In this episode of The Champion Within, host Kate interviews Debbie Schnellenbach, a retired teacher and seasoned coach with over three decades of experience. Debbie shares her journey in coaching and education, discussing the evolution of youth sports, the impact of parental expectations, and the importance of building a supportive community for athletes. She emphasizes the need for coaches to instill life lessons in their players, the balance between club and school sports, and the significance of patience and investment in the development of young athletes. The conversation concludes with Debbie's aspirations for the future and her belief in the importance of pursuing one's passions.

Takeaways:

Debbie Schnellenbach has over three decades of coaching and teaching experience. The landscape of youth sports has changed significantly over the years. Parental influence plays a crucial role in the development of young athletes. Coaches must focus on building a supportive community for their players. Winning and losing both provide valuable lessons for athletes. The balance between club and school sports is essential for athlete development. Coaches should encourage athletes to look within themselves for improvement. Patience and investment are key to successful coaching. Life lessons learned in sports can translate to real-world skills. Debbie aspires to travel and pursue her passions in her retirement. keywords: coaching, education, youth sports, parental influence, athlete development, sports philosophy, community support, life lessons, coaching journey, sports culture

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Debbie Schnellenbach 02:40 Debbie's Coaching Journey and Philosophy 09:50 Changes in Youth Sports and Coaching 15:11 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 20:38 The Impact of Technology on Youth Engagement 24:31 The Club vs. School Sports Dilemma 28:46 The Importance of Team Dynamics 34:24 Lessons from Coaching and Parenting 35:32 Coaching Challenges and Growth Mindset 40:41 Honesty in Coaching and Life Lessons 46:07 Looking Within: Self-Reflection and Team Dynamics 49:25 The Journey of Teaching and Coaching 53:24 Balancing Coaching and Parenting 59:43 Building a Strong Program and Patience in Coaching 01:04:39 Future Aspirations and the Call to Adventure 01:10:27 Champion Within Outro