Stay ConnectedUnlock the world of track & field coaching with The Gill Connections Podcast! Host Mike Cunningham brings you inspiring stories, real conversations, and coaching insights from leaders at every level. Discover a new coach’s interview every Monday. Plus, don’t miss the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts with our NEW Gill1918 Project episodes Tuesday-Sunday — short, powerful lessons from top coaches to help you grow on and off the track.
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🎙️ Gill Connections Podcast: Special Episode with Coach Joe Lee 🎙️
Join us for an extraordinary episode of the Gill Connections Podcast as we welcome back a very special guest, Joe Lee, the head track coach of Bullis School. For more on Joe Lee's journey check out episode #223 of the Gill Connections podcast. This episode is unique for several reasons:
🏅 Quincy Wilson's Remarkable Journey: Quincy Wilson, a sophomore at Bullis, has made history by qualifying for the USA Olympic team and setting the under-18 world record in the 400m dash. We dive into his incredible achievements and what it means to coach such a phenomenal athlete.
🌟 Exclusive Q&A Session: This episode features questions from fellow coaches and fans on Twitter and Facebook, providing a rich, interactive experience.
🎤 Coach Joe Lee's Insights: Hear from Joe Lee about his approach to coaching Quincy, his thoughts on handling outside influences, and how he balances high expectations with the need to keep training fun and motivating.
📅 Episode Highlights:
"I don't feel pressure {coaching Quincy} I feel responsibility." - Joe Lee
Training and preparing a high school athlete for the Olympic trials.
Balancing academics, mental health, and athletic excellence.
The importance of maintaining a positive and fun team culture.
Tune in to hear this inspiring story and gain valuable insights into the world of high school track coaching at the highest level. Don't miss out on this special episode that showcases the blend of dedication, hard work, and joy that drives success in athletics.
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
Join us for an exciting episode of the Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast with the remarkable Adam Ward, Head Coach of the University of Maine's Track and Field team! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
In this episode, host Mike Cunningham sits down with Adam Ward to discuss the journey, challenges, and triumphs of coaching at the University of Maine. 🌲🐻 Adam shares his insights on the transformation of the track and field program, his passion for the sport, and the incredible athletes he's had the pleasure of coaching. 🏅
Key Highlights:
Adam's transition from Augusta University to the University of Maine 🏫
The impact of new facilities and resources on the program 🏟️
The importance of fostering a positive team culture and developing young talent 🌟
Insights into training in cold weather conditions and adapting to new environments ❄️
The journey of taking a program from the ground up to national recognition 🌍
Adam's story is one of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a track and field enthusiast, a coach, or an athlete, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiring stories. 🎧✨
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
🎙️ Gill Connections Podcast Episode: Unveiling Coaching Wisdom with Linh Nguyen! 🎙️
Get ready to dive deep into the world of track and field coaching with our esteemed guest, Linh Nguyen, the head coach of Emory University! 🦅✨ This episode is packed with valuable insights, heartfelt tributes, and inspiring stories that will leave you motivated and informed. 🌟
In this episode:
A heartfelt tribute to Brooks Johnson, a legendary coach whose impact resonates deeply within the coaching community. Hear about his legacy and the incredible influence he had on young athletes and fellow coaches. 🏅❤️
Linh Nguyen shares his coaching philosophy and the journey that led him to Emory University. Discover the wisdom behind his statement: "You can't teach an assistant coach character, integrity, loyalty, etc, but you can teach them workouts, philosophy, etc." 📚🤝
An exploration of Linh's early encounters with Brooks Johnson and how those moments shaped his coaching career. Learn about the lessons he took from Brooks and how they continue to influence his approach to coaching. 🌱👟
Insights into the challenges and rewards of transitioning from being a coach at a smaller program to leading a prestigious team like Emory's. Linh's journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. 💪🏆
Join us for an episode filled with emotional reflections, practical advice, and a celebration of the coaching profession. Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone passionate about sports, this conversation will provide you with a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel in the world of track and field. 🥇🎧
Tune in and be inspired by the stories, lessons, and experiences shared by Linh Nguyen, a coach who embodies the true spirit of mentorship and dedication. 🌟👥
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of David Self, the head coach of Sam Houston State University's track and field program. From the challenges of summer ☀️ to his deep connections in the sport 🏆, David's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication.
Join us as David shares his incredible journey, including his early days 👶, the transformative experiences at Garden City Community College 🏫, and his return to Texas 🏠. David opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the importance of mentorship 👨🏫, and the values he instills in his athletes 💪.
Highlight Quote:
"Coaching is not just about the wins and losses; it's about developing young men and women who will go on to be successful in life 🌟. It's about the impact we make beyond the track." - David Self
Tune in for an episode filled with insights 💡, personal stories 📖, and a deep appreciation for the sport of track and field. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fan, David's journey will inspire and motivate you.
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
In this thrilling episode of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, we're recording on the cusp of the 2024 Olympic Trials, buzzing with excitement for the track-filled summer ahead. Join us as we dive into a vibrant conversation with the remarkable June Villers, head coach at Waxahachie High School in Texas. June's journey from a shy seventh grader to a revered track coach is nothing short of inspiring.
