335. Huddle Up With Coach Mackey - How to Prevent Burnout: 4 Keys to Staying in the Game for the Long Haul - Coaching Tips & Lessons
Release Date: 03/31/2025
345. Todd Winfrey - Coaching With Love: Coach Winfrey’s Approach
Coach 360
In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, presented by 2Words Character Development, we’re joined by Coach Todd Winfrey, Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach at Canyon High School in Texas. With over two decades of experience serving under Coach Blake Bryant before stepping into the head role, Coach Winfrey shares a powerful testimony of leadership, patience, and the impact of long-term investment in a single community. Coach Winfrey opens up about the influence of his coaching mentors, the importance of building relationships, and how love—not just discipline—is at the...
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344. Kelli Barnet - The Standard - Coaching at Wichita Falls Memorial
Coach 360
What happens when tradition meets transformation? For Coach Kelli Barnett, it meant stepping into a brand-new role at Wichita Falls Memorial High School—formed from the consolidation of three legacy campuses—and turning a blank slate into a platform for something extraordinary. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Barnett shares how she laid the groundwork for a culture of character, trust, and resilience among her volleyball athletes. By anchoring her program in character development and a shared mantra—“The Standard”—Coach Barnett reveals what it takes to unite...
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343. Daniel Fitzmorris - Data Driven Toughness, Trust, and Tradition - Pasadena Dobie HS
Coach 360
In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, we’re joined by Coach Daniel Fitzmorris, Athletic Coordinator at Pasadena Dobie High School and a proud alumnus of the very program he now leads. With deep roots in Dobie football and a winding journey that spans Missouri, Denmark, and across Texas, Coach Fitzmorris returns to his alma mater with a clear vision: restore discipline, build tough athletes, and develop men of character for life beyond the field. Coach Fitzmorris shares how influential mentors shaped his coaching philosophy and how he's paying it forward by empowering his own staff...
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342. Sergio Gonzales - Real World Lessons from Blue Collar Roots
Coach 360
What does it mean to lead with grit, heart, and humility? In this powerful episode of Coach 360: Beyond the Game, we sit down with Coach Sergio Gonzales, the Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach at Pasadena Rayburn High School. From his blue-collar roots in Galena Park, Texas, to leading student-athletes with passion and purpose, Coach Gonzales shares a raw and inspiring journey of character, leadership, and what it truly takes to make an impact. Coach Gonzales opens up about the defining moments that shaped his career—from his father’s accident that brought him back home from...
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341. Grant Freeman - From 3 High Schools to 2 - Building Culture from the Ground Up
Coach 360
When a school district undergoes one of the most significant transformations in its history—shutting down three long-standing high schools to create two brand-new campuses—strong leadership becomes essential. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Grant Freeman, Athletic Director at Wichita Falls ISD, shares the pivotal role that character, relationships, and culture play in leading through change. Coach Freeman, a lifelong educator and coach, unpacks how his personal upbringing, the lessons he learned from his father, and a transformational leadership philosophy helped him...
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340. Cody Moore - Don't Leave Leadership to Chance - Student Athlete Leadership Council Program
Coach 360
In this powerful episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, presented by 2Words Character Development, we reconnect with Coach Cody Moore, Athletic Coordinator at , and his Assistant Head Football Coach and O-Line Coach, Jordan Gesch. Building upon their earlier conversation in , this round dives deep into one of the most impactful elements of their program: the Leadership Council. What started as a way to recognize student leaders has evolved into a structured, purpose-driven initiative designed to build true servant leaders on and off the field. Coach Moore and Coach Gesch share the origins,...
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339. Lawrence Johnson - Building A New Culture Through Adversity
Coach 360
In this inspiring episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, we hear from Coach Lawrence Johnson, the Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach at . Taking on the challenge of merging three schools into one unified program, Coach Johnson shares a raw, powerful account of what it takes to build culture, character, and unity in the face of adversity. With a new campus, a new team, and no shortage of challenges—including an 0-10 season—Coach Johnson offers a masterclass in leadership through hardship. Rather than focusing on the scoreboard, he turns his attention to the character of his...
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338. Cale Melton - Family Groups & Building a Foundation of Character and Trust
Coach 360
In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, we hear from Coach Cale Melton, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Hico ISD, whose leadership journey is rooted in legacy, authenticity, and building a program with lasting character. From his upbringing under a coaching father to his own transition into a head coaching role, Melton shares how trust, team ownership, and consistent investment shape the heart of a successful program—on and off the field. Coach Melton dives into the power of mentorship, the importance of genuine relationships, and how foundational trust creates not just...
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337. Michelle Dalton - Win with Grace, Lose with Grace - Lessons in Leadership
Coach 360
In the latest episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, presented by 2Words Character Development, host Colton sits down with Coach Michelle Dalton, the girls athletic coordinator at Pasadena Bondi Intermediate and a seasoned coach and mentor, to discuss the profound impact of mindset in leadership, coaching, and personal development. Through years of experience, Michelle has cultivated a deep understanding of how mental resilience shapes both individual and team success. She shares invaluable insights on how coaches can develop a winning culture, inspire young athletes, and navigate...
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336. Paul Sharr - Sportsmanship and Accountability in Coaching - Elevating Student-Athletes Through Leadership
Coach 360
Every coach has the opportunity to make a lasting impact, and Coach Paul Sharr, Athletic Director at Community ISD, is a prime example of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Sharr shares his approach to fostering leadership, instilling sportsmanship, and holding athletes accountable in a way that prepares them for success in life, not just sports. With over three decades of experience, Coach Sharr has coached at every level and understands that building a program isn’t just about championships—it’s about helping young...
info_outlineBurnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s the slow erosion of passion, purpose, and energy that can take even the best coaches out of the game. If you’ve ever found yourself drained, disconnected, or questioning if you can keep going, you’re not alone.
In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Host Colton Leonard visits with Coach Stephen Mackey as they dive into the real causes of burnout and outline a four-step process to help coaches finish strong instead of flaming out. Whether you’re a veteran coach or just starting your journey, these principles will help you stay energized, focused, and in the game for the long haul.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Burnout happens slowly and then all at once. Recognizing the early warning signs—like emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a low sense of accomplishment—can prevent total burnout.
- Rhythm and intention matter. Without daily habits that fuel you, it’s easy to run on empty and lose sight of why you started coaching in the first place.
- Reflection combats recency bias. Bad weeks don’t define your career—taking time to reflect on your progress and wins keeps you grounded in reality.
- Refueling is non-negotiable. Just like a truck pulling a heavy load burns fuel faster, the more responsibility you carry, the more intentional you need to be about recharging.
- Focus on what truly matters. The best coaches aren’t just busy—they’re focused on the right work. Avoid distractions, set priorities, and align your efforts with your greater purpose.
MORE ABOUT COACH MACKEY
Stephen Mackey is a keynote speaker, and founder of 2Words Character Development. Building on the Six Pillars of a Championship Character – Toughness, Integrity, Belief, Excellence, Effort, and Service – he helps equip players, teams and organizations elevate their performance by building a culture of character. If you would like to connect with Coach Mackey, invite him to speak at an event, or receive his weekly encouragements texts, click here to visit Stephen Mackey's Zaap page with all of his most current related links and information.
COACH 360 IS PRESENTED BY: 2Words Character Development
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