Koonce Baseball Podcast

Dillon Koonce
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED DAILY

A podcast for youth baseball coaches and parents focused on player development, culture-building, and coaching with purpose. Hosted by Coach Dillon Koonce—an experienced middle school and high school coach who also works with players through private infield instruction—this show dives into the real-life challenges and wins of growing young athletes, both on and off the field. From practice planning and parent communication to leadership, team culture, and mental development, each episode offers practical insight and personal stories meant to inspire better coaching, stronger teams, and more.

  1. 05/19/2025

    The Final Out: Closing Out the 2025 Season

    In this episode, I reflect on the year from a baseball standpoint, highlight the growth we experienced, thank our 8th graders for everything they poured into this program, and express my gratitude to the parents for their support throughout the journey. I close with a message that’s been on my mind for a while: What does the future look like for me here at Southwest? I haven’t made a final decision — but I share where my head’s at.

    23 min

  2. 05/14/2025

    It Takes All of Us: How Parents and Coaches Build Better Players Together

    In this episode, I talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of youth sports: the relationship between parents, coaches, and players. I share why trust is the foundation of everything we try to build, and how that trust can quietly erode when the wrong messages start creeping in at home. I open up about how powerful the car ride home can be — for better or worse — and why the way you respond to your kid’s performance matters more than any box score. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present in the right way. I also get into what it looks like to truly support your son, not just as an athlete, but as a person. Because at the end of the day, this is just a game. The relationship with your son is not.

    41 min

  3. 05/09/2025

    Weekly Rundown: Week 6

    In this episode I break down the games from week 6 of our season against Northern Guilford and Kiser

    25 min

  4. 05/09/2025

    Infield Lab: Drills, Details, and Development

    In this episode, I break down what really makes a great infielder — confidence, athleticism, smooth mechanics, and game awareness. I walk through how I approach each of those areas when working with middle school, high school, and college players. Whether you’re a coach looking to structure your infield training or a player trying to take the next step, this one’s packed with practical tips, mindset shifts, and drill ideas to help infielders become complete defenders.

    52 min

  5. 05/05/2025

    Middle School vs High School: What Changes?

    In this episode, I break down the key differences between coaching middle school and high school baseball—how maturity impacts development, why mindset matters more as players grow, and how coaching styles shift along the way. I also share some advice for both players and parents on navigating this journey and getting the most out of each stage. Whether you’re just starting out or getting serious about the next level, this one’s for you.

    31 min

  6. 05/05/2025

    Weekly Rundown: Week 5

    In this episode I breakdown the practices and games from week 5 of our season

    22 min

  7. 04/30/2025

    Weekly Rundown: Week 4

    Breakdown of the games and practices for week 4 of our season.

    21 min

  8. 04/14/2025

    Why Reps Aren’t Enough: Training with Intention, Autonomy, and Purpose

    We’ve all heard it—“He just needs more reps.” But here’s the thing: reps by themselves don’t guarantee improvement. In this episode, I break down why repetition without intention can actually reinforce bad habits, and what players really need in order to grow. I’ll talk about: ​Why more reps doesn’t always mean better reps​The role of muscle memory (and how it works for or against you)​How to train with intention and purpose​What it looks like when players take ownership of their development​Practical ways coaches and parents can create smarter reps in practice Whether you’re middle schoolers or high-level athletes, this one’s all about getting the most out of your training time—and building players who truly understand what they’re working on.

    26 min
See All (33)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast for youth baseball coaches and parents focused on player development, culture-building, and coaching with purpose. Hosted by Coach Dillon Koonce—an experienced middle school and high school coach who also works with players through private infield instruction—this show dives into the real-life challenges and wins of growing young athletes, both on and off the field. From practice planning and parent communication to leadership, team culture, and mental development, each episode offers practical insight and personal stories meant to inspire better coaching, stronger teams, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Dillon Koonce
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dillon Koonce
  • Show Website
    Koonce Baseball Podcast