Significant Coaching with Matt Rogers

Episode #190: Your Kid Is Not Special

Your kid is not special. At least, not because they throw harder, jump higher, score more points, earn straight A’s, or have more college coaches watching them...and definitely not because a parent says and thinks that to be the case. They may be incredibly special to you—but what characteristics are they developing that will make coaches, teachers, professors, teammates, and eventually employers want to invest in them? In this solo episode of The Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers challenges parents to stop removing every obstacle from their child’s path and start helping them develop the character, accountability, resilience, communication skills, and independence they’ll need long after their playing days are over. Matt discusses the difference between advocating and rescuing, why parents need to allow coaches and teachers to coach and teach, and why failure, disappointment, criticism, and hearing “no” are important parts of growing up. The ultimate goal isn’t simply raising a great athlete. It’s developing a recruitable athlete, a resilient college student, and a healthy adult. The question isn’t whether your kid is special to you. Of course they are. The question is: are we helping them develop special characteristics? 🎙️ Season 4 | Episode 190 The Significant Coaching Podcast with Matt Rogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #189: Ryan Brownlee on Recruiting

Are college baseball recruits chasing the right things? Ryan Brownlee, Assistant Executive Director of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), returns for Part II of our conversation—and this one is all about recruiting. Ryan and I talk about how college baseball recruiting has changed, NIL, the transfer portal, realistic player evaluation, the role of parents and coaches, and why finding the right fit still matters. Ryan makes a great point: a recruit needs to find a school that works socially, academically and athletically. We also talk about why NIL money doesn't guarantee playing time, why college coaches are looking for reasons to cross players off their lists, and why recruits need honest people around them throughout this process. If you're a high school baseball player or the parent of one who wants to play in college, this is a conversation worth hearing. Episode 189 | The Significant Coaching Podcast with Matt Rogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #188: Ryan Brownlee

⚾ Ryan Brownlee | Tough Love, Trust & the Art of Coaching In Episode 188 of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Ryan Brownlee, Assistant Executive Director of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), former Division I head coach and recruiting coordinator, and host of the ABCA Podcast. Ryan brings more than two decades of Division I coaching experience to a wide-ranging conversation about what coaching looks like today—and where it needs to go next. Matt and Ryan discuss mental health and performance, authenticity, tough love, connecting with today's athletes, rest and recovery, evaluating and developing coaches, the relationship between athletic directors and head coaches, and why there is no single blueprint for building a successful program. They also dive into the changing landscape of college baseball, including NIL, the transfer portal, analytics, resources and why the best coaches still find ways to maximize the people in their locker room. Ryan also explains why one characteristic continues to matter regardless of how much sports change: Do you genuinely care about the people you coach? A conversation about baseball—but even more about coaching, leadership, relationships and the responsibility that comes with putting yourself in front of young people. Episode 188 | The Significant Coaching Podcast with Matt Rogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #187: Andrew Kachel on Recruiting

⚾ The New Reality of College Recruiting | Andrew Kachel Part II College recruiting is changing—and the junior college route may be more valuable than ever. In Part II of my conversation with Northeastern Junior College Head Baseball Coach Andrew Kachel, we break down the realities of recruiting at the two-year college level, the new 5-for-5 rule, the transfer portal, and why families need to rethink how they evaluate college opportunities. Coach Kachel explains why JUCO can provide athletes more opportunities to play, develop, mature academically, and potentially make themselves more recruitable and affordable to four-year programs. We also discuss what families should look for when evaluating junior colleges, why placement and fit matter more than simply saying you went Division I, and how recruits can get a coach's attention without spending thousands of dollars chasing exposure. If you're a student-athlete, parent, high school coach, or anyone trying to understand the changing college recruiting landscape, this conversation provides a valuable look at the opportunities available at the two-year level. Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #186: Andrew Kachel

