The Coachers Podcast

Keanu Yamamoto
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Sports

Welcome to The Coachers Podcast 🤙🏽 — hosted by Keanu Yamamoto.Each episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with coaches from every level and sport, sharing their real journeys: toughest moments, biggest wins, best practices, and the hard-earned lessons that build tougher athletes, stronger teams, and better leaders.  From forging a culture and mental toughness to balancing life beyond the whistle, this is your go-to vault for authentic inspiration on coaching, leadership, and team building. Coaches, athletes, parents, and fans — dive in for stories that unite and motivate across the game. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe now and join the conversation! ⛳️🗣️

  1. 2d ago

    Coach Kevin Moffatt - Kennedy Head Baseball Coach: Building Character Through Baseball

    🚨Coach Kevin Moffatt🚨 — Kennedy High Head baseball coach and athletic director, Mt. Angel, Oregon.  Coach Moffatt has coached baseball and served as athletic director at Kennedy for about two decades. His baseball teams have won OSAA 2A/1A state titles in 2012, 2022, 2023, and 2026, and finished as runners-up in 2019 and 2025. The 2012 title was Kennedy’s first in baseball and the school’s first boys state championship. The 2023 team went 31-0. In 2026, Kennedy beat Crosshill Christian 13-0 in the state final. As athletic director, he has overseen multiple OSAA Cup wins and been named Oregon Athletic Directors Association AD of the Year more than once. Kennedy’s teams have consistently posted strong academic averages under his watch. In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Coach Moffatt shares his journey from growing up in Montana to coaching in Oregon, discussing his passion for baseball and the values he instills in his players. He reflects on the challenges of coaching, the importance of hiring dedicated coaches, and the rewarding moments of seeing his players succeed both on and off the field. The conversation also touches on the significance of teaching life skills through sports, the essence of baseball, and the importance of community engagement. He discusses the significance of situational scrimmages in preparing athletes for high-pressure scenarios and reflects on the evolution of the game, including the balance between traditional strategies and modern analytics. Coach Moffatt highlights the essence of teamwork, while also addressing the challenges of handling failure and setting realistic expectations for success beyond just winning.  Key Takeaways -The Why behind Coaching -The best coaches are often the best teachers. -Baseball teaches valuable life lessons about failure. -Community engagement and being involved with the youth program. -The Greatest challenge in coaching -The lost Art of throwing strikes in HS baseball -Encouraging multi-sport participation benefits athletes. -Practice should be enjoyable and structured. -Situational scrimmages prepare players for real-game pressure. -The importance of mental toughness and Belief! -The Pursuit of state titles -Success is defined by more than just wins and losses. -Coaching Beyond Wins -The Parting Wisdom https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Kevin Moffatt - Kennedy Head Baseball Coach: Building Character Through Baseball

  2. Sep 19

    Coach Tom Rothenberger - Jesuit Cross Country: Give Them a Day in the Sun

    🚨Coach Tom Rothenberger🚨 Coach Tom Rothenberger is the longtime head cross country coach at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, where he has built one of the most successful high school distance programs in the country.  He arrived at Jesuit in 1982 at age 21, fresh out of Boise State, and expected a short stay. More than 40 years later he is still there. Jesuit was an all-boys school when he started; the girl’s program was added in 1993. He also taught history and helped grow massive participation—often 150–170 athletes in cross country and hundreds more in track.  Under his leadership the Crusaders have won dozens of Oregon state titles in XC and track, produced 75 individual state champions, qualified 16 teams for Nike Cross Nationals (with a boys runner-up and girls fourth-place finish among the highlights), and earned Coach Rothenberger two National Coach of the Year honors. He is also meet director for the Nike Jesuit Twilight Relays and owner of Stumptown Running. In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Coach Rothenberger shares his inspiring journey from childhood to becoming the head cross-country coach at Jesuit High School. He discusses the importance of mentorship, building a successful athletic program, and his coaching philosophy that emphasizes personal connections with athletes. Coach Rothenberger also reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, including the significance of creating memorable experiences for athletes and the evolution of his coaching methods over the years. They discuss the importance of cherishing moments, the essence of cross country and track, race strategies, and the significance of fostering leadership among young athletes. Coach Rothenberger shares insights from his own experiences, emphasizing the value of reflection, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the lasting relationships formed through coaching. The dialogue culminates in advice for young coaches and a reflection on the legacy of coaching.  Photo Credit 📸: Trisha Leavy and Trasie Humble Key Takeaways: -Building a Program and Recruiting students with Personal Letters. -The Why behind Coaching -Give them a Day in the Sun -What Makes Cross Country Special: Shared Experience everyone runs the same course -Meeting the Runner where they’re at -Coaching Philosophy: The 3 Signs -Coaching with my son: Most innovation in last 8 years -Don’t be a Scientist, be an Artist -Cherishing the Moment -Life and perspective after Cardiac Arrest -Race Plan: Fast, Faster, Fastest -“Something Good is Gonna Happen Today” -Setbacks are what we grow from -Running for something Bigger Than Yourself -Advice to younger Coaches: Don't rush to judgment; be open to growth and learning. https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Tom Rothenberger - Jesuit Cross Country: Give Them a Day in the Sun

