Equality. Fairness. Respect. Coach Devan McConnell, High Performance Director for the NHL’s Utah Mammoth, joins the latest episode of the Truth In The Arena Podcast to discuss how those core tenets are essential for teamwork and developing a positive team culture. In addition to being vital in the world of sports, Coach McConnell also explains how inclusiveness and fairness are core principles he looks for at the community level and with national political leadership.

Through the conversation, McConnell shares the roots of his coaching philosophy and how his outlook has been impacted by professional stops across the USA, with college coaching roles at Stanford and the University of Massachusetts Lowell and then positions at the pro level with NHL teams in New Jersey and Arizona. All this while also starting a family and raising kids of his own.

Moving from Arizona to Utah, one of the ways he chose the neighborhood to move into was based on prevalence of Pride flags in the community, as he wanted to be in an area where inclusiveness was a fundamental part of the social fabric.

“As coaches, I think it’s important that we create environments that our athletes, our staff members, the people in our organizations can feel safe being who they are.”

Additionally, McConnell discusses his participation in the Strength Coaches for Harris group during the 2024 Election and his takeaways from stepping in to a more direct role in political advocacy. Finally, the coaches discuss the unique community culture in Utah and how patriotism is rooted in holding the country accountable to its ideals.

Chapter List

00:00 Introduction to Coaching Values

02:47 Core Coaching Principles and Their Impact

05:19 Political Advocacy in Coaching

07:50 Navigating Diverse Political Landscapes

10:20 Instilling Values in Young Athletes

13:00 Creating Inclusive Environments

15:23 Media Literacy and Healthy Information Consumption

18:01 Defining Patriotism in Today's Context