⚾ Building a Program a Community Believes In with Andrew Kachel Winning games is one thing. Building a program that an entire community believes in is something much bigger. On this episode of The Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Andrew Kachel, Head Baseball Coach at Northeastern Junior College, to talk about how he has built far more than a successful college baseball program in Sterling, Colorado. Coach Kachel shares how his players become part of the community through weekly service at local schools, preschools, nursing homes, and youth organizations—and how that community has embraced his players right back. His program averages nearly 2,000 hours of community service while also producing Academic All-American teams and winning at a high level. The conversation also explores family, relationships, coaching young men through adversity, holding players accountable, and why the most meaningful moments in coaching often have nothing to do with the scoreboard. This is a conversation about baseball, leadership, service, family, and building something that matters long after the final out. Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #185: Dr. Tracy Davenport

Season 4 of the Significant Coaching Podcast begins with Dr. Tracy Davenport, performance expert, executive coach, and author of The Sustainable Assistant Coach: Preventing Burnout and Building a Lasting Career in College Sports. Tracy and Matt tackle a belief that has been passed down through generations of coaches: to be successful, coaching has to be a grind. They discuss why so many talented assistant coaches burn out, the difference between working harder and working smarter, the critical role sleep and recovery play in performance, and why coaches must stop treating their own health, relationships, and lives outside of athletics as optional. Tracy also challenges head coaches and athletic leaders to take greater responsibility for developing and supporting their assistants—not just as coaches, but as people. From better communication and mentorship to creating healthier boundaries and expectations, this conversation asks an important question: Can we build great programs without burning out the people who make them great? Season 4 starts with a challenge to coaches everywhere: success and significance shouldn't require sacrificing yourself along the way. Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Matt Rogers on the Hoop Heads Podcast

I recently had the opportunity to join Mike Klinzing on the Hoop Heads Podcast for a conversation that goes far beyond X's and O's. We discuss the realities of today's college recruiting landscape, the emotional challenges student-athletes face during the transition from high school to college, and why choosing the right fit matters far more than chasing the biggest name. We also explore the important roles parents and coaches play in helping young athletes navigate adversity, communicate effectively, and take ownership of their recruiting journey. If you're a coach, parent, or student-athlete looking for practical advice and an honest conversation about what it really takes to thrive in college athletics, I think you'll enjoy this episode. A huge thank you to Mike Klinzing and the Hoop Heads Podcast for the invitation and for the opportunity to share my journey and passion for helping athletes and coaches pursue significance. 🎧 Listen now and let me know your biggest takeaway. Matt Rogers on the Hoop Heads Podcast Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

Episode #184: Coaching the Coaches

For the past two months, I've had the opportunity to work closely with college coaches, helping them build healthier team cultures, stronger communication, and better learning environments. Throughout that process, one thing became clear: parents play a bigger role than they often realize. In this solo episode of The Significant Coaching Podcast, I share practical ways parents can prepare their child—and themselves—for a more positive coaching experience before the season even begins. You'll learn how to partner with coaches, encourage growth, and help your athlete get the most from every practice, every conversation, and every opportunity. If we want better coaching experiences, we all have a role to play. Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #183: Jordan Willis on Recruiting

🎧 There Is a Place for You | Jordan Willis on Recruiting, Fit & Communication 🏐 Florida Tech Head Volleyball Coach Jordan Willis returns for Part II of his conversation with Matt Rogers, and this time the focus shifts to recruiting. But this isn't a conversation about rankings, stars, or chasing the biggest name on the front of a jersey. Instead, Jordan shares his thoughts on character, authenticity, communication, fit, self-awareness, and why there truly is a place for every student-athlete who wants to continue playing at the next level. Throughout the episode, Coach Willis discusses what he looks for beyond talent, why culture matters in recruiting, how coaches identify red flags, why recruits should never ghost college coaches, and how honest communication can open doors rather than close them. The conversation also explores one of the biggest challenges facing recruits today: understanding who they are, what they want, and finding the college experience that truly fits their academic, athletic, social, and financial goals. Whether you're a recruit, parent, club coach, high school coach, or college coach, this episode offers practical advice and valuable perspective on navigating the recruiting process. Topics Include: ✅ Finding the Right College Fit ✅ What College Coaches Look For Beyond Talent ✅ Character, Culture & Recruiting ✅ Why Recruits Should Never Ghost Coaches ✅ Communication During the Recruiting Process ✅ Self-Awareness & Decision Making ✅ Transfer Portal & Modern Recruiting ✅ There Is a Place for You 🎧 Listen to all episodes at coachmattrogers.com/podcast 📺 Watch at YouTube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #182: Jordan Willis

