Above The Whistle
Welcome to Above The Whistle. The podcast that takes you beyond the X's and O's and into the mindset of greatness as we sit down with coaches/athletic directors/former players across the country.
Above The Whistle
Coach Junior Solovi: Crafting Champions in Life and Sport
Coach Junior Solo takes us on a deeply personal journey back to his roots at West High School in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood. As both the football head coach and girls basketball coach at his alma mater, Solo has shouldered the weight of transforming programs that had struggled for decades while creating a brand that makes West a destination rather than a stepping stone.
"You can make all the excuses you want," Solo says with quiet determination, "but at the end of the day, we expect you guys to get out there, compete, and find a way to win." This philosophy has driven remarkable results, particularly with the girls basketball team, which went from winning just seven games in five years to a stunning 24-1 record and the school's first-ever state championship appearance.
What makes Solo's approach unique is his understanding of the community's challenges. Many of his athletes work full-time jobs to support their families, forcing football practices to run from 6:30 to 10:00 PM during summers. Despite smaller numbers than traditional 5A programs, Solo refuses to lower expectations. He schedules top out-of-state competition, believing these experiences build character while showing his athletes they can compete with anyone.
Beyond wins and losses, Solo focuses on creating post-high school opportunities for all his athletes. He organizes trades showcases where professionals introduce students to alternative career paths, reminding them that "football can end tomorrow" and they need plans beyond sports. His weekly check-ins with players build the relationships that form the foundation of his program.
When you listen to this episode, you'll understand why Solo leads the state in getting his athletes recruited to college, and why he believes that "one of the most important kids you'll ever coach is the one that needs the program more than the program needs that kid." Subscribe now to hear more stories of coaches creating lasting impacts through athletics.
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