We discuss her roots, moving frequently as a child before landing in Texas where her passion for track was ignited. Pam DeBoard, her middle school PE teacher, and Brent Jones, her high school coach, played pivotal roles in her development. Their mentorship not only shaped her as an athlete but also inspired her to pursue coaching.
June shares invaluable insights from her early coaching days at Palmer, emphasizing the importance of learning all event disciplines and the necessity of effective time management. We explore her transition to North Mesquite and then back to her alma mater, DeSoto, where she assisted her former high school coach before eventually stepping into the head coach role. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a continuous quest for improvement.
Tune in to hear about her strategies for handling the pressures of head coaching, fostering a positive team culture, and her take on the evolving landscape of college recruiting. Whether you're a seasoned coach, an aspiring athlete, or a track and field enthusiast, June's experiences and wisdom are sure to inspire and enlighten. Don't miss this exciting episode filled with passion, dedication, and the love for the sport!
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
We love to bring you new track and field podcasts that are being published. This week we feature Julia Abell and Wendell McCraven from Texas A&M as they begin their podcasting journey. After listening, give them a subscribe (and 5 star rating and review!)
In this episode of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham 🎙️ sits down with Greg Skipper, owner and vice president of Skipper's Elite Athlete 🏆, an authorized dealer of Gill Athletics track and field equipment. Greg shares his journey in track and field, from his early days in Oregon City 🏙️ to becoming a hammer thrower 🥇 at the University of Oregon 🦆. He reflects on his collegiate experiences, balancing academics 📚 and athletics 🏋️♂️, and learning from legendary coaches like Lance Deal and Stuart Togher.
Greg discusses the origins of Skipper's Elite Athlete and how they navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic 🌐. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with coaches 🤝 and providing exceptional service, highlighted in his quote, "We provide a service to coaches from coaches." 🗣️
Tune in to hear Greg's insights on the evolving landscape of track and field, the significance of team culture 💪, and the future of Skipper's Elite Athlete 🚀. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or track and field enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the sport and the business behind it.
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
National Business Development Manager Mike Cunningham recently was invite to the Manufacturer's Mindset podcast to talk about his work as a Biz Dev Manager in a US based manufacturer. He gives a behind the curtain look at some of the functions and benefits of being a sporting goods manufacturer as well as speaks on track coach and dealer network's value to the Gill brand.
Join host Mike Cunningham, National Business Development Manager for Gill Athletics, as he sits down with Emily Webb, the passionate Assistant Head Coach and Throws Coach for Niceville High School in Florida. Emily shares her journey into coaching, emphasizing the impact she strives to make on her athletes: "I wanted to be a coach that I didn't have." 🏋️♀️🥇
In this episode, Emily discusses her approach to developing young throwers, the importance of building a supportive team culture, and the challenges and rewards of coaching in the highly competitive world of high school track and field. 🚀🏆
Listen in to hear about her experiences, insights, and the dedication it takes to mold the next generation of athletes. Don't miss this inspiring conversation full of wisdom and passion for the sport! 🎯🌟
🎧 #GillConnections #TrackAndField #CoachingJourney #Inspiration #HighSchoolAthletics
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
🎙️ **Gill Connections Podcast - "Impressing at Every Turn with Jess Riden"**
**Host:** Mike Cunningham, National Business Development Manager
**Guest:** Jess Riden, Associate Director of Track and Field at the University of North Carolina
In this insightful episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Jess Riden, the Associate Director of Track and Field at the University of North Carolina. Jess brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the operational side of collegiate track and field. 🏃♀️🎽
**Episode Highlights:**
1. **Housekeeping and Shoutouts** 📣:
- Mike starts with a shoutout to a listener's review, highlighting the success of the state meet qualifying podcast series.
2. **Introduction to Jess Riden** 🌟:
- Jess's impressive journey from Reedsville, Pennsylvania, to her current role at UNC.
- Her background as a multi-sport athlete in high school and her path to collegiate track and field.
3. **Role of a Director of Operations** 📋:
- Jess discusses her transition from sports journalism to sports information director roles at Bucknell and East Tennessee State before moving into operations.
- The evolution of her role at Penn State, Washington, Stanford, and now UNC.
- The importance of organization, communication, and creating a supportive environment for coaches and athletes.
4. **Challenges and Successes** 🏆:
- The complexity of managing large-scale meets and the intricacies of compliance, budget, and travel logistics.
- Jess shares anecdotes about significant meets and the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure their success.
5. **Career Development and Leadership** 🌱:
- Jess emphasizes the significance of networking and continuous learning.
- Insights into how to maintain professionalism and advance in a career without necessarily moving into coaching.
- The role of mentorship and building strong relationships within the athletic department.
6. **Quote of the Episode** 💬:
- Jess's memorable quote, "You never know who you're going to impress," serves as a reminder of the importance of always putting your best foot forward.
7. **Looking Ahead** 🔮:
- Future goals and aspirations for Jess in her career.
- Advice for young professionals looking to enter the field of sports operations and management.
**Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jess Riden as she shares her journey, the importance of operational roles in collegiate sports, and how her leadership has made a lasting impact on track and field programs across the country.**
**Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think!**
🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Sean Carlson of Univ of Tennessee, Dave Smith of Oklahoma State, Kyle Rutledge of Pitt State, and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from our listeners! 🎧👍
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