🏐 Building Winners Without Losing Yourself | Jordan Willis, Florida Tech Volleyball Jordan Willis, Head Volleyball Coach at NCAA Division II Florida Tech, joins Matt Rogers for one of the most enjoyable and insightful conversations of the year. After leading the Panthers from a 9-win season in 2023 to a 20-win campaign and one of the best conference records in program history in 2024, Willis shares the leadership principles, culture-building strategies, and people-first philosophy that are helping transform Florida Tech Volleyball into one of the Sunshine State Conference's rising programs. In Part I, Coach Willis discusses rebuilding programs, developing All-Americans, creating sustainable success, navigating adversity, and why authentic leadership matters more than ever in college athletics. Whether you're a coach, athletic director, teacher, parent, or leader in any profession, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on building teams and developing people. ✅ Program Building ✅ Leadership & Culture ✅ Developing All-Americans ✅ Team Standards & Accountability ✅ Sustainable Success ✅ College Athletics Leadership Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #181: April Elsbernd on Recruiting

🏐🎧 Why Recruits Should Visit Colleges More Than Once | April Elsbernd How many college visits should a recruit take before making a commitment? According to Coe College Head Volleyball Coach April Elsbernd, probably more than one. In Part II of our conversation, Coach Elsbernd shares her recruiting philosophy and explains why finding the right college fit requires more than a quick visit and a fast decision. We discuss culture fit, evaluating potential teammates, communicating with college coaches, the realities of club volleyball, and the important role parents and high school coaches play throughout the recruiting process. Coach Elsbernd also provides practical advice for recruits on how to stand out in their communication with college coaches and why authenticity matters far more than mass-produced recruiting emails. Topics Discussed: ✅ Why recruits should visit colleges multiple times ✅ The importance of meeting current players ✅ What college coaches look for beyond athletic ability ✅ How to write better emails to college coaches ✅ Club volleyball myths and realities ✅ Advice for parents navigating recruiting ✅ The role of high school coaches in recruiting ✅ Why culture fit matters Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #180: April Elsbernd

🏐 Returning Home: April Elsbernd on Leading Coe College VB In Part I of this conversation, Matt Rogers sits down with Coe College Head Volleyball Coach April Elsbernd to discuss her journey from growing up in small-town Iowa to becoming one of the most respected coaches in NCAA Division III volleyball. The two fellow Coe College alumni explore the unique impact of a liberal arts education, the importance of diversity and perspective, international travel experiences with student-athletes, and why coaching is ultimately about helping young people become the best versions of themselves. Coach Elsbernd also shares her path from the University of Dubuque to Augsburg University and ultimately back home to Coe College, where she now leads the Kohawk volleyball program. 🏐 In this episode: ✅ Returning home to Coe College ✅ Why coaching is a calling ✅ Building culture through relationships ✅ The impact of international travel on student-athletes ✅ Leadership lessons learned over 15+ years as a head coach ✅ Helping athletes grow beyond the game 🎧 Listen to the Significant Coaching Podcast: https://coachmattrogers.com/podcast 📚 Subscribe for full access to weekly blogs, newsletters, recruiting resources, coaching tools, and leadership content: https://coachmattrogers.com Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #179: Kevin Clifford on Recruiting

