
Play, Learn, Lead
This podcast dives into the journeys of school coaches, exploring how they bring lessons from the field into the classroom to inspire teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Through engaging interviews, each episode highlights the unique connection between sports and education, showcasing the impact coaches have both on and off the field.
Play, Learn, Lead
Coach Conner: "I’m Not A Big Yeller... I Try To Be As Encouraging As Possible."
This week, I sat down with East Gaston High School’s tennis coach and social studies teacher, Coach Conner, to explore her journey from a young athlete with big dreams to a powerful force in both the classroom and on the court.
We kicked things off by talking about the younger version of Coach Conner—the sports she played growing up, what drew her to tennis, and the people who influenced her early on. She shared the goals she had as a student-athlete and how those dreams evolved over time.
In the classroom, Coach Conner brings the same focus and strategy that she uses on the tennis court. We dove into how athletics and academics intersect, and how she helps students see the value in both. Her insights into the crossover between teaching and coaching were powerful—especially the way she builds a strong classroom culture rooted in teamwork, growth, and resilience.
We wrapped the conversation with a look at leadership—how Coach Conner cultivates it in her students, how she teaches teamwork in an individual sport like tennis, and what she’s learned about inspiring kids in today’s world. She also opened up about where she sees herself growing next as both a coach and an educator.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and if you know a coach, teacher, or tennis lover, share this one with them. It’s full of heart, perspective, and practical gems from someone who leads with purpose.
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