EP56: EXAMPLE with Tony Wagner, State Champ Head Basketball Coach, Lubbock Estacado High School

Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks

About The Guest
Tony Wagner is the head basketball coach at Estacado High School in Lubbock, Texas. He has built a powerhouse program at Estacado, with numerous district championships, regional appearances, and a state championship title. Wagner is known for his dedication to his players and his commitment to their success both on and off the court.
Summary
Tony Wagner, head basketball coach at Estacado High School, shares his journey from being a late bloomer in basketball to becoming a successful coach. He talks about the importance of being a multi-sport athlete and how it helps develop accountability and resilience. Wagner reflects on his own experiences with academic difficulties and how it shaped him as a coach. He discusses the culture he has built at Estacado and the impact he hopes to have on his players' lives. Wagner emphasizes the importance of being present and involved in his players' lives, even after they graduate. He shares his perspective on success and the moments that truly matter to him as a coach.
Key Takeaways

• Being a multi-sport athlete helps develop accountability and resilience.
• Overcoming academic difficulties can shape you as a coach and make you more empathetic towards your players.
• Building a positive and supportive culture is crucial for the success of a team.
• The impact a coach can have on a player's life goes beyond wins and losses.
• The moments that truly matter are the ones where you see your players succeed and grow as individuals.

Quotes

• "Kids need to be able to compete at different levels, against different circumstances, against different people."
• "You don't know how strong you can be until you have to be strong."
• "If winning the state championship is the biggest moment of their life, then they haven't lived."
• "You promote what you allow."
• "The moments that make me feel like we are really reaching our kids are when they invite me to their weddings or their children's events."

Support the Show.

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.