Sport and the Growing Good

Claudia Reardon is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. Claudia works with Badger athletics, the International Olympic Committee, the NCAA, and other leading sports in supporting the mental health of athletes. She’s published widely in the field and is recognized as one of the leaders in the field of sport psychiatry. In this SGG episode, we discussed: 1.  Growing up in a household of high-level athletes – and what research tells us about having parents who exercise. 2.  How she got into the field of sport psychiatry. 3.  What her article, “Mental Health in Elite Athletes,” says about sleep and its impact on athletes (and why coaches need to be aware of this). 4.  Insignificant sleep leaves athletes at higher risk of injury. 5.  How can coaches optimize environments for mental health. 6.  Common situations that can stress athletes’ mental health: times of high training load and injury times. 7.  Communicating with parents about mental health. 8.  Promoting psychological flexibility. 9.  “Having a game-face on the field doesn’t mean you have to have a game-face off the field 24/7.” 10.  Poor mental health is associated with heightened injury risk. 11.  Mental health differences across sports. Reasons why individual sport athletes are at significantly higher risk of depression than other athletes. 12.  Issues relating to body image and eating disorders. 13.  Taking on a process-oriented outlook to foster growth. 14.  The golden age of mental health. 15.  The IOC’s diploma and certificate programs focusing on mental health in sport

Art Rainwater was the superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District from 1998 until 2008. He later served as a revered faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Art was formerly a football coach in Arkansas and Texas, as well as a school principal in Alabama. In this SGG episode, we discussed: 1.  His high school football and basketball coaches being “people I could talk to.” 2.  Starting a little league in his Arkansas hometown. 3.  Why he asked the coach of his college if he could join the team as a scout team member: “You really need to experience the things you’re asking people to do.” 4.  Keeping in touch with players he coached 55 years ago. 5.  The school administrator in Texas who first recognized his administrative potential, and the innovative way he prepared Art for a leadership role. 6.  In the coach-player relationship, “kids see through you… you can only be honest if you’re going to be successful with them.” 7.  “The ability to lead is based solely on trust and trust can only occur if you’re truthful.” 8.  Success stories of families he’s worked with, including the Flowers family at LaFollette High School in Madison. 9.  What he looked for in building a leadership team. 10.  Non-negotiable beliefs. 11.  Providing developmental and leadership opportunities for members of your staff. 12.  His daily routines as a leader, including detailed planning, early starts, and generous time allotted each week for individual team members. 13.  Carving out time for reflection. 14.  Being conscious of power in relationships.

Marisa Kresge is an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin’s women’s soccer team and also a youth-level coach in the Madison area. After a successful college career, where she served as captain of UW’s team, Marisa’s coaching career is off to a quick start. Marisa’s players speak very highly of her – and she’s learning the ropes from Paula Wilkins, one of the most respected coaches in the game. In this SGG episode, we discussed: 1.  Playing competitive youth soccer with coaches who challenged her and instilled values in her. 2.  Understanding the developmental levels of the players she coaches. 3.  Leadership and cultural changes on the UW team during the 2013-14 seasons: “It changed our entire program.” 4.  Serving as captain of the UW team – and why she took on a vocal role. 5.  How an injury sowed the seeds of a coaching career in her mind – the injury was “a blessing in disguise.” 6.  The importance of kids loving the game and investing in it at a young age. “It has to be player driven.” 7.  Routines she uses with her teams – keeping it fun and engaging. 8.  Remaining open to new environments when transitioning into a new assistant coaching job. 9.  “It takes time to get to know someone, and the more time you invest in someone, the better thing will be.”

Vance Walberg is the head coach of Clovis West’s basketball team. Over the course of his long and distinguished career, he’s thrived at high school, community college, Division 1 college, and NBA levels. Coach Walberg is highly-regarded by coaches across the country, and in creating and generously sharing the dribble-drive offense, is known as one of the best innovators of the modern basketball era. In this SGG episode, we discussed: 1.  The impact of growing up as the middle child in a household with six boys. 2.  Getting cut multiple times in sports as a middle schooler… and always bouncing back, ultimately becoming the top player in the league. 3.  His wife Rose’s impact on his career as a coach. 4.  The 6:30am shooting opportunity that he presented to his teams: Going from 2 to 40 “everyday” kids in developing a hard-working program. 5.  Chris Hernandez. “When your best player is your hardest worker, you’re in for a special season. 6.  Why his teams don’t shoot free throws or have water breaks during practice. 7.  The long-term dividends of Chris’ “10,000 free throw summers” – and the thank-you call he placed after a big Stanford victory. 8.  His open-door policy with parents – including at practice. “Come by and see how hard your son works.” Rules: “Don’t come see me right after a game (24-hour rule). Don’t ask me to compare your son to another player.” 9.  His daughter as a coach at the cross-town rival school. 10.  The importance of his family in his life – and the way he prioritizes his role as a husband and dad above basketball. 11.  “Getting my team to be 2, 3, 4 points better the following year.” 12.  His purposeful commitment to learning and innovation, including the 1987 deal he struck with his athletic director that allowed him to learn from the best coaches in the country. 13.  “Seeing the game through angles.” 14.  Gaining ideas from other coaches – including what not to do. 15.  Giving back to the game by sharing ideas with the thousands of coaches who contact him. 16.  Working with George Karl and John Welch.

