Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers

Matt Rogers

🎙 Leadership. Coaching. The Work That Actually Matters. Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers is a weekly podcast focused on the craft of coaching, the responsibility of leadership, and the decisions that shape programs, people, and cultures in sport. Hosted by former Head College Coach and Athletic Director, Matt Rogers—who has led multiple teams to the NCAA National Tournament and helped over 4,000 student-athletes achieve their dream of playing their sport in college—the show features honest conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and professionals building teams and coaching individuals the right way. Matt is a national motivational speaker and also consults with small colleges across the country, creating significant recruiting, retention, and growth strategies for athletic departments navigating a rapidly changing landscape. He is also the author of Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes and the companion Recruit’s Journal Series for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. This isn’t a highlight reel or a hot-take show -- It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how championship programs are built—and how strong, confident, and healthy athletes become strong, confident adults. Every week: Fridays – Coaching & Leadership Episodes Program building, culture, staff development, and leading under pressure.Mondays – Recruiting Episodes Clear, practical conversations about today’s college recruiting process for athletes, families, and coaches.🎥 You can now watch the video version of every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers 🌐 Learn more at coachmattrogers.com  📍 New episodes every Monday and Friday

  1. Episode #169: Val Whiting on Recruiting

    1D AGO

    Episode #169: Val Whiting on Recruiting

    The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting | Ep. 168  On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes.  Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like.  This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy.  Topics include:   Mental toughness vs. mental health  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media  Creating healthy team culture  The relationship between identity and performance  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits  Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and experts helping athletes build stronger futures.   Visit coachmattrogers.com for books, recruiting help, speaking inquiries, blogs, and resources for coaches, athletes, and parents. Follow Coach Val on Instagram @iam.coachval or visit her website at mentallystrongher.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    17 min
  2. Episode #168: Val Whiting

    4D AGO

    Episode #168: Val Whiting

    🧠 The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting  | Ep. 168  On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes. Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like. This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy. Topics include:  Mental toughness vs. mental health  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media  Creating healthy team culture  The relationship between identity and performance  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits Learn more about Coach Val here:  https://www.instagram.com/iam.coachval/ Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and experts helping athletes build stronger futures. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    50 min
  3. Episode #167: Larry Yoder on Recruiting

    APR 13

    Episode #167: Larry Yoder on Recruiting

    🎙️ The Reality of How Softball Coaches Evaluate | Larry Yoder | Ep. 167 In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what really matters in the recruiting process. This is a real, honest conversation about what coaches are actually looking for, how athletes can separate themselves, and why finding the right fit is more important than most families realize. Coach Yoder shares his perspective from over 17 seasons of building and leading a successful NAIA softball program—offering insight into communication, evaluation, and what helps recruits stand out for the right reasons.  🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/softball/coaches  ⏱️ Chapters  00:35 What Coaches Are Really Evaluating  03:10 First Impressions & Initial Contact  06:00 What Separates Recruits Early  09:20 Skill vs. Intangibles  12:15 The Importance of Fit  15:10 Common Recruiting Mistakes  18:05 Communication That Stands Out  21:00 Evaluating Competitiveness & Body Language  24:10 What Parents Need to Understand  27:00 Late Bloomers & Development  30:00 What Success Looks Like in College  33:00 Final Recruiting Advice  Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    26 min
  4. Episode #166:  Larry Yoder

    APR 10

    Episode #166: Larry Yoder

    🎙️Building a Program That Lasts | Larry Yoder | Significant Coaching Ep. 166 In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Larry Yoder, Head Softball Coach at Mount Mercy University, to break down what it takes to build—and sustain—a successful college program over time. This is a real, honest conversation about how programs are actually built, what coaches go through in the early years, and how discipline, accountability, and consistency shape long-term success. From starting with limited resources and learning on the fly, to creating a program that players and parents trust, Coach Yoder shares what it really looks like behind the scenes—and why staying committed to the process matters. Yoder is in his 17th season at Mount Mercy, where he has compiled over 400 wins while leading the Mustangs to multiple conference championships, NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a fifth-place finish at the NAIA World Series. His program has rewritten the record books offensively, while continuing to excel in pitching and defense, and he played a key role in the development of Busse Field—one of the premier softball facilities in the NAIA. 🔗 Learn more about Coach Yoder: https://mountmercy.edu/athletics/soft... CHAPTERS 00:40 “What Are You Doing?” – First-Year Reflection 02:00 Taking Over a Struggling Program 03:30 Rebuilding a Roster from Scratch 05:30 Early Wins & Finding Momentum 08:15 Lessons from the Early Year Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    51 min
  5. Episode #165: Coleman Lee on Recruiting

