Recently National Business Development Manager Mike Cunningham attended the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA) Convention in Oak Brook, IL. While there, he captured amazing presentations from Athletic Directors around the country that we thought would bring value to our audience here at the Gill Connections Podcast.

We've got five total BONUS episodes in a row every Thursday which started back on July 24. This is BONUS episode #4. We'd love to hear feedback from you to confirm this was a VALUE GIVER to you.

In the meantime, if you are a small college administrator, to check out BoSCA as we were thoroughly impressed with the Convention and the Organization as a whole.

Coach Emeott's East Kentwood HS teams have won 8 State Titles to go with 3 State Runner-up finishes and a National Team Championship. He's a coach, event director, and author with a wealth of experience to share! If you’d like to contribute an episode of Youth & Beginner Series Powered by Coach O, we’d love to hear from you! Email clientrelations@coacho.com to learn more.

🎙️ **From PR Dreams to Coaching Reality: A Track Journey Rooted in Purpose**

In this episode of the Gill Connections podcast, we sit down with a coach whose story starts in Vermillion, South Dakota, winds through the world of public relations, and finds a calling in the multi-events of track and field. Help us welcome the wise the wonderful Anne Cleary!

From her time as a heptathlete at Central Missouri to discovering a deeper passion for mentoring young people, this episode is filled with lessons on adaptability, values, and the power of purpose-driven leadership.

🔑 **In this episode:**

* 🏠 Growing up in Vermillion and the pull of small-town roots

* 🧭 The college decision-making process—why fit matters more than division level

* 📝 Starting in public relations before realizing coaching was the true calling

* 🏃‍♀️ Competing in multi-events and how that shaped her coaching perspective

* 🧑‍🏫 Learning to lead with empathy, mentorship, and servant leadership

* 📈 The role of mentorship in her journey and paying it forward with her athletes

> *"I thought I wanted the glamour of public relations. But once I got a taste of coaching, I realized—this is where I can make an impact." -Anne Cleary

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