This episode is sponsored by DigiCoach

Make walkthroughs meaningful. Simplify your coaching culture. Visit digiCOACH.com and mention Darrin for special partner pricing.

If you’ve followed high-level high school athletics—especially in Colorado—you’ve probably heard of Valor Christian High School. From state titles to nationally ranked teams, Valor has built a reputation for excellence. But what most people don’t see is the intentional culture, systems, and faith-driven leadership behind the wins.

In this episode, Darrin sits down with Keith Wahl, longtime coach and now Athletic Director at Valor Christian, to talk about building a mission-centered athletic program in the middle of NIL, transfer portals, club sports pressure, and sky-high parent expectations.

Keith shares how Valor has stayed anchored to its founding mission and culture documents, how they rebuilt systems after a difficult season, and why he believes sports don’t teach life lessons—people do.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Keith’s journey into leadership at Valor Christian
• From opening Mountain Vista High School as its first head baseball coach… to a “divine nudge” text from his wife… to becoming Valor’s first head baseball coach and eventually Athletic Director.
• From “pioneer” to nationally respected athletics program
• How Valor went from a brand-new school with a bold Christian mission to a MaxPreps Top 50-level athletic department—without abandoning its original vision and purpose.
• Culture documents, team plans, and the power of clarity
• Why written team plans and an athletic handbook became game changers for culture, communication, and peace—and what happened when those systems disappeared (and then had to be rebuilt).
• Leading in the NIL and transfer era
• How NIL, club sports, and transfer rules have reshaped high school athletics—and what leaders can do to stay mission-focused instead of becoming purely transactional.
• Youth sports pressure and parent expectations
• Why today’s parents often have less trust and higher expectations, and how schools can respond with value, transparency, and a holistic vision of sport.
• Faith, sport, and deeper meaning beyond the scoreboard
• Keith’s work with Baylor’s Faith & Sport Institute, their “Away Game” cohort, and what it looks like to build an athletic experience that forms character—not just winners.
• The trust triangle & the athletic leadership team
• How Keith uses the “trust triangle” (with authentic vulnerability at the base) to lead his internal team and create a second-family culture among his staff.
• Knowing your people: Enneagram, Working Genius & AI
• How Keith uses tools like the Enneagram, Working Genius—and yes, even ChatGPT—to better understand his team and tailor his communication to each person.
• A powerful tribute to Coach Janie McHugh
• The story of longtime Valor volleyball coach Janie McHugh, her fourth straight state title, and why Keith believes deeply that knowing your people is one of the greatest gifts of leadership.

Connect with Keith Wahl

• Valor Athletics: valoreagles.com
• Social: @CoachWahl22 on all major platforms