The Coachers Podcast

Welcome to The Coachers Podcast 🤙🏽 — hosted by Keanu Yamamoto. Each episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with coaches from every level and sport, sharing their real journeys: toughest moments, biggest wins, best practices, and the hard-earned lessons that build tougher athletes, stronger teams, and better leaders. From forging a culture and mental toughness to balancing life beyond the whistle, this is your go-to vault for authentic inspiration on coaching, leadership, and team building. Coaches, athletes, parents, and fans — dive in for stories that unite and motivate across the game. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe now and join the conversation! ⛳️🗣️

The Coachers Podcast is a sports podcast hosted by Keanu Yamamoto, with 58 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Keanu Yamamoto hosts The Coachers Podcast, a sports show with 58 episodes published.

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  Episode #59

  Coach Alex Venardos - Boise State Beach Volleyball: We can only Push Them as Far as we can Pull Them

  Oct 3, 20261h 6mS1

  Coach Alex Venardos Alex Venardos is the head coach of Boise State Beach Volleyball, named to the role in July 2025. A Manhattan Beach, California, native and 2015 Vistamar High School graduate, he came to Boise State as a student and earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in Chinese studies in 2018. He joined the indoor program in 2016 as a practice player, moved into a volunteer assistant role, and became a full-time assistant in 2019. At one point, Coach Venardos served as the director of operations for indoor and an assistant for the beach program. As an assistant he handled recruiting, practice, scouting, and travel, and was named to the AVCA Thirty Under 30 Beach class in 2023. He helped guide the Broncos to a program-record 31 wins in 2024 and, in 2025, their first Southland Conference titles and first NCAA Championship appearance. In his first season as head coach, with Boise State in the Big 12, the Broncos went 20-16, finished ranked No. 18 in the AVCA poll (a program first), and recorded the most dual wins over ranked opponents in a single season in program history. In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Coach Alex Venardos talks about his journey from a practice player to head coach, the differences between indoor and beach volleyball, and his philosophy behind coaching. Coach Venardos shares insights on creating a safe space for athletes, the unique “Hooves” of the program, and the importance of “partnerability”. The conversation touches on the intricacies of beach volleyball, coaching challenges, and the unique aspects of the sport. They explore the emotional and decision-making skills necessary for athletes, the significance of team identity, and Recruiting. They address topics such as communication during matches, importance of feedback loops, performance variability, transition strategies, blocking techniques, and the personal growth of coaches. Photo Credit : Boise State Athletics Key Takeaways: -The Why Behind Coaching! -The differences between indoor and beach volleyball in terms of skill sets. -You can only push them as far as you can pull them -The 4 Hooves of Boise State Beach -Partnerability: What is it? -What are you doing when your partner is “drowning” -The Role of a Coach during a Match -Recruiting Musts: What do you look for in a prospect? -What’s a trait that impresses you as a coach? -Team Identity: Good competitors with little ego -Why is Beach Volleyball the greatest sport in your opinion? -Program emphasis on Decision making and Emotional Regulation -Communication and Resetting During Matches -Breaking Down Transition Defense and Blocking Strategies -Practice and Match Icebreakers: “Hacks” -Advice to younger self: Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know -The 90/10 Rule -Coaching is a two-way street; players impact coaches just as much. https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

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  Episode #58

  Coach Kevin Moffatt - Kennedy Head Baseball Coach: Building Character Through Baseball