Pat Connaughton is not only a popular player for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, but also the President of the With Us Foundation, which creates access to sports for all kids. A native of Arlington, MA, Pat went on to excel in both basketball and baseball at the University of Notre Dame. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles prior to his senior year of college, but ultimately chose to pursue his NBA dream. In this episode of the SGG podcast, we discussed: 1.  “A lot of who I am stems from my parents” …who taught him… “don’t let something frustrate you, let it fuel you.” 2.  Fidelity House and one of his early coaches, Tim Graham. 3.  How his parents and coaches “challenged me in the right way.” 4.  Why he started With Us in 2016. 5.  The importance of actually being present at the camps and in developing relationships with the kids. 6.  The impact that can be made through developing and re-developing everyday athletics facilities. 7.  What influenced him to develop an “other-centered” focus: his parents and his university. 8.  His mom saying “do your best” rather than always focusing on others. And his parents’ encouraging him to be well-rounded (including the dreaded piano lessons on Wednesdays at 2:30!). 9.  Making efficient use of gap time during the season. 10.  Developing a resourceful network of people to learn with and from. 11.  Doing Zoom calls with kids to talk about life, developing good habits… and letting them know that “I was in your shoes at one time.” 12.  “I want them to feel like they are a part of something. You’re not alone. You’re with us.” 13.  Aspirations for the future, on and off the court. 14.  Living and playing in Milwaukee, where the Bucks are building a “family-like culture.”

Casey FitzRandolph is an Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and one of the great speed skaters in history. A native of Verona, WI, Casey’s journey is inspiring for competitors and instructive for all coaches and leaders. Casey gained widespread fame and admiration on the world stage, but his success was the result of years and years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. In this SGG episode, we discussed: 1.  Gaining early inspiration from Eric Heiden. 2.  Coach Bob Corby. 3.  His parents’ remarkable support and commitment (and their cool family van). 4.  Setting the goal to win Olympic gold at a very early age – and a willingness to do whatever it took to get there. 5.  Coach Lyle Lebombard – who was both “old-school” and “cutting edge” – and emphasized technique in becoming one’s best. 6.  The importance of having an elite training facility in Wisconsin, the Pettit National ice Center. 7.  Hard working, tight-knit Wisconsin families being well-suited for speed skating (e.g., Eric Heiden, Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen, Chris Witty, Kip Carpenter). to th 8.  Learning a lesson from every situation – and getting better after his first Olympics. 9.  Being welcomed as a training partner and friend by Mike Ireland and Jeremy Wotherspoon, top Canadian skaters. “We shared blood, sweat, and tears.” 10.  “At the end of the day, this is all about getting to our personal best.” 11.  The critical importance of instilling belief. 12.  Finding advantage over competition on the mental side. Three aspects: a) visualization; b) relaxation; c) perspective. 13.  The current state of coaching in youth sports.

Turina Bakken is the Provost at Madison College and a long-time competitor, coach, commentator, and leader in a variety of sports contexts. Turina also holds multiple academic degrees, including a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis. She’s widely respected for her dynamic leadership – and her story is full of rich lessons for coaches and all leaders who aim to promote the good through sport. In this episode, we discussed: 1.  Growing up playing multiple sports in a small Minnesota town – including the creative games she would play with her brother. 2.  Picking the least talented kids first on the playground – valuing everybody and the contributions they can make. 3.  Her father’s influence and his steadfast support over the years – even to the point of purchasing Badgers gear (quite a commitment from a life-long Gopher fan!). 4.  How her creativity as a teacher was influenced by her participation in sports. 5.  Lessons learned from her grandma – who was elected mayor at age 75 by a write-in vote. 6.  Management by wandering around. 7.  Playing for a soccer team in France – taking risks, being a “complete and utter outsider for the first time in my life.” 8.  Being “a very intentional observer” who “is always on the lookout for the hidden gem, the underdog.” 9.  “Authentically being me has helped me gain respect.” 10.  Her grandma’s saying, “do it your own wrong way.” 11.  Not taking oneself too seriously, keeping a “lightness” in her work, and remaining approachable. 12.  “Take yourself off the stage and put the spotlight on other people.”

