Outdated scripts of toughness, silence, and self-reliance no longer fit the world our boys are growing up in.  One of the last places boys consistently find mentors outside the home is in sports.  And that's where both the crisis–and the solution–show up.

In this episode, Chrissie sits down with Coach Jeff Noviello, who has been shaping young athletes for over 26 years with the Junior Ducks youth program.  From his beginnings coaching a girls' hockey team in 1999 to guiding boys across multiple generations, Jeff shares how coaching goes far beyond the scoreboard.  Drawing from personal experiences, including his son's leukemia diagnosis, Jeff opens up about resilience, presence, and the kind of mentorship boys need to grow into men.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or simply care about the next generation, this conversation sheds light on the challenges boys face today and how we can create a culture of accountability, vulnerability, and heart.

You'll Learn:

• Why outdated definitions of toughness and self-reliance no longer work for boys today
• How sports coaching can shape life skills beyond the game
• The role of presence, time management, and accountability in mentoring
• Why parent-coach collaboration matters for raising resilient kids
• How resilience, gratitude, and listening form the foundation of Jeff's philosophy

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship in sports is about shaping people, not just players
• Presence and listening are the most powerful tools a coach can offer
• Time management and accountability teach boys life skills beyond athletics
• Parents and coaches must collaborate to support boys' growth
• Strength today includes vulnerability, resilience, and heart

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the quiet crisis in young men

00:35 - Meet Coach Jeff Noviello

02:33 - Challenges facing today's young athletes

04:39 - Building a team: philosophy and strategy

09:11 - Multi-sport participation and injury prevention

15:58 - Mentorship that extends beyond sports

25:12 - Creating a culture of accountability and buy-in

35:54 - Legacy, impact, and alumni connections

41:27 - Communication and delivering value to families

47:46 - Coaching while parenting: the balance

52:21 - The role of mentors in shaping young men

01:03:21 - Parents and coaches working together

01:14:05 - The purpose of coaching beyond sports

01:16:12 - Closing thoughts on mentorship and legacy

 

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Behind the scenes: @chrissiecorner

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Podcast hub: https://whoareyounowpodcast.com

Hosted by Chrissie Morgan – Physical Therapist, Master Life Coach, and creator of the Body Awareness Method, a framework for reconnecting with your four bodies: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual