The Modern Coach’s Compass Podcast

Thank you Liz and Sean for asking great questions yesterday that I could answer on today's episode about goal setting.   Liz's question was-What's a process that actually works? SMART seems superficial/not always helpful Sean asked-When looking long term, how many short term goals are necessary to achieve your long term goal I tried my best to answer these two questions by reviewing what the SMART goal template looks like, the process I've incorporated with my collegiate and post-collegiate athletes, how I'm planning my half ironman training, and how focus plays a key factor in achieving your goals. I've written about goal setting before.  You can click the following link to read more about how I've incorporated Lou Holtz's process with my collegiate athletes https://www.forzathletics.com/docs-thoughts/a-letter-to-my-collegiate-athletes I've also incorporated Jon Gordon's message about telescopes and microscopes as well.  You can read more about that by clicking here

In this brief episode I ramble about coaching, expectations and professional goals for the upcoming year.  If you haven't had the chance to read Jon Gordon's book One Word, you can purchase his book by clicking this link  You read other articles I've written about being focused by clicking here and here You can learn more about Forza Athletics by visiting www.forzathletics.com Instagram www.instagram.com/forzathletics Twitter www.twitter.com/forzathletics Use code "throw" to save on my latest book Thrower: Propelling Towards Greatness - 2nd Edition You can purchase the pdf version by clicking here

We began this season by looking at our vision as a coach, why we coach, and how we want to be remembered.  Looking at Episode 3, the focus was on the end of our career's.  In this episode, I wanted to spend some time discussing how to develop your coaching philosophy.  Our philosophy will change a little bit as we move along with our coaching journey, but some of our core values will remain the same. My philosophy is to illuminate a path for my athlete's that helps them achieve their goals.  I'm ashamed to say that it wasn't always as such.  When I first began coaching my philosophy was "coach-centered".  I was more concerned with what my peers would think of me and how far my athletes threw.  That was pretty much it.  As I have traveled along in my coaching journey, I've had a paradigm shift in the way I coach.  My focus is now "athlete-centered".  I provide my athletes a lot of autonomy in regards to their training, goals, meet selection, etc.  When I first began coaching, I didn't feel comfortable with athlete input.  Now I thrive upon learning more about myself as a coach and most importantly what my athletes think and how I can better coach my athletes throughout the course of a season and their careers! What is your coaching philosophy?  Has it changed since you began coaching?  Why or why not?

It probably isn't something we think about often, but do you ever wonder what people will say about you at your 80th birthday party?  Or, has the thought of what will people say about me at my funeral come across your mind?  If you answered no, you are probably in the majority.  I'm not sure how many people think about these two questions on a daily or even regular basis, but I think about it quite often. In one of my doctorate courses we were asked to present our future legacy to the class.  We were instructed to think about the two questions above, and to provide examples of how we think we had left or would leave our legacy.  We had 30 minutes to give our presentation.  It was a surreal presentation to say the least.  My presentation was filled with tears.  Not of sadness, but of joy.  I asked four former athletes to send me a 30 second video explaining to the class the legacy they think I left upon them.  I didn't watch the video's until class that night.  It was a big chance, but I wanted my expression to be genuine.  I think we all do, don't we? My homework for those of you that listened to this episode.  On a 3x5 index card, write down what you think your coaching legacy will be.  Be as detailed as possible.  Second, after you have written down your legacy thoughts, under each one provide an example or two that suggests you might really be left with this legacy.  This is your opportunity to share all the good things you perceive to have done during your time as a coach.  You don't need to show anyone anything, but be honest with yourself.  How do you think people will remember you?  They may forget all about the awards and championships, but I'm positive they won't forget how you made them feel.

In this episode I discuss how I got back into collegiate coaching by becoming the throwing coach of the Alfred State Pioneers.  I also share my thoughts about coaching through restrictions, quarantine, and limited schedules.