    APR 6

    Episode #165: Coleman Lee on Recruiting

    🏐 Coleman Lee: What College Coaches Really Want |  Ep. 165  In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Central Methodist Head Volleyball Coach Coleman Lee to break down what really matters in the recruiting process. From communication and evaluations to visits and long-term fit, Coleman shares what separates recruits who get opportunities from those who get overlooked. They also discuss how recruiting has changed, what athletes and families misunderstand, and how players can take ownership of their process. If you're serious about playing at the next level, this is a conversation you need to hear. 🔗 Learn more about Coleman Lee:  https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wvball/coaches/Lee_Coleman?view=bio 🎙️ Significant Recruiting Podcast – Episode 165  🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast  📺 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    32 min
  6. Episode #164: Coleman Lee

    APR 3

    Episode #164: Coleman Lee

    🎙️ Coleman Lee: Doing It Your Way and Building a Winner |  Ep. 164 In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Central Methodist University Head Volleyball Coach Coleman Lee, who has led the Eagles to six straight NAIA National Tournament appearances. Coleman shares how his program is built through high-level training, long-term player development, and a commitment to doing the work—especially in those early years when nothing is guaranteed. They dive into the realities of recruiting in today’s landscape, the impact of the transfer portal, and why developing freshmen has been essential to CMU’s success. The conversation also explores leadership, team culture, and how intentional relationship-building—from book studies to “speed dating” teammate exercises—has shaped his teams both on and off the court. This is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts. 🔗 Learn more about Coleman Lee:  https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wvball/coaches/Lee_Coleman?view=bio 🎙️ Significant Coaching Podcast – Episode 164  🎯 Followed by Significant Recruiting – Episode 165 🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast  📺 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    49 min
  7. Episode #163: Paula Krueger on Recruiting

    MAR 30

    Episode #163: Paula Krueger on Recruiting

    🏀 Do You Have What It Takes to Play D2? | Paula Krueger  In Part II of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Paula Krueger, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II Northern State University, to break down what college recruiting really looks like from the coach’s perspective. This episode dives into how recruiting lists actually work, the reality of the transfer portal, why opportunity is more than just playing time, and how recruits should communicate with college coaches the right way. A must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting journey. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:30 What It Takes to Play D2 02:00 How Recruiting Lists Actually Work 05:00 Why Coaches Already Have Their Lists 07:30 What Coaches Watch at AAU Events 10:00 Defense, Rebounding & Effort 12:30 Stats vs Real Evaluation 15:00 The Reality of the Transfer Portal 18:30 Why Players Transfer 21:00 Opportunity Beyond Playing Time 24:00 Competing Within Your Own Team 27:00 Communicating with College Coaches 30:00 Common Mistakes Recruits Make 33:00 Final Advice for Recruits 36:00 Closing Thoughts 🎧 Listen at coachmattrogers.com/podcast  📺 Watch at youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    40 min
  8. Episode #162:  Paula Krueger

    MAR 27

    Episode #162: Paula Krueger

    🏀  Can You Love Your Team? Lessons from Paula Krueger at Northern State  What does it really mean to love your team as a coach? In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Paula Krueger, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Northern State University, for a real and reflective conversation on coaching, growth, and perspective. A question Paula was once asked in an interview—“Can you love your team?”—has stayed with her throughout her career and continues to shape how she leads today.  This conversation dives into:  How that question became a foundation of her coaching philosophy  Why coaches can’t build their identity solely around the game  The importance of seeing a coach’s full body of work, not just one season  Lessons learned from stepping away—and coming back better  How she approaches player development through staff, detail, and trust  The role of mental performance and simple tools to help athletes reset during games Paula also shares powerful moments from her journey—like the advice that helped her leave a team she loved: “Don’t ever take or stay for a roster.”  This is a conversation about more than basketball. It’s about identity, relationships, and becoming a better coach by becoming a more complete person. 👉 Learn more about Paula Krueger: https://nsuwolves.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/paula-krueger/1598 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here:  https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers 📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes 👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions): ⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX 🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S 🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ ⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ 🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal 👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp 📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Did you like what you heard and want more? New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...

    1h 4m

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About

🎙 Leadership. Coaching. The Work That Actually Matters. Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers is a weekly podcast focused on the craft of coaching, the responsibility of leadership, and the decisions that shape programs, people, and cultures in sport. Hosted by former Head College Coach and Athletic Director, Matt Rogers—who has led multiple teams to the NCAA National Tournament and helped over 4,000 student-athletes achieve their dream of playing their sport in college—the show features honest conversations with coaches, athletic leaders, and professionals building teams and coaching individuals the right way. Matt is a national motivational speaker and also consults with small colleges across the country, creating significant recruiting, retention, and growth strategies for athletic departments navigating a rapidly changing landscape. He is also the author of Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes and the companion Recruit’s Journal Series for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. This isn’t a highlight reel or a hot-take show -- It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how championship programs are built—and how strong, confident, and healthy athletes become strong, confident adults. Every week: Fridays – Coaching & Leadership Episodes Program building, culture, staff development, and leading under pressure.Mondays – Recruiting Episodes Clear, practical conversations about today’s college recruiting process for athletes, families, and coaches.🎥 You can now watch the video version of every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers 🌐 Learn more at coachmattrogers.com  📍 New episodes every Monday and Friday

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