WhistlesnWisdom jerod.garland@pella.k12.ia.us (jerod.garland@pella.k12.ia.us)

In this episode, we talk with Hope College Head Softball Coach Mary VandeHoef. Coach VandeHoef became a key fixture on the Central College softball team and was named Most Inspirational multiple time. Her journey after college eventually called her back to the sport she fell in love with. After stints as an assistant coach at Ithaca and Central, she took over the Hope College softball program and has been growing into the coach she was made to be. In our first episode of Season 2, Coach VandeHoef takes us through her journey, from how she was coached in high school, to falling in love with softball at Centrall College, and now leading a successful program herself. She discusses stories that led to her belief in culture playing such a strong role on a team, as well as how she has changed from her first couple of years as head coach. 

In Part 2 of our interview, two-time state champion Nate Sanderson discusses meshing as a staff, how he handles team leadership, and the importance of having players who care more about the good of the team than their own individual glory.

Coach Sanderson ended the 2017 season by winning his second straight 1A Girls Basketball state championship at Springville. But it hasn't always been a smooth ride in his career. Nate reflects on his early years of trying to bring a winning tradition to a team mired in a 33-game losing streak. He places a strong emphasis on building a team culture and shares some of the ways he enables that to happen. This is Part 1 of 2 with Coach Sanderson.

Coach Krafcisin shares about his incredible journey as an athlete and coach, from being recruited by the top programs as a kid out of Chicago, to playing for Hall of Fame coaches Dean Smith and Lute Olsen. Coach K also shares from his experiences on the staff of Johnny Orr and Tim Floyd, as well as finding his own voice as a head coach. 

Coach Doug Frazell shares how his journey as a volleyball coach unfolded, mistakes he made as a young coach, advice, practice philosophy, and a powerful story about a team buying in.

In Part 2 of our interview with Central College Softball Coach George Wares, the 1000+ game winner discusses developing team culture, leadership, and his philsophy of a healthy obsession winning players and teams must have.