Freddie Owens is an assistant basketball coach at Loyola University in Maryland. Coach Owens was previously a star player for the University of Wisconsin and, over recent years, he’s gained a reputation as an outstanding coach in his stops at multiple colleges. Even as he has moved around to coaching positions throughout the country, Coach Owens has maintained a deep commitment to his hometown, Milwaukee. Most notably, he started the Milwaukee Coaches Association, who develops and supports coaches in the city. In this episode of SGG, I was joined by Freddie and fellow UW basketball alum, Wquinton Smith, to discuss: 1.  Growing up playing basketball in Milwaukee. 2.  His father’s influence on him on and off the court – including working toward the goal that Freddie set as an 8 year-old boy to be a Division 1 basketball player. 3.  Coach James Gordon, his coach at Milwaukee Washington High School, and the identity that his teams took on. 4.  Coach Curtis Weathers and his everyday support helping to get Freddie prepared for college. 5.  “Taking bits and pieces of each coach I’ve worked with to build my own identity.” 6.  His ongoing commitment to Milwaukee and why he started the Milwaukee Coaches Association. 7.  The impact of the charter school movement on Milwaukee basketball. 8.  Interviewing for coaching positions.

Andy North is a two-time U.S. Open champion and one of the most respected names in golf. After his long, successful professional career, he’s enjoyed a great run at ESPN – along with a wide range of other pursuits on and off the course. Andy’s also a loyal, lifelong supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers. Andy joined the SGG podcast, where we discussed: 1.  His dad’s background as a coach – and the innovations he made capturing video and focusing on the mental sides of the game. 2.  His dad’s lessons about the difference between “just goofing around” and “purposeful practice.” 3.  The value of playing a team sport for individual sport athletes. 4.  Being a “good player on a bad team” and being a “bad player on a good team.” 5.  The injury that catapulted him into golf. 6.  Lee Milligan’s long-time influence in his life. 7.  The competitive fire of his friend Michael Jordan…and the fire within all great competitors. 8.  How many golfers get too “bound up technically.” 9.  His college coach understanding “if you need help, come to me” as opposed to trying to get overly involved in changing kids’ games. 10.  Differences between his generation of athletes and today’s athletes. How playing multiple sports assisted in “learning how to use your body.” 11.  Keeping things simple. 12.  The importance of knowing yourself as an athlete. 13.  Helping UW football team’s kickers. 14.  “The great players are the guys who can go out there with nothing (on an off day) and figure out a way to get it done.” 15.  Not letting others know you’re nervous and talking yourself into everything being ok. “Get to where you enjoy being there.” 16.  Visualizing his next day’s round as a method of preparation. 17.  The value of “figuring things out” without an entourage of supporters. 18.  Common attributes of the great coaches he’s been around. 19.  Byron Nelson’s comment that to be good in golf “you have to be really, really smart or really, really dumb.” 20.  Making it through ongoing injuries, mentally and physically – and “never-ending” rehab. 21.  What he learned about working on TV from Hubie Brown and John Madden – “they told me something I didn’t realize.” 22.  “Empathy” in coaching (including the example of his dad communicating with his high school players’ girlfriends.) 23.  “Sometimes the smartest thing a coach can do is sit down and be quiet for five or ten minutes.” 24.  The young coaches he’s impressed by.

Jerry Petitgoue is the head basketball coach at Cuba City High School in Wisconsin. He is the all-time leader in wins in Wisconsin (over 900 wins!), he’s won three state titles, been elected to multiple halls of fame, and received countless other awards. After more than 50 years of coaching, he’s still going strong, serving as executive director of the robust Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association – and was even voted as the Wisconsin state coach of the year in 2020. 1.  Getting his work ethic from his parents. His father was a miner and his mom worked in a factory. 2.  His high school coach, who only recently passed away. 3.  His advice to new coaches: “I would take all the psychology classes that I could take” and “I would have a mentor.” 4.  Learning to play Euchre from his grandfather. 5.  Being a teacher and coach in Cuba City. 6.  Why younger coaches should have “someone with gray hair on the bench” as a mentor. 7.  “I want to coach kids the way I would want to be coached. And I look at them like my sons.” 8.  Stirring up interest in the game by distributing mini-basketballs to newborns at the local hospital. 9.  The importance of being a teacher in the school where you coach. “I wanted to be the best history teacher I could be.” 10.  The importance of being able to read body language. 11.  How his year of studying broadcasting in Chicago helped him as a teacher and coach. 12.  Balancing coaching and family (how Hudl has helped). And the important role his wife Joan has played in his life over the years – including with the WBCA. 13.  The life lessons learned through athletics. “You get yourself up off the ground and you compete.” “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” 14.  Continuing to learn the game with other coaches, including good friends Will Rey and Jeff Boos. 15.  Keeping things simple. 16.  Keeping things engaging and fun (even telling pre-game knock-knock jokes).