Surf’s up! I am totally “stoked” (surfer’s term) to have on this episode world champion, hall of famer surfer, Shaun Tomson! Shaun is a champion surfer, successful businessman, best-selling author, and motivational speaker. He made fame first by being one of the best surfers of all time. He has used his passion for surfing, not just catch the next wave, but to be the next wave, to encourage others to paddle toward their fears and self-doubt and find their purpose and power. His positive message is rippled through his speeches and workshops at corporations and universities worldwide. I was lucky enough to catch up with him – on dry land – and try and capture his message. Take a listen to Shaun Tomson as we discuss the sport of surfing, the surfers code and his best-selling books that have been an inspiration to so many on finding a positive purpose with their lives and exploring the power of I WILL. Listen at acoachsperspective.com, iTunes, Spotify, Vrbul, or Helium Satellite radio for the extended version of the interview.
Mental Health of Current and Former College Athletes Series
Thank you to my co-host for the last three weeks as we took some time to explore the conversation of mental health in college athletes and what happens after their eligibility. Heather Harman did a tremendous job bringing this series to the show. It is a conversation that needs to continue and be revisited often. It is so important to navigate the mental side of sports as well as the physical and sport specific sides. It is then that the athletes will reach their maximum potential. We appreciate the double perspective of our guest Nyla Milleson, as she explored the role of college coaches and athletic directors and how they can assist in this journey with the student-athlete. We appreciate the perspective of Heather Harman and Coach Milleson and their valuable points of view on this vital topic.
Next week, we will host a world champion surfer, Shaun Tomson!
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
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Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Current and Former Collegiate Athletes and Mental Health
We continued our conversation with former Drury University standout women’s basketball player, Heather Harman, about the challenges of mental health for college athletes and beyond after eligibility is up. In this episode, we brought in the perspective of the Regional Administrative Director of Mercy Orthopedics Sports Medicine, Jim Raynor, as he explored the role of an athletic trainer and how this role can possibly help with the transition, along with the mental side of rehabilitation.
Next week, we wrap up this series as Heather Harman continues to co-host and we explore how athletic directors can assist in the transition of competitive athletes moving to life after athletics.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
After Eligibility...What Happens to Athletes?
The mental health of athletes is becoming more and more of a focus. What about after their careers are over? How does transitioning from a competitive athlete to a non-competitive person affect one’s mental health? We discussed this, among some possible solutions with former Drury University standout women’s basketball player, Heather Harman, and former Missouri State University men’s soccer player, Nick Dryden. Thank you to my guests for their valuable perspective and sharing their experiences as they navigated their identity transition.
Next week, we continue this conversation as Heather Harman co-hosts and we explore possible plans of action to assist college athletes in their transitional final year.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Show Me Showdowns are BACK!
It is here! The first of two weekends of the Show Me Showdown High School Basketball State Champions! Class 1, 2, and 3 this weekend and next weekend Class 4, 5, and 6. In this episode we hosted Missouri State High School Activities Association Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Assistant Executive Director Doug Fessler and previewed the upcoming Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships. Thank you to my guest for their information, but more importantly for their passion for providing valuable opportunities for students in Missouri.
Next week – The mental health of athletes is becoming more and more of a focus. What about after their careers are over? How does transitioning from a competitive athlete to a non-competitive person affect one’s mental health? We are going to have that conversation and joining us will be former standout women’s basketball player, Heather Harmon.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
It's Handball Time - Celebrating Champions
The Missouri State Women’s Handball Team did it again by winning another women’s title at the national collegiate handball tournament, with Minnesota State-Mankato coming in second. In the men’s division, Minnesota State-Mankato came in first, Lake Forest second and Missouri State third. The combined trophy went to Minnesota State-Mankato by three points over Missouri State. In tonight’s episode we catch up with the president of the United States Handball Association, Denis Hogan about his vision for growing the sport and encouraging those of all ages to give this game a try. We also spoke with Angelo State University Handball Coach Dr. Warren “Spider” Simpson about his longevity with this sport and the value of cross-training in handball. His growth of the game and the financial support he has received is an impressive avenue for growing the sport. He recently received a one-million-dollar endowment named in his honor and appropriately called the “Dr. Warren Simpson Excellence Fund for Handball”. We close out the show with a little coach’s inspiration as we move into the winter sports championship season.
Speaking of championships, next week we will host Missouri State High School Activities Association Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Assistant Director Doug Fessler and preview the upcoming Show-Me Showdown
Celebrating Champions and a Champion
Tonight, we celebrate the SIXTH Missouri Valley Conference Championship by the Missouri State University Women’s Swimming and Diving Team. Joining us were record setters and champions Anna Miller and Sami Roemer. We learned a little about the secret of their success and the potential to continue the tradition. Thank you to my guests for sharing their championship experience.
We also spoke with College of the Ozarks Head Women’s Basketball Coach Becky Mullis about the loss of coaching legend and icon George Wilson. Coach Wilson was a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame. His 1,006 career victories pale in comparison to the lasting impact he left on his players and the people that knew him. Thank you to Coach Mullis for her courage and strength as she captured the legacy of this man.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Assembling the Stripes - Officials Panel
With the Super Bowl being over, it signifies the end of football season. On tonight’s episode we take a moment and reflect on the season with National Coordinator of Instant Replay for the NCAA, Fox Sports NFL and NCAA Rules Analyst, and former coordinator of NFL officials, Dean Blandino. Along with Dean we hosted, Big 10 Referee Ron Snodgrass, and Mid-American Conference Referee Ron Hudson. We discussed the value and evolution of replay and my panel answered various questions sent in by college football coaches. I value their willingness to dive into those questions and I appreciate their competitiveness to always strive to make the right calls and decisions.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Coaching a University
We talk often on this show how sports are a parallel for life. In this episode, we spoke with Missouri State University President Clif Smart and Provost Frank Einhellig. During this episode, we related what they do as administrators of a university and what coaches do running successful programs. It is important to see the similarities and how specifically it is guidance on how to be an effective leader for your team. My guests tonight demonstrated valuable direction and advice for embracing what it means to be a strong leader and implementing a positive culture within a team and organization. This is why they have been a dynamic duo at Missouri State University for eleven years. We want to also congratulate Dr. Frank Einhellig on his career and wish him the best in his future retirement. His impact is legendary.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Kansas City Chiefs Superfans
This week, we host Kansas City Chiefs SUPERFANS! Jeff Burnett and Steve Newman as we cry, whine, and dissect the AFC Championship loss of the Kansas City Chiefs. We also dive into the emotions of being a superfan and the effects of being so connected to a team. We talk about hope for the future (too soon?) and the hope that Chiefs superfans have for the team coming back next season stronger and more consistent than ever. We also covered some ‘fun facts’ about the Chiefs. My guests did a great job voicing and capturing what it is like to be a lifelong Chiefs fan! Below Left: Steve Newman and Jeff Burnett Below Right: Jeff Burnett and Jeni Hopkins
Next week, we host Missouri State University coaches, but not the traditional kind. We host President Clif Smart and Dr. Frank Einhellig.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
KC Wolf and an Olympian!
Tonight, we welcomed one of the most popular mascots in the country, from the Kansas City Chiefs, KC Wolf! Dan Meers has been portraying this popular mascot since 1989 and does such a tremendous job of it. Advice he has for those that are interested in being a mascot? Be a character with character! He represents the Chiefs organization with character and integrity. We thank him for his time and efforts as he energizes the Chiefs Kingdom.
We also spoke with former Olympian Lori Endicott-Vandersnick about sports parenting and the importance of being mindful with your words and actions. The triangle of success involves the athlete, the coaches, and the parents all being on the same page.
Next week, we host Kansas City Chiefs SUPERFANS! My co-host will be the biggest fan I know, Jeff Burnett!
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
To Shot Clock or Not?
To shot clock or not to shot clock? It has been a debate for years. Does the high school basketball game need a shot clock? We debated and reviewed the pros and cons with a veteran coaches panel. Thank you to Nixa boy’s coach, Jay Osbourne, Parkview girl’s coach, Keri Nichols, and longtime high school and college coach, Kent Thomas. Excellent points on both sides were presented, only time will tell if it ever actually happens.
Next week, we wrap up weirdest mascots in America, and host real mascots!
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Continued Series: Weirdest Mascots in America
We continued our series on the weirdest mascots in America – Ryan Schaffitzel was in studio and brought some very interesting minor league baseball mascots (Trash Pandas, really?!) and some college summer baseball mascots. We also continued to explore a few more of the mascots across the country (Ducks, Shockers, Mountaineers, War Eagles, Dirtbags, etc).
Don’t miss this one!
Next week, we wrap up weirdest mascots in America, and host real mascots!
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
New Series: Weirdest Mascots in America
Episode 234 -
We kicked off a two-part series on the weirdest mascots in America – Kelli Cheek and Jill Widel joined us, along with our producer this week, Logan Weber. Buckaroos, Zizzers, Goblins, Razorbacks, Sand Lizards, Cotton Blossoms, and Kewpies were just a few of the mascots we covered in this episode! Have one for our next episode in the series? Email them to acoachsperspective@gmail.com.
Next week, again, weirdest mascots in America, Coach Ryan Schaffitzel will co-host!
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
eSports Champion and Holiday Tournaments!
Holiday tournaments are in full swing, and we updated the brackets and then caught up with Springfield Public School Director of Athletics Josh Scott. He has been involved at the national level of athletic directing and we talk about that along with running premier tournaments.
We then had the pleasure of being educated! Nebraska State Champion and top 1% ranked eSports player Allie Burnett joined us as we explored why eSports is the fastest growing sport in the country and world. She educated us on the attraction and addiction of eSports and why viewers cannot get enough! My thanks to Logan Weber, our producer for the night, as he chimed in on the power of gaming and its therapeutic abilities. Allie’s specialty is Overwatch and she is the only female on her team and captain as a sophomore! She is a shot-caller, again, she educated us! You don’t want to miss this! She paralleled the fundamentals and strategies of gaming to other sports and sold us on eSports and the benefits of gaming.
Next week - We kick off a two-part series on the weirdest mascots in America – Kelli Cheek and Jill Widel join us next week and Ryan Schaffitzel the week after – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Holiday Tournaments!
Christmas, New Year’s, Greenwood Blue & Gold, Pink and White Lady Classic – it is that time of year! We dove into the most popular high school holiday tournaments in the Midwest! Greenwood’s Blue & Gold will kick off their 76th annual tournament and the Greenwood/Springfield Public Schools partnership will have their Pink and White Lady Classic. Missouri State University will host the Blue & Gold this year at JQH Arena and Hammons Student Center, while Drury University will host the Pink and White Lady Classic again at O’Reilly Family Event Center and Weiser Gymnasium. Joining us with all of the need to know information - Greenwood’s Blue and Gold Superfan Don Louzader, Greenwood/SPS’s Pink and White Lady Classic Tournament Coordinators Mike Percival and Jason Michel.
Next week - Catching up with Coaches. In January, we kick off a two part series on the weirdest mascots in America.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Continued Series: Ethics in Sports (Coaches)
Tonight, we welcome two of the owners of the Tri-Lakes Shootouts, Coach Todd Mercer, and Coach Kent Thomas. We covered their upcoming shootout at Nixa High School and then we also continued our series on Ethics in Sports. During this series we have welcomed panels and given them ethical scenarios to see how they would handle moral dilemmas. My guests did an excellent job with each scenario and exhibited why they are successful veteran coaches.
Join us next week: Greenwood’s Blue and Gold and Greenwood/SPS’s Pink and White Lady Classic previews with Don Louzader, Mike Percival and Josh Scott.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Continued Series: Ethics in Sports, Officials Panel
We continued our series on Ethics in Sports. We are welcoming panels and giving them ethical scenarios to see how they would handle situational moral dilemmas. We have had panels with coaches and athletic directors and tonight we welcomed officials. Joining us were two experienced and knowledgeable referees in Emry Dilday and Mike Denbow. They did a phenomenal job analyzing situations that officials have to face and how they would handle these moral circumstances. Listen at acoachsperspective.com – thank you, refs!
Join us next week as we will continue our series: Ethics in Sports.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Continued Series: Ethics in Sports
Episode 229 -
This week we continued our series on Ethics in Sports. We are welcoming panels and giving them ethical scenarios to see how they would handle situational moral dilemmas. On this episode, we welcomed two knowledgeable and experienced athletic directors and explored some ethical situations that pertain to their specific role in sports. Mark Fisher and Brandon Clark did an excellent job dissecting and analyzing the presented circumstances and handling them well. My guests showed how valuable athletic directors are as mentors, supporters and educators.
Join us next week as we will continue our series: Ethics in Sports.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information
Ethics in Sports Series, Continued!
Episode 228 -
This week continued our series on Ethics in Sports. We are welcoming coaching panels and giving them ethical scenarios to see how they would handle situational moral dilemmas. Tonight, we hosted two talented and knowledgeable coaches who have demonstrated success on and off the court, Coach Landon Cornish, Springfield (MO) Parkview Boys Basketball and Coach Caitlin Lamberth, Springfield (MO) Central Girls Basketball. They did a fantastic job answering the dilemmas, their perspective was no surprise, they are both a class act!
The next two weeks we are pre-empted due to Missouri State University and Drury University Basketball, we will be back on December 1st and we will continue our series: Ethics in Sports.
A Coach’s Perspective:
Tune in Wednesday night’s live from 6:00-7:00 pm on 99.9FM/96.9FM or on the Radio-Springfield app.
Listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com
Or listen and subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify Helium Radio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm CST), or Vrbul Podcast under A Coach’s Perspective.
Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins
Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987
Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com for show updates and information