Jamy Bechler

Providing Insights on Leadership and Success. Coach Bechler is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

Episode 179: Former Duke Basketball Coach Talks Mental Health

Joanne P. McCallie (“Coach P”) is one of the most highly decorated coaches from her time as a college basketball coach. In her 28 years as a head coach at Maine, Michigan State, and Duke, she won more than 70% of her games, had three National Championship game appearances, and won National Coach of the Year honors in 2005. Coach P also was the only women’s coach to lead two different programs to 30-win seasons, as well as the only women’s coach to work alongside both Coach K and Tom Izzo. She battled mental health issues while coaching, which led her to write the great book, Secret Warrior. 

Click here to see more about Coach P.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • Working with Tom Izzo and Coach K
  • Becoming a Division I head coach at age 26
  • The reality of mental health issues
  • Using phrases like “mental toughness”
  • Balancing responsibility to team but also the individual
  • … and much more!!!

[Read more…]

Bechler Shares Tale of Last-Minute Delivery

This story originally appeared on www.GoRedHawks.com on November 19, 2012

Usually, five days is more than enough to prepare until a big game is played, a paper is due, or a special anniversary or holiday.

But how about having only five days’ notice that you will be a first-time dad?

That was exactly the scenario Martin Methodist women’s basketball coach Jamy Bechler encountered three years ago as he and his wife, Tabitha, received the call from Bethany Christian Services, an adoption agency based in Nashville, Tenn., that they would have the opportunity to become parents. [Read more…]

Leaders Growing Leaders: John Gray

Today’s guest on the “LEADERS GROWING LEADERS” series is John Gray, athletic director at Kankakee Valley HS in Indiana. 

During the “Leaders Growing Leaders” series on the Success is a Choice Podcast Network, Jamy Bechler talks with leaders about how they are growing and developing other leaders.

The series tries to examine how various leaders are making the people around them better and building a stronger, healthier culture.

[Read more…]

Meeting with the Coach

“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.” (Jackie Robinson)
🔊 Click here to listen to the 2-minute audio of this article

My senior research project was to examine whether John Wooden’s coaching style could work in the current landscape of college men’s basketball. I made appointments to meet six different head coaches at their office for a 30-minute interview.

Every coach gave me some great insights and I received an “A” on the project.

Other than Coach Wooden calling me on my dorm room phone (but that’s another story for another day), the thing that stands out to me the most about the project was one particular coach and how he treated me.

[Read more…]

I Didn’t Quit Running

🔊 Click here to listen to the 2-minute audio version of this article.

As a middle schooler, my mother wouldn’t let me play tackle football. I figured I’d be able to talk her out of it prior to entering high school.

I guess I overestimated my lawyering skills.

[Read more…]

The Draymond Green Punch

You’ve probably seen (or at least heard about) the video of Draymond Green punching Golden State teammate, Jordan Poole, during a practice last week. There are lots of opinions about what should or shouldn’t have happened to Draymond.

🔊 Click here to listen to the audio version of this article

Anytime something like this happens I always wonder how would you respond and what would you do in your position.

[Read more…]

The Good Samaritan

Early Sunday morning on January 13, 2019, a snowstorm hit Kansas City. Several cars ended up in the ditch because of the icy conditions. Fortunately for Dave Cochran, he was not one of those that wiped out.

🔊  Click here to listen to the 2-minute audio of this article

Not only did Dave not end up in the ditch during the treacherous weather, but he helped a couple of people by hooking up a chain and pulling people out of the snow with his 20-year old Suburban.

This wasn’t just any vehicle, though. This was also his home. You see Dave’s life has been a mix of poor choices and some unfortunate situations.

However, he didn’t let that stop him from helping others that day.

[Read more…]

The Coachable Coach: Tom Shaw

Today’s guest on “The Coachable Coach” series is Tom Shaw, the men’s golf coach at Abilene Christian University. 

“The Coachable Coach” series on the Success is a Choice Podcast Network goes beyond the X’s and O’s as Jamy Bechler talks with some of the best sports coaches.

[Read more…]

Leaders Growing Leaders: Mike McGurk

Today’s guest on the “LEADERS GROWING LEADERS” series is Mike McGurk, athletic director at Lee’s Summit North HS in Missouri and President of the NIAAA. 

During the “Leaders Growing Leaders” series on the Success is a Choice Podcast Network, Jamy Bechler talks with leaders about how they are growing and developing other leaders.

The series tries to examine how various leaders are making the people around them better and building a stronger, healthier culture.

[Read more…]

Sign Up For Leadership Insights

Join Thousands Of Others Who Follow Jamy On These Platforms: