Sports can fundamentally change what young athletes believe about themselves and what they can accomplish. Brant Howell, a 2006 graduate and three-time state champion who later walked on at Notre Dame, discusses this often-overlooked aspect of youth sports.

20 years after graduating, Brant heard about a coaching vacancy and moved across the country, from Maryland, to help coach Mercer Island because of how this community affected his life and instilled work ethic, discipline, values, and more.

Howell contrasts how good youth programs focus on character and lifelong development over wins or accolades, in contrast with some current trends driven by money and college outcomes.

Brant remembers a life-changing, hard moment during the 2006 season, when Mercer Island overcame a difficult early start and ultimately won for the first time ever on Bainbridge Island, and the lifelong lessons players learned about rigor, humility, and resilience.

He explains why players should stick with the process, and why parents should support but not remove hardship. We also discuss the club’s culture of loyalty, tradition, discipline, and “the journey is the reward” mindset.

00:00 Intro

01:22 Why Brant Came Back

02:35 Inside a Championship Culture

04:11 Values Beyond Wins

04:47 Walking On at Notre Dame

09:03 Hard Season Turning Point

12:55 Coaching Then vs Now

15:15 Advice for Struggling Players

16:09 Lightning Round

16:55 Parent Clarity

20:24 Culture—Loyalty, Tradition, Discipline

24:50 The Journey Is the Reward

27:10 Closing and Raise the Stick