  Sep 26, 202643 minS1

  Coach Kevin Moffatt — Kennedy High Head baseball coach and athletic director, Mt. Angel, Oregon. Coach Moffatt has coached baseball and served as athletic director at Kennedy for about two decades. His baseball teams have won OSAA 2A/1A state titles in 2012, 2022, 2023, and 2026, and finished as runners-up in 2019 and 2025. The 2012 title was Kennedy’s first in baseball and the school’s first boys state championship. The 2023 team went 31-0. In 2026, Kennedy beat Crosshill Christian 13-0 in the state final. As athletic director, he has overseen multiple OSAA Cup wins and been named Oregon Athletic Directors Association AD of the Year more than once. Kennedy’s teams have consistently posted strong academic averages under his watch. In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Coach Moffatt shares his journey from growing up in Montana to coaching in Oregon, discussing his passion for baseball and the values he instills in his players. He reflects on the challenges of coaching, the importance of hiring dedicated coaches, and the rewarding moments of seeing his players succeed both on and off the field. The conversation also touches on the significance of teaching life skills through sports, the essence of baseball, and the importance of community engagement. He discusses the significance of situational scrimmages in preparing athletes for high-pressure scenarios and reflects on the evolution of the game, including the balance between traditional strategies and modern analytics. Coach Moffatt highlights the essence of teamwork, while also addressing the challenges of handling failure and setting realistic expectations for success beyond just winning. Key Takeaways -The Why behind Coaching -The best coaches are often the best teachers. -Baseball teaches valuable life lessons about failure. -Community engagement and being involved with the youth program. -The Greatest challenge in coaching -The lost Art of throwing strikes in HS baseball -Encouraging multi-sport participation benefits athletes. -Practice should be enjoyable and structured. -Situational scrimmages prepare players for real-game pressure. -The importance of mental toughness and Belief! -The Pursuit of state titles -Success is defined by more than just wins and losses. -Coaching Beyond Wins -The Parting Wisdom https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

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  Episode #57

  Coach Tom Rothenberger - Jesuit Cross Country: Give Them a Day in the Sun

  Sep 19, 20261h 3mS1

  Coach Tom Rothenberger Coach Tom Rothenberger is the longtime head cross country coach at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, where he has built one of the most successful high school distance programs in the country. He arrived at Jesuit in 1982 at age 21, fresh out of Boise State, and expected a short stay. More than 40 years later he is still there. Jesuit was an all-boys school when he started; the girl’s program was added in 1993. He also taught history and helped grow massive participation—often 150–170 athletes in cross country and hundreds more in track. Under his leadership the Crusaders have won dozens of Oregon state titles in XC and track, produced 75 individual state champions, qualified 16 teams for Nike Cross Nationals (with a boys runner-up and girls fourth-place finish among the highlights), and earned Coach Rothenberger two National Coach of the Year honors. He is also meet director for the Nike Jesuit Twilight Relays and owner of Stumptown Running. In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, Coach Rothenberger shares his inspiring journey from childhood to becoming the head cross-country coach at Jesuit High School. He discusses the importance of mentorship, building a successful athletic program, and his coaching philosophy that emphasizes personal connections with athletes. Coach Rothenberger also reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, including the significance of creating memorable experiences for athletes and the evolution of his coaching methods over the years. They discuss the importance of cherishing moments, the essence of cross country and track, race strategies, and the significance of fostering leadership among young athletes. Coach Rothenberger shares insights from his own experiences, emphasizing the value of reflection, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the lasting relationships formed through coaching. The dialogue culminates in advice for young coaches and a reflection on the legacy of coaching. Photo Credit : Trisha Leavy and Trasie Humble Key Takeaways: -Building a Program and Recruiting students with Personal Letters. -The Why behind Coaching -Give them a Day in the Sun -What Makes Cross Country Special: Shared Experience everyone runs the same course -Meeting the Runner where they’re at -Coaching Philosophy: The 3 Signs -Coaching with my son: Most innovation in last 8 years -Don’t be a Scientist, be an Artist -Cherishing the Moment -Life and perspective after Cardiac Arrest -Race Plan: Fast, Faster, Fastest -“Something Good is Gonna Happen Today” -Setbacks are what we grow from -Running for something Bigger Than Yourself -Advice to younger Coaches: Don't rush to judgment; be open to growth and learning. https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

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  Episode #56

  Coach Monty Hawkins - La Salle Soccer: Why Great Soccer Coaches Focus on People, not Tactics

