The Play Like a Champion Show

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Orlandus Thomas, the Athletic Director at Intrinsic Charter High School in Chicago, IL as well as a Health & Physical Education teacher at the school. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: How Orlandus Fell in Love with Sports (2:23) How Being a College Athlete Instilled a Lifelong Passion (6:21) On Being an Educator (10:26) The Impact of Coaching (14:59) Michelle Obama & "Let's Move" (22:02) CHAMPS Mentoring Program (26:55) Adapting to Remote Learning in Physical Education (32:02) Staying Present, Grateful and Positive (35:05) Advice for Coaches (41:15) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Jen Brooks, the Athletic Director at Ursuline Academy in St. Louis MO. She's also the founder of the Global Community of Women in High School Sports and a host of her own podcast "Time Out with Jen Brooks." On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Jen's Athletic Journey & Career in Sports (1:54) Working at a Catholic School (6:15) Advice for a Young Athletic Director (7:52) Being a Woman in High School Sports (8:40) The Global Community of Women in High School Sports (15:10) Being a Mentor Coordinator for the MIAA (20:59) Jen's Podcast: Time Out with Jen Brooks (22:23) The Importance of Female Coaches (24:51) The Impact of Sports (27:46) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Derrick Perry, a counselor at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center in South Bend, IN and a part of the Michiana Athletic & Recreation Assocation. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Derrick's Experience with Sports (1:56) Working with At-Risk Youth (5:16) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) (11:01) The RALLI Program (18:00) Experiencing of Trauma (22:45) Running for the South Bend School Board (31:18) The Michiana Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) (34:24) How Sports Can Help Kids (38:24) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Dr. Nicole LaVoi, the Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. Visit the Tucker Center at www.tuckercenter.org. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Nicole's Life in Sport as a Collegiate Athlete & Coach (4:14) The Beginning of Play Like a Champion & Returning to the University of Minnesota (8:57) The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport (13:10) Research on Girls & Women in Sport (14:22) Solutions to Increasing Female Coaches (20:50) Tucker Center Initiatives (31:49) On Always Being a Coach (38:31) How to Find The Tucker Center (44:38) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Santiago Pérez de Camino, Head of the Church & Sport Office for the Dicastery of Laity, Family and Life at the Vatican (www.laityfamilylife.va). On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Growing up with Sports (3:41) Santiago's Journey to the Vatican (7:42) The Mission of the Office of Church & Sport (12:20) Giving the Best of Yourself: A Document about the Christian Perspective on Sport & the Human Person (16:10) The Dicastery's Library of Papal Documents on Sport (21:26) Issues with Sport Today (23:45) Sport as a Way to Grow Closer to God (32:43) A Pastoral Action Plan based on Giving the Best of Yourself (40:05) Sports Webinar Series & The Way Forward (50:40) Dicastery Plans for the Future (58:02) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Roy Kessel, founder of the Sports Philanthropy Network. You can learn more about their work and listen to their podcast at sportsphilanthropynetwork.org. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Growing up with Sports (2:52) Sports Philanthropy Network (4:20) The Sports Philanthropy World Conference (9:02) COVID-19's Impact on Sports & Philanthropy (11:55) Combating Racism in Sports (15:38) Sports Philanthropy Network Resources (20:18) The Sports Philanthropy Network Podcast (25:54) The Problem with Today's Pay-to-Play Culture (29:27) Roy's Favorite Part of the Job (35:02) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Andre Lodree, Founder and Executive Director of Four Point Play. You can learn more about Four Point Play by visiting 4ptplay.org. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Growing Up with Basketball (2:53) What is Four Point Play? (5:34) Coaching as Teaching (7:12) How does Play Like a Champion's philosophy fit in Four Point Play? (10:30) How have you grown in the past year and how did you adjust to COVID-19? (13:19) Eliminating the word "Can't" (18:12) Loving Work & Sports as an Outlet (22:08) Working with Sports Parents (24:25) Transforming Children through Sports (28:30) Learn More about Four Point Play (31:35) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show has enjoyed a tremendous group of guests over our first 16 episodes. On today's podcast we look back on a year that none of us will soon forget, with clips and commentary on some of the most discussed topics on the show. While we couldn't possibly fit all of our favorite moments in one podcast, we hope you enjoy this selection. Wishing all our listeners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Sports & COVID-19 (6:24) The Best Parts of Coaching and the Coaches Who Do It Best (11:35) Issues in Youth & High School Sports (24:43) Sports & Spirituality (33:15) Tips for Coaches & Athletes (42:24) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Sound effects for this episode were provided by Zapsplat. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Anne Stricherz, a Religious Studies Teacher, Varsity Girls Golf Coach and the Assistant Athletic Director for Engagement at St. Francis High School in California. Anne is also a national speaker, an author and blogs about the intersection of sports and spirituality at https://sportsandspirituality.blogspot.com. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Growing Up with Sports (2:45) Attending the University of Notre Dame (5:21) Athletics & Education (7:57) Coaching High School Athletes (10:56) #WeChampionFemaleCoaches (13:05) Teaching "Sports & Spirituality" to High School Students (15:35) Anne's Book Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes (20:00) A New Role in Athletic Administration (22:28) Play Like a Champion's Annual Sports Leadership Conference (26:29) Managing COVID-19 in Athletics (29:42) The Power of Sports (33:34) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Bethany Henderson, CEO of DC SCORES and the Network President of America SCORES. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Bethany's background in sports as well as public, private and non-profit sectors (3:35) What Bethany has learned through her career (7:53) What is DC SCORES? (9:00) Expanding DC SCORES and the America SCORES Network (11:02) The problem with access and How DC SCORES is increasing access to programs for kids (15:43) Managing the pandemic and fighting for justice (18:26) The Impact of DC SCORES, Featuring Poetry from Mariame (26:39)  *Watch the video featuring Mariame online at https://youtu.be/XO2hnbyKgHk and checkout other DC SCORES videos! **Learn more about DC SCORES: https://www.dcscores.org/ Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show is joined by Grace Curtin, Play Like a Champion's Project Manager for the A Team for Every Child initiative in Chicago, IL. In today's episode the trio discusses the evolution of A Team for Every Child and details efforts in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. Listeners are invited to a special event on December 9th, as Play Like a Champion hosts A Team for Every Child Showcase at 7:00 pm EST. Register for free by clicking here. Topics for today's podcast include: Grace's Role with Play Like a Champion (4:28) Forming the North Lawndale Athletic & Recreation Association (9:10) The "Three-Legged Stool" (13:50) The Impact of the NLARA and Great Coaches (19:10) The "Kinship" Approach and Homeboy Industries (25:33) Why is the "Association" Approach Critical? (29:56) A Team for Every Child Showcase (32:21) (Register Here) What Happens When Coaches Care? (35:48) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Anthony Thomas, the Athletic Director at Francis Parker High School in San Diego, CA and founder of the National Organization of Minority Athletic Directors (NOMAD). On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Growing up in Sports (3:16) Getting into Teaching and Francis Parker School (7:23) Building Character in High School Sports (13:03) Experiencing George Floyd and How that Led to NOMAD (16:58) Upcoming Webinar Series on "Uncomfortable Conversations on Race" (27:38) What is Your "Why"? (37:58) Learn more about NOMAD at https://thenomadassociation.org/ *Note: The Play Like a Champion Show will take a break for Thanksgiving next week and will return the following week with more great interviews! Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Martin Davis, an Author, Coach, Journalist and Podcaster who has a new book coming out in 2021 titled 30 Days with America's High School Coaches. Learn more about Martin on his website at www.martindavisauthor.com.  On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: The Role of Sports & Great Coaching in Marty's Childhood (3:02) Writing and Volunteer Coaching (6:26) Why He Wrote 30 Days with America's High School Coaches (8:22) Coaches Who Make an Impact (16:13) Common Traits of the Best Coaches (22:27) The Pressure of High School Sports (25:30) How Athletes Should Respond to Injustices in Society (31:30) More Influential Coaches (35:03) How to Find Marty's Work (37:59) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Jamyle Cannon, Founder and Executive Director of The Bloc in Chicago, IL. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: The Important Role of Sports in Jamyle's Life & Other Young People (4:26) The History and Mission of The Bloc (9:18) Play Like a Champion & The Bloc (13:06) What Does a Day at The Bloc Look Like? (15:46) Ending Practice with "Shout-Outs" (19:16) Being Named a CNN Hero and Celebrating The Bloc's Impact (24:06) An Inspirational Story from The Bloc (26:38) Staying Positive and Energized as a Coach or Mentor (32:19) Connecting with The Bloc (35:27) *Read the CNN Hero Profile of Jamyle: https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/27/us/cnnheroes-jamyle-cannon-the-bloc/index.html **Visit The Bloc's Website to Learn More: https://www.theblocchicago.org/ Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Muffet McGraw, the former Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Notre Dame. McGraw is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and one of the most successful coaches in the history of Division I college basketball, with 936 wins, 9 trips to the Final Four and 2 National Championships. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Growing Up an Athlete (2:35) Muffet on Her Coaching Career and What She Learned (7:37) Memorable Moments from a Legendary Career (10:44) Why Female Coaches are So Important (12:22) The Play Like a Champion Philosophy (15:53) "Pay to Play" & Opportunities for Kids (18:10) Muffet in Retirement: Meals with Muffet and Teaching at Notre Dame (20:20) Advice for Youth & High School Coaches (25:12) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Alex Bohl, Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director at Newman Catholic High School in Mason City, IA. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Alex's Lifelong Love of Sports and Athletic Career (4:21) Newman Catholic's Culture (9:22) Infusing Faith in Athletics & the Play Like a Champion Approach at Newman Catholic (11:44) Playing High School Baseball in a Pandemic (20:16) Fall Sports During COVID-19 (28:38) Alex on the Best Parts of Coaching & the Most Challenging (34:33) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Dr. Ramona Cox from the Detroit Police Athletic League. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Ramona's Lifelong Love of Sports and Her Athletic Career (3:49) The Police Athletic League (PAL) (7:23) How the "Pay to Play" Culture Affects Kids and the PAL Response (8:44) Project Play Champions (13:00) Girls Changing the Game (19:39) The Impact of COVID-19 on the Detroit PAL (24:57) How the PAL is Combatting Racial Injustice & Building Relationships (28:55) The Impact of PAL (34:05) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Bishop Michael Olson from the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: The Role of Sports in Bishop Olson's Childhood and Pastoral Ministry (4:55) The Role of Sports & Character Education for Parents and Coaches (12:43) "Pay to Play" and Issues in the Current Sports Culture (15:45) Sports and the New Evangelization (21:27) A Pastoral Action Plan for Sports (26:34) An Office for Sports as Ministry in the American Church? (34:21) COVID-19 and the Diocese of Fort Worth (38:33) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Michael Poole, an award-winning teacher, coach, athletic director and founder of Positive Outlook, Inc. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Michael's Background and the Role of Sports in His Life (2:29) How the Montessori Approach Can Impact Coaching (5:47) Positive Outlook (14:18) Positive Outlook & Play Like a Champion (22:25) The Impact of COVID-19 (28:18) Michiana Athletic & Recreation Association (34:42) The Impact of Coaching (47:50) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Coach Matt Pustay, an Assistant Coach for DePauw University's baseball program, as well as one of the student-athletes on Matt's team, Danny Sheehan. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Danny's Background in Sports (2:15) Coach Matt Pustay's Background and (4:30) Danny on Being Recruited in Both Football & Baseball (6:15) Recruiting from the college coach's perspective (9:00) Working with parents as a college coach & recruiting coordinator (14:00) About the DePauw Baseball program (17:45) How Division III sports are unique (21:30) The impact of COVID-19 on college seasons for players and coaches (27:45) Returning to School in the Fall (38:10) Advice for the baseball player (41:10) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Meghan Morgan, Executive Director of Girls in the Game.  Meghan's work is providing opportunities for thousands of girls to discover their strengths, confidence and leadership skills through fun and active sports, health and leadership programs. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Meghan's background and career (3:10) The mission and impact of Girls in the Game (7:40) Impacting Kids in a COVID-19 World (19:30) What would an ideal world look like for young girls? (23:30) Who is the person you most admire and why? (27:05) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Allison Fondale, Athletic Director at St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, Maryland.  Allison has been recognized as one of the best Athletic Directors in her state following years as an accomplished lacrosse player and a college coach. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Why Allison believes sports are so important for everyone (3:30) Allison's introduction to lacrosse and the power of a great coach (5:30) St. Mary's High School and Partnering with Play Like a Champion (7:35) CHAMPS Program Explanation & Impact (11:06) A look at St. Mary's SAIL Program for Captains (14:25) Student-Athletes Involvement & Senior Night in COVID-19 (24:10) Thoughts on leadership and moving forward with COVID-19 challenges (29:05) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Dr. Joe Congeni. Dr. Congeni is the Director of Sports Medicine at Akron Children's Hospital and a pediatric sports medicine physician for over 30 years. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Dr. Congeni's background in sports and medicine (3:20) The evolution of pediatric sports medicine (5:20) Specialization and how to safely train young athletes (8:40) How Congeni's experience in sports medicine shaped his role as a youth sports coach (11:35) Updates on concussions, knee injuries and back injuries in young athletes (17:10) Where we're at with COVID-19 (24:15) Thoughts on returning to play from COVID-19 (30:45) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

Episode 2 of The Play Like a Champion Show features our interview with Dr. Clark Power. Clark is the founder and Executive Director of the Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series and has been a professor for over three decades at the University of Notre Dame. On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Why Clark started the Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series (3:40) The challenges facing youth sports organizations during the current COVID-19 crisis (12:50) Play Like a Champion's response to COVID-19 (20:55) Re-imagining Youth Sports in a post COVID-19 world (27:10) Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at

The Play Like a Champion Show interviews Dr. Carrie Hastings. Carrie is is a licensed clinical and sports psychologist and team psychologist for the NFL's Los Angeles Rams (read her full bio here). On today's podcast we discuss the following topics: Carrie's Career as a College Athlete and Foray into Sports Psychology (4:20) Her work with the Los Angeles Rams (10:35) How teams are embracing sports psychology and mental performance (14:11) How athletes and coaches are experiencing the coronavirus pandemic and how coaches can help athletes during this time (18:30) Advice for parents (40:50) Do you have a question for Dr. Carrie Hastings? Email her at askdoctorcarrie@playlikeachampion.org!  Play Like a Champion can be found on Twitter and Instagram @PLC4Character and on Facebook @PlayLikeaChampion, where we post information and news for the athlete, coach and administrator each day. Learn more at www.playlikeachampion.org. Music for this episode was provided by Incompetech: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama.

Join us for the brand new Play Like a Champion Show! Coming soon to your favorite podcast provider.