We often talk about coaching as a journey of highs and lows—championship moments, personal records, heartbreaks, and setbacks. But most of coaching happens somewhere in between. In the gray. The ordinary. The unremarkable.That’s where coaching really lives.It lives in the early-morning warmups when no one’s watching. In the post-meet text after a tough throw. In the hundred small corrections no one claps for. The work is often invisible, but it is never insignificant.🧭 Coaching in the gray is where trust, consistency, and character are quietly forged.Here are a few ways to honor the gray and make the ordinary meaningful:Set the tone: how you show up in “regular” practices sets the emotional climate.Acknowledge invisible effort: praise focus, recovery, attitude—not just results.Be predictably present: consistency builds more confidence than any motivational quote.Ask better questions: “What are you proud of today?” uncovers more than “How’d that feel?”📖 A Moment I RememberThere was a junior athlete I coached—quiet, dependable, never flashy. She rarely won meets, never made headlines, but showed up, every single day. She lifted with purpose, asked thoughtful questions, helped first-years with drills, and never complained.One afternoon after a rainy meet, she said: “I know I’m not the best on the team, but I hope I’ve made a difference.”She did. She made all the difference.That moment reminded me: coaching in the gray isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about the soil. That’s where roots take hold. That’s where growth starts.

Welcome to The Modern Coach’s Compass: Why We’re Reimagining CoachingCoaching has changed—and so have the demands placed on those who lead.Today’s athletes are not just looking for someone to diagram plays or critique technique. They’re seeking mentorship, trust, clarity, and belief. They want to be seen as more than performers. And they need coaches who are equipped to guide them not just toward medals, but toward meaning.That’s why The Modern Coach’s Compass was created.This podcast, platform, and movement is here to reimagine what it means to be a coach in the 21st century. It’s about leading with heart, building deeper relationships, and helping athletes navigate more than just a competition calendar. It’s about becoming a lightgiver—someone who helps athletes illuminate a path they may not yet see for themselves.My name is Dr. Charles Infurna, and for nearly 25 years, I’ve coached athletes in and out of the throwing circle. I’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with young men and women chasing records and chasing identity—often both at once. As a coach and educator, I’ve learned that performance without purpose leaves both the athlete and coach feeling empty.So The Modern Coach’s Compass is my response. It’s our shared direction forward.What You Can Expect from This SpaceThis blog, and the podcast that accompanies it, will explore the intersection of coaching, human performance, and purpose. But it won’t be about tactics alone—it’s about transformation.Through weekly insights, guest features, case studies, and field-tested lessons, we’ll explore questions like:How do coaches cultivate trust-based relationships with their athletes?What does it mean to coach holistically—not just physically?How do we help athletes take ownership without losing team identity?How do we define legacy in a profession that’s often judged only by wins?From collegiate coaches to Olympic athletes, sports psychologists to leadership consultants, we’ll learn from those who’ve walked the coaching path with wisdom and heart.The Compass: Our North Star ValuesThe name “The Modern Coach’s Compass” isn’t just symbolic. It reflects a values-driven approach to coaching that includes:Trust: The foundation of every successful coach-athlete relationship.Purpose: A guiding force deeper than outcome or applause.Clarity: Knowing who you are and how you lead.Autonomy: Empowering athletes to lead themselves—and others.Connection: Because no one performs their best in isolation.This compass isn’t just theoretical. These are the same pillars I’ve used in my own coaching and consulting practice to help build resilient athletes, championship teams, and confident coaches.Who This Is ForIf you’re a coach—new, seasoned, burned out, or building—you belong here.If you’ve ever questioned the way things have always been done, you belong here.If you believe coaching is a calling, not just a job, you belong here.Let’s walk this path together. Let’s build a new coaching culture—one where performance and purpose thrive side by side.Thank you for being here. Your journey matters. Your athletes deserve your best. And your best begins with clarity of direction.

The Throws Doc: Episode 50-The Art of Journaling

The Throws Doc: Episode 49-Positive Self Talk

The Throws Doc: Episode 48-Conference Submission

The Throws Doc: Episode 47-Next Ox Up

The Throws Doc: Episode 46-The Blueprint

The Throws Doc: Episode 45-Walking Through The Process

The Throws Doc: Episode 44-Use Deliberate Words

The Throws Doc: Episode 43-Where You Want To Be

The Throws Doc: Episode 42-Pride, Discipline and Attitude

The Throws Doc: Episode 41-Clarity of Purpose Part 2

The Throws Doc: Episode 40-Clarity of Purpose

The Throws Doc: Episode 39-What Coach Barr Taught Me About Coaching, Competing, and Life

The Throws Doc: Episode 38-Keeping Your Fire Lit