The Coachers Podcast

Keanu Yamamoto

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. 12h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Coachers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Coachers Podcast

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