dialogue, prompting thought on how connectivity and trust are imperative for a team's success. Join us as we navigate the fascinating interplay between mental toughness, support systems, and the joy of sport, all while surging forward in a world that demands resilience. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review for more insights from leaders in the world of coaching and athletics! Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    39 min

  7. FEB 12

    Brad Clifford: Elevation through Adversity

    Brad Clifford, a former tight end from the University of Utah, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a sports-filled upbringing to his collegiate football career in Utah. Despite his talent for rugby, Brad chose to focus on football, a decision influenced by strong personal connections with coaches like Kyle Whittingham, Gary Anderson and Kalani Sitake. Through engaging personal stories, he discusses the complexities of the recruitment process and the pivotal role mentorship played in his athletic development. Brad's insights offer a candid look into the challenges young athletes face when transitioning from high school to college sports. Discover how Urban Meyer's pursuit of excellence compares to Kyle Whittingham's empathetic coaching style, as seen through Brad's experiences. He shares an unforgettable freshman-year punt return mistake that illustrates Kyle's balance between public critique and private support. This journey from redshirt freshman to senior year, under Kyle's mentorship, highlights the transformative impact of a coaching approach that combines accountability with empathy. Brad's narrative underscores how recognizing and developing talent can redefine an athlete's path. Beyond the field, Brad's transition to founding Elevation Health is marked by his personal experiences with injury and mental health challenges. He emphasizes the importance of integrating mindset, psychology, and physiology for true health optimization. Brad's story speaks to the need for personalized health approaches that go beyond traditional treatments, considering individual biological and environmental factors. As we explore the intersection of sports, coaching, and wellness, Brad’s journey inspires a holistic view of health and success, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive lifestyle support. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    1h 2m

  8. JAN 23

    Coach Casey Sutera: Leading with Love and Resilience

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Casey Sutera, the celebrated Utah High School Association's 5A Coach of the Year. Coach Sutera opens up about his transition from feeling adrift after his playing days to discovering a calling in coaching that not only nurtures athletes but enriches their lives with invaluable lessons. His philosophy of leading with love and building trust within his team is a testament to the powerful influence of family and mentors in shaping a leader who cares deeply about both personal and athletic development. Explore a gripping tale of resilience in college football, as we follow the journey from an unheralded walk-on at Southern Utah to earning a scholarship at the University of Utah. The narrative unfolds with pivotal moments that challenge comfort zones and ultimately lead to personal growth. This episode also takes a thought-provoking look at the implications of today's college football landscape, pondering the character-shaping role of adversity amidst the allure of the transfer portal and NIL agreements. We wrap up by celebrating the essence of team chemistry and leadership. Discover how active involvement and leading by example forge bonds stronger than any playbook strategy. Coach Sutera reflects on the transition to head coach, where the balance of community support and personal humility becomes crucial. Hear personal anecdotes that highlight the highs and lows of this journey, underscoring sports' profound power to build character, inspire ambition, and nurture lifelong bonds. Instagram: @above_the_whistle Tik Tok: @above.the.whistle

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Above The Whistle. The podcast that takes you beyond the X's and O's and into the mindset of greatness as we sit down with coaches/athletic directors/former players across the country. 

Information

  • Creator
    Deven McCann
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Above The Whistle
  • Show Website
    Above The Whistle