The Coachers Podcast

Keanu Yamamoto
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Coach Derek Bingham - Lake Washington Baseball: You're Either Adding or Subtracting to the Team

    🚨Coach Derek Bingham 🚨  Coach Derek Bingham has been the head baseball coach at Lake Washington High School since 2005. He also serves as the school’s head golf coach and as JV basketball coach at Monroe High School. In addition to his coaching roles, he is one of the owners of Top Tier Sports, which organizes leagues, tournaments, and showcases year-round across the Pacific Northwest.  Under Coach Bingham, the Kangs have recorded over 335+ wins, claimed nine KingCo titles, and reached the WIAA state tournament 11 times. The program has won three state championships (3A in 2016 and 2019; 4A in 2025)—including the school’s first title in 2016—and finished as runners-up in 2014 and 2023. Coach Bingham is the first Washington coach to lead a team to state title games in the 4A, 3A, and 2A classifications. His honors include four KingCo Coach of the Year awards, WSBCA/NFHS Washington State Coach of the Year (2016 and 2019), and 2016 ABCA Division III Regional Coach of the Year. Beyond on-field success, one of the things he is most proud of is a coaching staff filled with former players who once played for him. In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Coach Derek Bingham shares his coaching journey and philosophy on youth sports, emphasizing community engagement, balancing multiple sports, and player-led teams. He stresses creating strong experiences for young athletes through mentorship and a supportive coaching staff who all played for Kangs baseball. On the field, Coach Bingham discusses strategic thinking, performing under pressure, communication, and leadership. He highlights the value of player voices, understanding roles while pursuing individual goals, and what separates championship teams—defining success by the lasting impact on players’ lives rather than wins alone. Photo credit: Courtesy of Coach Bingham Key Takeaways: Give players ownership through shared leadership and real responsibility. Practice game situations so athletes can make confident decisions under pressure. Explain the “why” behind decisions to deepen understanding and buy-in. Make room for individual goals—personal growth can make the whole team stronger. Define every player’s role and encourage teammates to push one another. Measure success beyond wins: create meaningful experiences and help athletes grow for life. Build trust by supporting athletes after mistakes, not piling on when they already know they erred. It’s a two-way street players impact the coaches just as much as the coaches impact them.   #coaching #coachingbaseball #washingtonbaseball #kangsbaseball #baseballlife https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Derek Bingham - Lake Washington Baseball: You're Either Adding or Subtracting to the Team

  2. Oct 31

    Coach Tim Cary - Pendleton Softball: Make Them Want To Come Back Tomorrow

    🚨Coach Tim Cary🚨 Thank you Coach for your time and insight! It is humbling to see how much effort and intention you put into others and doing it with a big smile on your face.  JV Head Football Coach, Middle School Basketball Coach, Varsity Head Softball Coach.  That’s impact and legacy! Coach Tim Cary is the longtime head softball coach at Pendleton High School (OR), where he has built one of Oregon’s most consistent and successful programs over 20+ seasons. With 440+ career wins, he has led the Buckaroos to five state championships (2012, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2024) and multiple state finals. He is a multi-time Oregon State Coach of the Year.  In this episode of the Coachers Podcast. Coach Cary shares his journey from a baseball coach to a successful softball coach, discussing his coaching philosophy, the importance of fun in sports, and the challenges of getting athletes to buy into team dynamics. He emphasizes the significance of building trust with players, learning from experiences, and the intricacies of coaching. The conversation also covers practice structure, key drills, and the mindset needed for success in athletics. He discusses the importance of embracing failure in sports, effective coaching techniques, and the role of shared leadership within a team. Coach Cary emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset during setbacks and defining success beyond just winning games.   Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coach Tim Cary #coaching #softballcoach #softballlife #Highschoolsoftball #Pendleton https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Tim Cary - Pendleton Softball: Make Them Want To Come Back Tomorrow

  3. Oct 24

    Coach Dylan McLauchlin - Sumner Baseball: Baseball Teaches us to Fail Forward

    Coach Dylan McLauchlin is the head baseball coach at Sumner High School (WA) and Director of Player Development for Elevate Tridents. A 2012 Enumclaw High School graduate, he played at Green River Community College before arm injuries ended his career.  He then spent over a decade coaching select and high school baseball. He led West Seattle to a 3A state championship and three Final Four appearances (with 67 wins) before taking over at Sumner in 2024. There, he guided the Spartans to an 18-8 record and a state tournament berth in year one, followed by a 23-4 season and the program’s first-ever 4A state title in year two—giving him two state championships as a head coach. He has also helped develop more than 100 players who advanced to college or pro levels.  Coach McLauchlin is known for a process-oriented approach that emphasizes a comfortable, family-like environment, aggressive baserunning, mental resilience, and developing both skilled players and strong teammates.  In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, they discuss Coach McLauchlin’s coaching journey and philosophy, with a focus on team chemistry, competitive practices, and the balance between technical skills and game situations. He stresses mental resilience—learning from losses, resetting after failure, and responding to adversity—along with the value of being a good teammate and using team activities to build cohesion. He speaks on the differences between coaching HS and Club baseball and explains why he sees baseball as the greatest sport for teaching resilience. The conversation also covers the evolution of strategies, the role of physical training, and the broader impact of coaching beyond wins.  Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coach Dylan McLauchlin Key Takeaways: The Why Behind Coaching Comfortable and Confident Learning how to lose Competition at Practice Aggressive Offensive Philosophy: Live and Die by the Sword Find your limitations  The 3 Minute Drill  30 Second Resets Your “Aha” Moment in Coaching Why is baseball the Greatest Sport? The Evolution of Baseball: Trends and Cycles Contrast of Coaching HS and Coaching Select Defining Success Beyond Wins https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Dylan McLauchlin - Sumner Baseball: Baseball Teaches us to Fail Forward

  4. Oct 17

    Coach J.D. Alley - Culver Wrestling: Find a Way to Enjoy the Battle

    🚨Coach J.D. Alley🚨 Coach J.D. Alley has built one of Oregon’s great high school wrestling dynasties at Culver. A three-time state champion for the Bulldogs and two-time All-American at Southern Oregon University, he returned home in 1989 and transformed a struggling program into a powerhouse. In more than 37 years as head coach, Alley has led Culver to multiple 2A/1A state team titles (including their 16th in 2026), 60 individual state champions, 64 State runner-ups, and 22 high school All-Americans. The Bulldogs have also dominated with long streaks of district titles (25 consecutive as of 2026) and Oregon Classic Dual championships. A National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee and frequent Oregon Coach of the Year, Alley is known for developing tough, resilient athletes while prioritizing relationships and personal growth alongside the wins. In this episode, Coach J.D. Alley reflects on 37 years coaching wrestling at Culver High School. He discusses building strong relationships with athletes, sustaining a consistent program, and the role of community and mentorship. Alley stresses prioritizing personal development over wins, the value of mental toughness, and keeping the sport enjoyable—especially for youth athletes. He also covers team dynamics, lessons from the COVID-19 period, and the life skills of resilience, hard work, and surrounding yourself with the right people.   Photo Credit📸: Courtesy of Coach J.D. Alley  Takeaways -Journey into Coaching: Duty over Desire- -In the Foxhole -Creating a positive team culture takes time and effort. Rome wasn’t built in a day -It's important to focus on developing good humans, not just winning. -What’s important to Culver Wrestling? -Focus on Enjoying the Battle -Definition of a Winner -Wrestling must remain fun to retain participants. -Unintended Consequences of Club Sports -Why is Wrestling the greatest sport? -The Rocky Series -Never give up on a kid even if they give up on you -You Deserve it & The Mental Approach -Be Grateful for the Opportunity -Every kid has a BIG DEAL Moment – Celebrate It! -Challenges within Coach -Learning from Coaching Legends -Success is often a result of surrounding oneself with high achievers. -Managing Pressure and the Steak Metaphor -Manage Hard Easier #wrestling #wrestlingcoach #matlife #hswrestling #culverwrestling https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach J.D. Alley - Culver Wrestling: Find a Way to Enjoy the Battle