🏀 Kevin Clifford’s 6 Rules of Recruiting | Significant Recruiting Ep. 179 On Part II of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Kevin Clifford to break down the realities of college basketball recruiting, NCAA Division II athletics, scholarships, player development, and what recruits and families truly need to understand during the recruiting process. Coach Clifford shares honest insight from years of coaching and rebuilding collegiate programs, including leading Roberts Wesleyan University to its first NCAA Division II Tournament Sweet 16 appearance. Topics include: What college coaches really evaluate NCAA Division II vs Division I vs Division III Scholarship realities Leadership and culture Mental health and player support What recruits misunderstand about recruiting The importance of fit over labels How families should approach the recruiting process Player development in today’s game If you’re a recruit, parent, coach, or athletic director, this episode provides outstanding perspective on navigating modern college athletics. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: coachmattrogers.com/podcast ▶️ Watch more episodes: Coach Matt Rogers YouTube Channel Suggested Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What Coaches Really Look For in Recruits 06:20 NCAA D1 vs D2 vs D3 Basketball 11:15 Scholarship Realities Explained 16:10 Recruiting Mistakes Families Make 21:30 Player Development in College Basketball 26:00 Mental Health & Athlete Support 31:40 Why Fit Matters More Than Labels 36:10 Leadership & Team Culture 41:00 Final Recruiting Advice Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #178: Kevin Clifford

🏀 From Coaching Ron Artest to the NCAA Sweet 16 | Kevin Clifford On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Kevin Clifford, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Roberts Wesleyan University for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, culture, recruiting, mental health, and the realities of coaching college basketball today. Coach Clifford shares stories from his journey rebuilding programs at multiple collegiate stops, leading Roberts Wesleyan University to its first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance and Sweet 16 run, and even coaching former NBA great Metta Sandiford-Artest as a 15-year-old coach. The conversation also dives into: Building belief inside a program Mental Health Mondays Relationships in coaching NCAA Division II basketball Recruiting realities Leadership growth Old-school hip-hop and DJ life The changing landscape of college athletics Find more coaching and recruiting resources at coachmattrogers.com. Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #177: Danlynn Silva on Recruiting

“Auntie Dani” on Recruiting, Relationships & Finding the Right Fit | Part II Danlynn Silva, the new Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Cameron University, joins the Significant Recruiting Podcast for a powerful conversation on recruiting, relationships, communication, and helping student-athletes find the right college fit. Drawing from her experiences as a player, longtime club director, parent, and now NCAA Division II head coach, Danlynn shares honest insight into what college coaches are really looking for during the recruiting process. She discusses the importance of body language, communication, effort, trust, and why families need to stop focusing only on Division I labels and start focusing on fit, growth, and long-term happiness. This episode also explores the Hawaiian concept of relationships and family culture, including why Danlynn prefers her athletes call her “Auntie” instead of “Coach.” Topics include: 🏐 What college coaches notice immediately 📧 How recruits should communicate with coaches 👀 What stands out during evaluations 🌺 Hawaii culture and relationship-building 🎓 Why fit matters more than division 👨‍👩‍👧 Advice for parents, club coaches, and recruits 🎧 Listen at: coachmattrogers.com/podcast 📺 Watch at: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #176: Danlynn Silva

Danlynn Silva on Ohana & Building Cameron Volleyball | Significant Coaching Danlynn Silva, the new Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Cameron University, joins the Significant Coaching Podcast to discuss leadership, culture, family, and the Hawaiian concept of ohana. Danlynn shares her unique journey from high-level player to successful club director, business owner, parent, and now NCAA Division II head coach. Throughout the conversation, she explains why authentic relationships, long-term development, and family-centered culture remain at the core of how she leads. This episode explores: 🏐 Hawaii volleyball culture 🌺 Building a program around “ohana” 📈 Athlete development and leadership 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Coaching alongside family 🎯 Creating sustainable program culture 💬 Why her non-traditional path prepared her for this opportunity Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #175: Erik Kudronowicz on Recruiting

