Episode 4 - Pride, Carpe Diem, and Being Prepared
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
Release Date: 12/08/2025
Episode 14 - Travel Ball, Club Sports, and the High Cost of Competition
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In Episode 14, Coach Hernandez takes a deep look at the world of travel ball and club sports. What began as an alternative pathway for development has grown into a 40 billion dollar industry in the United States, bringing both opportunity and pressure. Coach Hernandez breaks down the competitive benefits while also examining the psychological impact on young athletes and the significant financial demands placed on families. He explores when these programs can be helpful, when they may be harmful, and what parents and athletes should consider before committing.
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Episode 12 - Favorites, Feedback and the Sideline Problem
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In episode 12, Coach Hernandez opens with the issue of "Coaches Favorites". Most coaches have their favorites, but while skills are part of it, they really like team members that have certain attributes that have nothing to do with their physical skills. He then discusses the issue of parents coaching from the stands, which creates difficult situations for all involved.
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Episode 11 - The Conversation That Changes Everything
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez examines the three-way relationship at the center of every youth sports experience: players, parents, and coaches. Using relatable stories, including the memorable “Kenilworth Special,” he shows how simple, intentional communication can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and improve team dynamics. Listeners will learn: One question coaches can ask to build momentum and clarity Practical ways parents can support their athletes without adding pressure The simplest way kids can earn trust and...
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Episode 10 - Navigating Expectations and the Playing Time Problem
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In this episode, Coach Jerry Hernandez talks about the fundamental realization that "there’s not another you out there", a lesson he once shared with a frustrated former assistant coach whose players were making mistakes during a high-stakes game. This concept is a powerful reminder for both coaches and parents that children and athletes often don't possess the same level of talent, experience, or singular passion for the game as the adults guiding them. Coach Hernandez shares a moving anecdote about a premed student-athlete who feared disappointing his father by switching his career path to...
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Episode 9 - The "Say Hey" Spirit—Respect, Responsibility, and the Little Things That Count
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
Willie Mays' career was defined by courage, persistence, and greatness. Coach Hernandez uses this spirit of simplicity and excellence to challenge leaders, players, and parents to elevate their daily standards. For coaches, the focus is on relationship-building. Coach Hernandez emphasizes the power of greeting every team member at the door, allowing leaders to gauge their emotional state and show genuine care for their well-being outside of the job or sport. For players and students, the episode highlights the necessity of respecting all school personnel, including maintenance staff,...
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Episode 8 - New Year’s Resolutions and the Lifelong Value of Team Friendships
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In this episode of The Athletic Trinity: Winning Together, Coach Jerry Hernandez welcomes listeners to the year 2026 and discusses how to start the year with growth and intentionality. He suggests a unique New Year’s resolution, improving physical flexibility, noting its benefits for performance, blood flow, and injury prevention. The episode provides actionable advice for each branch of the "athletic trinity": For Coaches: Coach Hernandez emphasizes the importance of teaching players public speaking, a skill that helps overcome common phobias and prepares them for life after...
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Episode 7 - Courage, Curiosity, and Christmas Chaos: Life Lessons from the Athletic Trinity
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In this holiday-season episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, we mix a little Christmas humor with powerful life lessons for parents, students, coaches, and leaders. From the legendary struggle of “easy, no-tools-needed” toy assembly to the pressure-packed moments of youth sports, we explore what courage really looks like—for kids and for parents watching from the sidelines. Parents are reminded that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it, and that they remain the most important coach their child will ever have. Students are...
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Episode 6 - Teachers, Parents, and the “Hardest Job” on the Team
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
Coach Hernandez shares practical ways coaches can build stronger partnerships with teachers (and why the teachers’ lounge might be your most valuable “office”). He then shifts to “Parents as Coaches,” urging families to be honest about athletic ability and to proudly support the athletes who don’t get much playing time—often the toughest role in any program. The episode wraps with “corny” but powerful teammate habits: respect everyone, lead by example on the road, keep facilities clean, and show great body language in every handshake and high-five
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Episode 5 - Lights, T-Shirts, and Tough Love: Building Character at Christmas
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In Episode 5 of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez kicks things off in the glow of Christmas lights, sharing childhood memories of New Orleans decorations, that unforgettable "Santa on an elephant" display, and why this season is the perfect time to teach kids about generosity, through things like Toys for Tots and visiting nursing homes with homemade cookies. Then he turns to coaches and leaders with a creative team-building idea: custom t-shirts with “insider” slogans that only your group understands, making identity and culture feel special from the inside...
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Episode 4 - Pride, Carpe Diem, and Being Prepared
The Athletic Trinity - Winning Together
In this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez starts with a powerful moment from an unlikely place: a Disney World janitor who quietly delivers a life lesson about PRIDE and doing every job the right way. From there, Coach breaks down what pride really looks like for today’s athletes—how you carry yourself, how you represent your school and team, and why your body language should shout, “I’m proud to be here.” Parents, Coach turns up the heat a little with a “Carpe Diem” challenge inspired by Dead Poets Society: your son or daughter only gets one...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Athletic Trinity – Winning Together, Coach Hernandez starts with a powerful moment from an unlikely place: a Disney World janitor who quietly delivers a life lesson about PRIDE and doing every job the right way. From there, Coach breaks down what pride really looks like for today’s athletes—how you carry yourself, how you represent your school and team, and why your body language should shout, “I’m proud to be here.”
Parents, Coach turns up the heat a little with a “Carpe Diem” challenge inspired by Dead Poets Society: your son or daughter only gets one chance to be a high school athlete. How are you helping them seize that moment and build memories that last a lifetime?
Finally, Coach speaks directly to leaders and coaches about always being ready to “say a few words” when called on—and how preparation, first impressions, and the little things can open doors or quietly close them. Wake up with determination, go to sleep with satisfaction… and remember, little things make a big difference.