  5. Oct 10

    Coach Ben Kramer - Central Baseball: Coaching is a Mission Field to Serve Others

    🚨Coach Ben Kramer🚨 Ben Kramer is the head baseball coach at Central High School (Independence, Oregon), leading the Panthers in the OSAA Class 5A Mid-Willamette Conference.  In 2025, his third year as head coach, Coach Kramer guided Central to the Class 5A state championship and was named OSAA Class 5A Coach of the Year. The junior-heavy squad made a strong postseason run, including a championship-game no-hitter. In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Coach Kramer shares his journey into coaching, the challenges of transitioning from assistant to head coach, and his philosophy centered on developing young men. He emphasizes building relationships with players, communicating effectively with parents, and fostering competitiveness and toughness. He also discusses influences on his style, innovative player-development techniques, the unique nature of failure in baseball, team dynamics and leadership, situational practices, gamesmanship, and building cohesive team culture. Coach Kramer reflects on defining success beyond winning, the value of mentorship, and the core principles that guide his approach. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coach Ben Kramer Key Takeaways -Coaching is a mission field to serve kids and families. -The Why behind Coaching! -What did you have to unlearn when becoming a HC -The Trait You want your Team to Embody -Be Great! -Leaning on other Coaches -21 Outs -Why is Baseball the greatest sport? -Baseball offers unique opportunities to learn from failure. -Difference between the State Championship team and the teams prior -Advice to younger Coaches -Defining Success beyond Coaching -Looking back on a Coaching Career -E + R = O   #baseballislife #highschoolbaseball #coaching #coachingbaseball #oregonbaseball https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Ben Kramer - Central Baseball: Coaching is a Mission Field to Serve Others

  6. Oct 3

    Coach Alex Venardos - Boise State Beach Volleyball: We can only Push Them as Far as we can Pull Them

    🚨Coach Alex Venardos🚨 Alex Venardos is the head coach of Boise State Beach Volleyball, named to the role in July 2025. A Manhattan Beach, California, native and 2015 Vistamar High School graduate, he came to Boise State as a student and earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in Chinese studies in 2018. He joined the indoor program in 2016 as a practice player, moved into a volunteer assistant role, and became a full-time assistant in 2019. At one point, Coach Venardos served as the director of operations for indoor and an assistant for the beach program. As an assistant he handled recruiting, practice, scouting, and travel, and was named to the AVCA Thirty Under 30 Beach class in 2023. He helped guide the Broncos to a program-record 31 wins in 2024 and, in 2025, their first Southland Conference titles and first NCAA Championship appearance.  In his first season as head coach, with Boise State in the Big 12, the Broncos went 20-16, finished ranked No. 18 in the AVCA poll (a program first), and recorded the most dual wins over ranked opponents in a single season in program history. In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Coach Alex Venardos talks about his journey from a practice player to head coach, the differences between indoor and beach volleyball, and his philosophy behind coaching. Coach Venardos shares insights on creating a safe space for athletes, the unique “Hooves” of the program, and the importance of “partnerability”. The conversation touches on the intricacies of beach volleyball, coaching challenges, and the unique aspects of the sport. They explore the emotional and decision-making skills necessary for athletes, the significance of team identity, and Recruiting. They address topics such as communication during matches, importance of feedback loops, performance variability, transition strategies, blocking techniques, and the personal growth of coaches. Photo Credit 📸: Boise State Athletics  Key Takeaways: -The Why Behind Coaching! -The differences between indoor and beach volleyball in terms of skill sets. -You can only push them as far as you can pull them -The 4 Hooves of Boise State Beach -Partnerability: What is it? -What are you doing when your partner is “drowning” -The Role of a Coach during a Match -Recruiting Musts: What do you look for in a prospect? -What’s a trait that impresses you as a coach? -Team Identity: Good competitors with little ego  -Why is Beach Volleyball the greatest sport in your opinion?  -Program emphasis on Decision making and Emotional Regulation -Communication and Resetting During Matches -Breaking Down Transition Defense and Blocking Strategies -Practice and Match Icebreakers: “Hacks” -Advice to younger self: Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know -The 90/10 Rule -Coaching is a two-way street; players impact coaches just as much. https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

    Coach Alex Venardos - Boise State Beach Volleyball: We can only Push Them as Far as we can Pull Them

  7. Sep 26

    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

  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    64
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Coachers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Coachers Podcast

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