337. Michelle Dalton - Win with Grace, Lose with Grace - Lessons in Leadership
Release Date: 04/14/2025
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...
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335. Huddle Up With Coach Mackey - How to Prevent Burnout: 4 Keys to Staying in the Game for the Long Haul - Coaching Tips & Lessons
Coach 360
Burnout 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...
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334. Coach Ben Nicholas: Building Champions Beyond the Scoreboard - Coaching Leadership & Culture
Coach 360
Every coach dreams of building a winning program—but what defines winning? Is it state championships and trophy cases, or is it developing young athletes into leaders who thrive beyond the game? In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Ben Nicholas, Athletic Director at Village Tech Schools, shares his journey from unexpected coaching opportunities to leading a 3A athletic program in a highly competitive region. Coach Nicholas has spent years shifting his school’s athletic mindset from a club team culture to a championship mentality, proving that resources don’t define...
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333. Huddle Up with Coach Mackey - How to Build a Championship Culture: 4 Steps to Defining Core Values in Your Program
Coach 360
Culture isn’t just a catchphrase on a locker room wall—it’s the foundation that defines who your team is under pressure. Every great program, from high school teams to college powerhouses, thrives on clear core values that guide athletes beyond the game. But how do you go from a list of words to a culture that actually shapes behavior? In this episode of Coach360: Beyond The Game, Coach Stephen Mackey lays out four essential steps to defining, teaching, and living out core values in a way that gets buy-in from your athletes. If you’re a coach starting a new program or looking to reset...
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332. Coach Cody Moore: Be Real & Control The Controllable: How Coach Moore is Building Leadership at Round Rock High
Coach 360
Every coach wants a player-led team, but how do you create a culture where athletes hold each other accountable, play for something bigger than themselves, and show up every day ready to compete? At Round Rock High School, Coach Cody Moore and Coach Jordan Gesh have built a football program centered around brotherhood, relentless effort, and above-the-line behavior—not just on the field, but in life. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Moore and Coach Gesh discuss their turnaround season, shifting from a 4-7 record to 8-1 by focusing on culture over results. They share how...
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331. Huddle Up with Coach Mackey: The 5 E’s of Leadership - Coaching Tips & Lessons with Coach Mackey - Coach Beyond The Game
Coach 360
Coaching today isn’t the same as it was 10, 20, or 30 years ago. The landscape of youth development has changed, and adolescence now extends well beyond high school. As adolescence expands, today’s athletes need strong coaches more than ever. In this episode, Coach 360 host, Colton Leonard, welcomes back Coach Stephen Mackey for our special series "Huddle Up With Coach Mackey." Mackey introduces the Five E’s of Leadership—Empathy, Example, Expectation, Equipping, and Encouragement—as a game plan for maximizing impact on and off the field. If you’re looking to set high...
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330. Kids with Character Win | Jamie McDougald | Girls AD and Head Volleyball Coach at Iola HS
Coach 360
Today, Coach McDougald tells us what it takes to be a championship team and lessons she has learned throughout her coaching journey. Email Address: Interested in connecting or taking the next step with 2Words Character Development? Let us know! Email Colton Leonard at: --- Visit to learn more and for a free week of the curriculum. PMX ProMaxima is your one stop shop for the ultimate fitness equipment solution. From strength to cardio, They manufacture a wide range of high-quality products made in the USA to maximize your teams performance. Experience the difference with...
info_outlineIn 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 challenges with a growth-oriented perspective.
With over 16 years of coaching experience, Coach Dalton shares how the dynamics of middle school sports have evolved over the years, and how she continues to impact her athletes by instilling the core values of class, commitment, and character.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or new to the field, this episode is full of insights on fostering a positive team culture and helping students grow both on and off the court.
Key Takeaways
- Building Character: Coach Dalton emphasizes the importance of teaching young athletes to “win with grace and lose with grace,” encouraging humility and respect regardless of the outcome.
- Values-Driven Coaching: Through the “Three C’s”—Class, Commitment, and Character—Coach Dalton fosters an environment of responsibility and growth.
- Adapting to Change: Over 16 years, she has seen shifts in student interests and demographics, but the core drive for success remains unchanged.
- Practical Leadership: Coach Dalton shares strategies for maintaining a positive, team-first culture, including daily reminders and consistent communication.
- Mentorship Matters: Reflecting on her own experiences as an athlete, she highlights the lasting impact of her coaches and the value of maintaining those relationships.
- Perseverance Through Challenges: Coach Dalton acknowledges that some seasons are about thriving, while others are about surviving, and both are valuable in shaping resilient athletes and leaders.
- Team Building for Middle School: She discusses the unique challenges of coaching middle school students, focusing on foundational skills and the joy of witnessing young athletes’ breakthroughs.
CONTACT COACH DALTON: [email protected]
Memorable Quotes
- “We win with grace, and we lose with grace. It’s not about rubbing it in or feeling defeated—it’s about respect.”
- “Some years we thrive, and some years we survive, but every season has purpose.”
- “Class, commitment, and character—these are the pillars that guide our girls on and off the court.”
- "Discipline isn't about restriction; it's about creating the freedom to succeed."
- “Coaching middle school is about more than sports—it’s about teaching responsibility, teamwork, and respect.”
- “You don’t give up just because it’s tough. Next year could be your thriving year.”
- “The beauty of middle school sports is witnessing the ‘click’ moment when fundamentals fall into place.”
COACH 360 IS PRESENTED BY: 2Words Character Development
Interested in connecting or taking the next step with 2Words Character Development? Let us know! Email Colton Leonard at: [email protected]
Visit http://www.2words.tv/preview to learn more and for a free week of the curriculum.
JOIN 2WORDS ON SPORTSYOU
Interested in regular encouragement on the SportsYou platform? 2W has a dedicated page on sportsYou where we share encouragements for coaches and athletes 2-3 times a week! Click here to join our sportsYou page. Use the access code C4CB-DN5T when prompted.
The Texas Way Sportsmanship Initiative
Interested in registering for The Texas Way? Join the initiative at: www.PlayTheTexasWay.com
COACH 360 IS SPONSORED BY: ProMaxima
PMX ProMaxima is your one stop shop for the ultimate fitness equipment solution. From strength to cardio, They manufacture a wide range of high-quality products made in the USA to maximize your teams performance.
Experience the difference with PMX ProMaxima and see why thousands of athletes and schools trust them. Visit http://pmxstrength.com/ today to explore their catalog and elevate your fitness journey.