Contacts Episode #164: Dr. Troy Urdahl

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. we are excited to present you with in-depth insights from Dr. Troy Urdahl, the esteemed Director of Athletics and Activities at St. Anthony Village High School. With his extensive experience in coaching and mentorship, Dr. Urdahl offers invaluable wisdom on building champions for life. During the interview, Dr. Urdahl delves into various topics spanning his personal journey, the motivation behind his book "Chasing Influence," and the challenges of implementing weekly lessons with coaches and athletes. Through his experiences and astute observations, Dr. Urdahl emphasizes the transformational power of youth sports and its ability to shape individuals into positive contributors in society.

10 Key Insights from Dr. Troy Urdahl: An Exclusive Interview

• A Family Tradition of Coaching and Teaching: Dr. Urdahl shares that his passion for coaching and teaching was molded by his family, with both his grandfather and father being renowned coaches and educators.

• "Chasing Influence" - A Labor of Love: Dr. Urdahl's book, Chasing Influence is the culmination of his two-decade-long career. It provides a roadmap for leaders to become their best selves and make a lasting impact on others.

• Harnessing the Power of Youth Sports: Dr. Urdahl passionately believes that youth sports have the potential to make the world a better place. By instilling life skills through sports, we can shape the next generation of champions for life.

• Two Years of Work, a Lifetime of Dedication: While "Chasing Influence" took two years to write, Dr. Urdahl emphasizes that his commitment to coaching and mentorship has been a career-long pursuit.

• The Impact of Weekly Lessons: For the past 18 years, Dr. Urdahl and his team have been conducting weekly lessons with coaches and athletes at St. Andrews Village High School. These sessions focus on character development and life skills.

• Prioritizing What's Important: Overcoming time constraints and finding a balance between athletics and lessons is a matter of prioritization. Dr. Urdahl suggests that teaching these invaluable life skills should be a primary focus.

• Top-Down Support for Success: A successful athletic program needs support from the top down. Dr. Urdahl emphasizes the significance of the athletics office in championing these programs.

• Autonomy and Team Engagement: Granting autonomy to individual teams allows them to embrace and execute the lessons with ownership and enthusiasm.

• Long-Term Benefits of Lessons: Dr. Urdahl believes that the lessons taught during youth sports have long-lasting effects that extend beyond an athlete's sporting career, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in life.

• Inspiring Others to Follow Suit: Dr. Urdahl's inspiring journey serves as a model for other schools and organizations, encouraging them to prioritize holistic development within their athletic programs.

Dr. Troy Urdahl's in-depth insights into coaching, mentorship, and the transformative power of youth sports leaves us inspired and eager to implement these lessons in our own lives. By embracing the principles shared in this interview, we can positively impact the lives of athletes and foster a culture of personal growth and development. Look forward to more enriching interviews and stories in upcoming newsletters, as we continue our pursuit of building shining examples of champions for life.Stay tuned for more interviews and newsletters filled with wisdom from coaching experts!

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.