  3. Sep 12

    Coach Monty Hawkins - La Salle Soccer: Why Great Soccer Coaches Focus on People, not Tactics

    🚨Coach Monty Hawkins🚨 Coach Monty Hawkins is the Boy’s varsity soccer coach at La Salle Prep in Milwaukie, Oregon. A 1984 Gladstone High graduate, both him and his wife were athletes at Oregon State. He first coached the Falcons from 1990 to 1995, going 78-13-9, reaching three state finals, and sharing the 1994 title. After coaching Portland State women and 14 seasons at Sherwood, he returned to La Salle in 2021 and has added 5A state championships in 2021, 2024, and 2025. A U.S. Soccer A-licensed coach, he owns Tualatin Indoor Soccer, works with U.S. Soccer’s Olympic Development Program, and recently won Far West Region Coach of the Year. Two of his triplet sons are on the Falcons soccer team and his other is at IMG academy for X Country / Track & Field. In this episode of The Coachers Podcast Coach Monty Hawkins shares his extensive journey from being a player to a successful coach at various levels. Coach Hawkins discusses his coaching philosophy, the importance of adaptability, and the role of ego in coaching. He emphasizes the significance of building confidence in players and the challenges of modern coaching. The conversation also touches on the balance between creating pressure in training and ensuring player success, as well as the importance of developing a good technical foundation for young athletes. They discuss the unique demands of soccer compared to other sports, the significance of adaptability in player roles, and the philosophy of allowing players the freedom to create and learn from their experiences. The conversation culminates in reflections on what separates good teams from great teams and the lasting impact of coaching on players' lives. Key Takeaways: -The Why behind Coaching! -Adapting coaching methods to different generations is essential. -Ego can hinder effective coaching; focus on the team instead. -Confidence above all else -Coaching can be Overrated -The Secret Sauce -Playing at a Team Level -Players Play! -Success is a byproduct of hard work and dedication. -The Key is application and merging the two worlds! -Players need to learn how to respond to adversity. -Let the players create and find solutions -The work is put in beforehand, learn to let go -Why is Soccer the Greatest Sport? -In Youth Athletics Winning should not overshadow player development. -The Difference Between Good and Great Teams: The Little Things   Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coach Monty Hawkins #coaching #soccer #soccercoach #oregonsoccer #LaSalleSoccer https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Monty Hawkins - La Salle Soccer: Why Great Soccer Coaches Focus on People, not Tactics

  4. Sep 4

    Coach Nick Robertson - Oregon Sports HOF: There's Nothing Better Than Practice

    🚨Coach Nick Robertson🚨 Coach Nick Robertson coached Oregon high-school boys basketball for 41 years (Sandy, Franklin, McMinnville, Beaverton), going 699–310 with state titles in 1979 and 1998. He treated coaching as teaching: culture, communication, and how players lift teammates mattered as much as X’s and O’s. With Barry Adams he co-founded the Les Schwab Invitational (first played 1996 as the Oregon Holiday Invitational) so Oregon teams could face elite competition at home, and the Northwest Shootout (1994), the Oregon–Washington all-star games. Both grew into regional institutions; Shootout proceeds support Camps for Kids, which he also helped build to give less-advantaged kids access to camps.  In this conversation, Coach Nick Robertson shares his extensive journey in high school basketball coaching, discussing his family background, coaching philosophy, and the importance of building a strong team culture. He emphasizes the role of teaching in coaching, the significance of community involvement, and the challenges of managing expectations from players and parents. Coach Robertson also reflects on his evolution as a coach, the strategies he employed to create a positive environment, and why he believes basketball is the greatest sport. He offers valuable advice for aspiring coaches: find a great wife, adaptability, communication, and building relationships with players.  Takeaways -If you want to be a basketball coach you need to be a big-time community member -Coaching is fundamentally about teaching and building relationships with players. -The “Aha” moment with defensive play! -Every player should have a defined role within the team to foster accountability. -The Team Comes First -It’s the Coaches Job to create Pressure -The 3 Qualities! -The little things / There’s nothing better than practice  -Taking Pride in Defense -The art of the Rebound -Why is basketball the greatest sport? -Retired life and Staying Involved -Les Schwab Invitational, Northwest Shootout, and Camps for Kids -Expect to Win -Defining success beyond wins -Advice for young Coaches! https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Nick Robertson - Oregon Sports HOF: There's Nothing Better Than Practice

  5. Aug 28

    Coach Steve Thorpe - Sweet Home Wrestling: Success is not an Accident. It's On Purpose

    🚨Coach Steve Thorpe🚨 Coach Steve Thorpe is the head wrestling coach at Sweet Home High School in Oregon, where he has spent his entire coaching career. Under Thorpe, the Huskies have become one of the state’s most consistent 4A programs. He has won eight OSAA boys team state titles as head coach, has over 620+ wins as of 2021, and A LOT of individual state champs. He also spent 13 years as Oregon Wrestling Association chairman before stepping down in 2023 to focus on Sweet Home and family. A longtime math teacher in the district, Thorpe is known for building culture, work ethic, and a program that develops both boys and girls wrestlers. In this episode of the Coachers Podcast Coach Steve Thorpe talks about his path from student-athlete to coach and the work of shaping young wrestlers. Coach Thorpe’s philosophy centers on character, integrity and work ethic: showing up in kids’ lives, building a team that values discipline and community, and keeping wrestling demanding without draining the joy from it. He describes his programs approach — practice structure, leadership, teamwork, standards and the Sweet Home Outside Workout. Success, for him, is not only the dual meet or the state title. It is work ethic; mental toughness, collaboration, and the habits athletes carry after they leave the room. He also talks about the pressure of expectations, the need for balance, and why coaches should mark progress even when it is small. Advice for new coaches: keep learning, stay present, protect life outside the gym, and measure the program by the people it produces as much as by the scores it posts. Key Takeaways: -More Than Just Building Wrestlers -What Are you Most Proud Of? -Sweet Home Wrestling: Outside Workout -Expectations should be high for both coaches and athletes. -It’s Gonna Be Hard -Team culture is built on hard work and humility.  -Why is Wrestling the Greatest Sport? -The Greatest Challenge in Coaching -Drillers Make Killers -The Program -Advice to Younger Self and aspiring coaches -Addressing struggles requires honesty and clear expectations. -Leaders Lead -What do you look for in assistants? -Defining Success -Celebrate the accomplishments of your athletes, big or small -Success is not an Accident. It’s on Purpose Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coach Steve Thorpe https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Steve Thorpe - Sweet Home Wrestling: Success is not an Accident. It's On Purpose

  6. Aug 22

    Coach Ernie Brooks - HC Crook County Track & Field: One Team, One Goal, One Track Mind

    Coach Ernie Brooks is the longtime head track and field coach at Crook County High School in Prineville, Oregon—and a PE teacher at the middle school. A multi-sport coach who coaches OL / DL for the football program, he’s spent more than 20 seasons leading the Cowboys’ track team and over two decades at the school. Under Coach Brooks, the boys team captured back-to-back Class 4A state titles in 2024 and 2025, with the first coming as the program’s inaugural championship. In early 2025 he was named the NFHS National Coach of the Year for boys track and field. Known for building a strong team culture and deep community involvement, Brooks continues guiding the program as it moves into the competitive 5A ranks.  In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Coach Ernie Brooks shares his journey from a high school athlete to a dedicated coach, discussing the importance of understanding one's 'why' in coaching, the significance of building a strong team culture, and the differences in coaching individual versus team sports. He emphasizes the need for commitment and buy-in from athletes and how creating a family-like atmosphere can lead to success both on and off the track. In this conversation, Coach Brooks discusses the importance of family, teamwork, and communication in coaching track and field. He emphasizes the need for team bonding activities, and the value of building relationships with athletes to foster a supportive environment. Coach Brooks shares insights on innovative team-building exercises and the philosophy of preparing athletes for peak performance at the right time during the season. Coach Brooks also introduces his unique approach to leadership through the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and reflects on the lessons learned from mentors throughout his coaching career. He concludes with a commitment to giving back to the coaching community and sharing resources with other programs. Key Takeaways: -Understanding your 'why': Mission Field -Coaching is about loving and supporting kids. -Mistakes are part of the coaching journey. -One Team, One Goal, One Track Mind -Team culture takes time to develop and requires buy-in. Every athlete is different and requires a unique approach. -Celebrating small victories fosters team spirit: The Aloha Shirts! -Row the Boat & F.A.M.I.L.Y -Creating a challenging environment helps athletes grow. -Foxes and Hounds -The Cowboy Games -The Championship Run -SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team) -Athlete Centered – Coach Driven -Every athlete has the potential to lead, positively or negatively. -Learning from Others and Giving Back – Reflections on the Great Mac McIntosh https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Ernie Brooks - HC Crook County Track & Field: One Team, One Goal, One Track Mind

  7. Aug 14

    Coach Tom Johnson - Barlow Basketball HC: Athletics is an Extension of the Classroom