  Sep 12, 202655 minS1

  Coach Monty Hawkins Coach Monty Hawkins is the Boy’s varsity soccer coach at La Salle Prep in Milwaukie, Oregon. A 1984 Gladstone High graduate, both him and his wife were athletes at Oregon State. He first coached the Falcons from 1990 to 1995, going 78-13-9, reaching three state finals, and sharing the 1994 title. After coaching Portland State women and 14 seasons at Sherwood, he returned to La Salle in 2021 and has added 5A state championships in 2021, 2024, and 2025. A U.S. Soccer A-licensed coach, he owns Tualatin Indoor Soccer, works with U.S. Soccer’s Olympic Development Program, and recently won Far West Region Coach of the Year. Two of his triplet sons are on the Falcons soccer team and his other is at IMG academy for X Country / Track & Field. In this episode of The Coachers Podcast Coach Monty Hawkins shares his extensive journey from being a player to a successful coach at various levels. Coach Hawkins discusses his coaching philosophy, the importance of adaptability, and the role of ego in coaching. He emphasizes the significance of building confidence in players and the challenges of modern coaching. The conversation also touches on the balance between creating pressure in training and ensuring player success, as well as the importance of developing a good technical foundation for young athletes. They discuss the unique demands of soccer compared to other sports, the significance of adaptability in player roles, and the philosophy of allowing players the freedom to create and learn from their experiences. The conversation culminates in reflections on what separates good teams from great teams and the lasting impact of coaching on players' lives. Key Takeaways: -The Why behind Coaching! -Adapting coaching methods to different generations is essential. -Ego can hinder effective coaching; focus on the team instead. -Confidence above all else -Coaching can be Overrated -The Secret Sauce -Playing at a Team Level -Players Play! -Success is a byproduct of hard work and dedication. -The Key is application and merging the two worlds! -Players need to learn how to respond to adversity. -Let the players create and find solutions -The work is put in beforehand, learn to let go -Why is Soccer the Greatest Sport? -In Youth Athletics Winning should not overshadow player development. -The Difference Between Good and Great Teams: The Little Things Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coach Monty Hawkins #coaching #soccer #soccercoach #oregonsoccer #LaSalleSoccer https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

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  Episode #55

  Coach Nick Robertson - Oregon Sports HOF: There's Nothing Better Than Practice

  Sep 4, 202656 minS1

  Coach Nick Robertson Coach Nick Robertson coached Oregon high-school boys basketball for 41 years (Sandy, Franklin, McMinnville, Beaverton), going 699–310 with state titles in 1979 and 1998. He treated coaching as teaching: culture, communication, and how players lift teammates mattered as much as X’s and O’s. With Barry Adams he co-founded the Les Schwab Invitational (first played 1996 as the Oregon Holiday Invitational) so Oregon teams could face elite competition at home, and the Northwest Shootout (1994), the Oregon–Washington all-star games. Both grew into regional institutions; Shootout proceeds support Camps for Kids, which he also helped build to give less-advantaged kids access to camps. In this conversation, Coach Nick Robertson shares his extensive journey in high school basketball coaching, discussing his family background, coaching philosophy, and the importance of building a strong team culture. He emphasizes the role of teaching in coaching, the significance of community involvement, and the challenges of managing expectations from players and parents. Coach Robertson also reflects on his evolution as a coach, the strategies he employed to create a positive environment, and why he believes basketball is the greatest sport. He offers valuable advice for aspiring coaches: find a great wife, adaptability, communication, and building relationships with players. Takeaways -If you want to be a basketball coach you need to be a big-time community member -Coaching is fundamentally about teaching and building relationships with players. -The “Aha” moment with defensive play! -Every player should have a defined role within the team to foster accountability. -The Team Comes First -It’s the Coaches Job to create Pressure -The 3 Qualities! -The little things / There’s nothing better than practice -Taking Pride in Defense -The art of the Rebound -Why is basketball the greatest sport? -Retired life and Staying Involved -Les Schwab Invitational, Northwest Shootout, and Camps for Kids -Expect to Win -Defining success beyond wins -Advice for young Coaches! https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

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