🎙 Why Small-Town Kids Are Built Different | Erik Kudronowicz Interview In Part II of this conversation, Matt Rogers sits down with Erik Kudronowicz, Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Scales Mound High School in Illinois, to discuss recruiting, multi-sport athletes, work ethic, and why small-town kids are often overlooked in today’s recruiting landscape. Coach Kudronowicz shares outstanding perspective for: 🏀 Student-athletes 🏀 Parents 🏀 High school coaches 🏀 College recruiters Topics include: ✔️ The recruiting process ✔️ Helping athletes find the right fit ✔️ Why multi-sport athletes still matter ✔️ The value of small-town toughness and adaptability ✔️ Supporting athletes through pressure and adversity ✔️ How coaches can better mentor young people If you believe sports can still change lives, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen/watch more episodes: coachmattrogers.com/podcast ➡️ Subscribe for weekly coaching & recruiting insights: coachmattrogers.com 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #174: Erik Kudronowicz

🏀 David vs. Goliath: How a Tiny Illinois School Built a Basketball Powerhouse What does it take to build a winning basketball program at one of the smallest schools in America? In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Erik Kudronowicz, Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Scales Mound High School in Illinois — a town of roughly 400 people with a school enrollment of around 75 students. Over the last seven years, Scales Mound has gone 167-57 with a State Runner-Up finish and a State 3rd Place finish. If you loved the movie Hoosiers, this conversation will resonate with you. Coach Kudronowicz shares insight on: 🏀 Building culture in a small-town program 🏀 Developing multi-sport athletes 🏀 Accountability and leadership 🏀 Creating consistency over time 🏀 Coaching beyond the scoreboard 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletic directors, and leaders from across the country. ➡️ Listen/watch more episodes: coachmattrogers.com/podcast ➡️ Subscribe for weekly coaching & recruiting insights: coachmattrogers.com ➡️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #173: David Arseneault on Recruiting

🏀 Ep. 173: Recruiting for Grinnell’s System Basketball | David Arseneault Jr. David Arseneault Jr., Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Grinnell College, returns for Part II of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast. In this episode, we focus on recruiting for speed in Grinnell’s System basketball—what it takes to play in a program built on pace, constant movement, and decision-making under pressure. David breaks down the type of player who thrives, how roles and minutes are defined, and why fit matters more than talent alone. We also discuss communication with coaches, academic expectations, and how recruits and families should think about choosing a program that operates very differently from traditional college basketball. If you’re a recruit, parent, or coach trying to understand what it really means to play fast—and whether you’re built for it—this conversation will help you think about the process in a more intentional way. 🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast 📺 Watch: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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Episode #172: David Arseneault Jr

🏀 David Arseneault Jr. — The Art, Discipline, & Evolution of System Basketball David Arseneault Jr., Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Grinnell College, joins Episode 172 of the Significant Coaching Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most unique systems in the game. In Part 1, we go beyond the surface of “organized chaos” and get into the reality of coaching System basketball—how it’s taught, how it evolves, and why it’s far more intentional than most people realize. David breaks down the defensive philosophy behind the system, how they develop rim protection and positional awareness, and what it takes for players to adjust to the pace both physically and mentally. We also get into rotations, player buy-in, staff collaboration, and the balance between structure and freedom that allows his teams to play fast without losing discipline. This is a conversation about trust, identity, and coaching with conviction—while still evolving with the game. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into coaching at that pace, this episode delivers. 🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast 📺 Watch: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting Resources — Take the guesswork out of college recruiting with Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, sport-specific Recruit’s Journals, and the Significant Recruiting Launchpad. Practical tools to help families research schools, stay organized, and build a smarter recruiting strategy. Learn more at CoachMattRogers.com. Support the show 📍 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 podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on 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 ...

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