    🚨Coach Tom Johnson🚨 Coach Tom Johnson (“TJ”) is the longtime head coach of boys basketball at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon. He started at Lebanon before taking over the Bruins in 1987. Now in his 40th season at Barlow (43rd overall), he ranks among Oregon’s all-time winningest coaches with over 700+ wins. His teams have earned multiple league titles, frequent state tournament berths, several semifinal runs, a 1996 state final appearance, and Barlow’s first Class 6A title in 2025. That year he was named 6A Coach of the Year, and Gresham declared March 16 “Coach Tom Johnson Day.” A former English teacher at Barlow (retired 2024) and college player, Johnson is known for mentoring players and building character. In this episode Coach Johnson shares his journey from a young player to a seasoned coach, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with players and creating a culture of core values. He discusses his coaching philosophy, the challenges, and the significance of mentorship in his career. The conversation also delves into practice structure, performance tracking, and strategies for managing momentum during games, providing valuable insights for aspiring coaches and basketball enthusiasts. Coach Johnson shares insights on emphasizing the importance of integrating game situations into practice, fostering a fun environment for players, and the significance of character development over winning. He reflects on his experiences leading a state championship team, and the evolution of coaching philosophies. Coach Johnson also discusses the role of team culture, shared leadership, and the impact of setbacks on growth, while highlighting the importance of building relationships with players and maintaining accountability.  Takeaways: -Athletics is an extension of the classroom. -Team Values -History, Heroes, Hardships, Hope -3 Things you should do Everyday -Relational Excellence -Unselfishness is the most important lesson to teach. -Bruin Briefs: Daily practice starts with a message to the team. -Practice structure should be competitive and efficient. -Tracking statistics helps tell the story of the game. -The Importance of Defensive Charges -Coaching requires constant improvement and adaptation. -Character over Winning -Don’t forget about Fun! -Team dinners and Breaking bread -Disappointments provide the greatest opportunities for growth and learning. -Communication should be direct and daily -A King will give his kingdom away for a great PG #Coaching #Basketball #Barlowbasketball #OregonHSBasketball #HighSchoolHoops Photo Credit 📸: Courtesy of Tom Johnson https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Tom Johnson - Barlow Basketball HC: Athletics is an Extension of the Classroom

  8. Jul 31

    Coach Michael Seemann - Portland State Volleyball: Developing People, Not Just Players

    🚨Coach Michael Seemann🚨 In this episode, we sit down with Coach Michael Seemann, Head women’s volleyball coach at Portland State, for a deep conversation about coaching philosophy, player development, recruiting, leadership, and the evolution of volleyball. Coach Seemann shares his journey from growing up in Wisconsin and playing multiple sports to coaching at the junior college, NAIA, and Division I levels before building a long-term home at Portland State. He reflects on the challenges of his first head coaching job, the importance of balance and lifestyle, and why staying in one place for more than two decades has mattered to him. The conversation also explores the differences between indoor and beach volleyball, how beach skills can translate to the indoor game, and how recruiting has changed in the era of the transfer portal and NIL. Coach Seemann explains why he values athletes who are steady, mentally present, and strong in both the air and on the ground. A major theme of the episode is coaching communication. Coach Seemann discusses the difficulty of delivering honest feedback while protecting player confidence, and he shares how his approach has evolved over time. He also breaks down how Portland State structures its in-season practice week, how he uses constrained six-on-six drills to train specific weaknesses, and why he believes in keeping training competitive and authentic. The episode closes with insights on leadership, scouting, learning from other teams, and the future of volleyball. Coach Seemann emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, watching the game with intention, and building a leader in every locker. Photo Credit 📸: Portland State Athletics Key Topics: -Coaching philosophy and player development -Recruiting strategy and athlete evaluation -Communication, confidence, and feedback -Practice structure and training design -Scouting opponents and simplifying game plans -Leadership and team culture -The future of volleyball -Great coaching is about developing whole people, not just players. -Feedback must be honest, but it must also be delivered in a way athletes can receive. -A high-quality gym comes from balanced, competitive training. -Beach volleyball can sharpen reading, ball control, and mental discipline. -The best coaches never stop learning and constantly observe other teams.  #volleyball #coachingvolleyball #collegevolleybal #GoViks #defendtheship https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Michael Seemann - Portland State Volleyball: Developing People, Not Just Players
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About

Welcome to The Coachers Podcast 🤙🏽 — hosted by Keanu Yamamoto.Each episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with coaches from every level and sport, sharing their real journeys: toughest moments, biggest wins, best practices, and the hard-earned lessons that build tougher athletes, stronger teams, and better leaders.  From forging a culture and mental toughness to balancing life beyond the whistle, this is your go-to vault for authentic inspiration on coaching, leadership, and team building. Coaches, athletes, parents, and fans — dive in for stories that unite and motivate across the game. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe now and join the conversation! ⛳️🗣️

Information

  • Creator
    Keanu Yamamoto
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Coachers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Coachers Podcast

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