🏐 Coleman Lee: What College Coaches Really Want | Ep. 165

In this episode of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Central Methodist Head Volleyball Coach Coleman Lee to break down what really matters in the recruiting process.

From communication and evaluations to visits and long-term fit, Coleman shares what separates recruits who get opportunities from those who get overlooked.

They also discuss how recruiting has changed, what athletes and families misunderstand, and how players can take ownership of their process.

If you're serious about playing at the next level, this is a conversation you need to hear.

🔗 Learn more about Coleman Lee:
https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wvball/coaches/Lee_Coleman?view=bio

🎙️ Significant Recruiting Podcast – Episode 165
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Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
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Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
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🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
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🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
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⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
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🎙️ Coleman Lee: Doing It Your Way and Building a Winner | Ep. 164

In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Central Methodist University Head Volleyball Coach Coleman Lee, who has led the Eagles to six straight NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Coleman shares how his program is built through high-level training, long-term player development, and a commitment to doing the work—especially in those early years when nothing is guaranteed.

They dive into the realities of recruiting in today’s landscape, the impact of the transfer portal, and why developing freshmen has been essential to CMU’s success.

The conversation also explores leadership, team culture, and how intentional relationship-building—from book studies to “speed dating” teammate exercises—has shaped his teams both on and off the court.

This is a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.

🔗 Learn more about Coleman Lee:
https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wvball/coaches/Lee_Coleman?view=bio

🎙️ Significant Coaching Podcast – Episode 164
🎯 Followed by Significant Recruiting – Episode 165

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📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
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⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
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🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
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🏀 Do You Have What It Takes to Play D2? | Paula Krueger

In Part II of this conversation on the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Paula Krueger, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II Northern State University, to break down what college recruiting really looks like from the coach’s perspective.

This episode dives into how recruiting lists actually work, the reality of the transfer portal, why opportunity is more than just playing time, and how recruits should communicate with college coaches the right way.

A must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting journey.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:30 What It Takes to Play D2
02:00 How Recruiting Lists Actually Work
05:00 Why Coaches Already Have Their Lists
07:30 What Coaches Watch at AAU Events
10:00 Defense, Rebounding & Effort
12:30 Stats vs Real Evaluation
15:00 The Reality of the Transfer Portal
18:30 Why Players Transfer
21:00 Opportunity Beyond Playing Time
24:00 Competing Within Your Own Team
27:00 Communicating with College Coaches
30:00 Common Mistakes Recruits Make
33:00 Final Advice for Recruits
36:00 Closing Thoughts

🎧 Listen at coachmattrogers.com/podcast
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📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
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🏀 Can You Love Your Team? Lessons from Paula Krueger at Northern State

What does it really mean to love your team as a coach?

In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Paula Krueger, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Northern State University, for a real and reflective conversation on coaching, growth, and perspective.

A question Paula was once asked in an interview—“Can you love your team?”—has stayed with her throughout her career and continues to shape how she leads today.

This conversation dives into:

• How that question became a foundation of her coaching philosophy
• Why coaches can’t build their identity solely around the game
• The importance of seeing a coach’s full body of work, not just one season
• Lessons learned from stepping away—and coming back better
• How she approaches player development through staff, detail, and trust
• The role of mental performance and simple tools to help athletes reset during games

Paula also shares powerful moments from her journey—like the advice that helped her leave a team she loved: “Don’t ever take or stay for a roster.”

This is a conversation about more than basketball. It’s about identity, relationships, and becoming a better coach by becoming a more complete person.

👉 Learn more about Paula Krueger: https://nsuwolves.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/paula-krueger/1598

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📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
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📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com

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⛳ A 39-Year Masterclass in College Fit and Recruiting

In Episode #161 of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with Scott Fjelstul, Director of Golf at Luther College and a 39-year head coach with a remarkably decorated career.

This is a 39-year masterclass in how to think about recruiting the right way.

Too many athletes and families make decisions based on offers, rankings, and coaches.

But what happens if the coach leaves?
What happens if the sport is taken away?

This episode challenges you to think differently—and focus on what truly lasts.

Coach Fjelstul shares insight on:

• Why the school has to feel like home
• What college coaches actually look for in recruits
• Why character, work ethic, and passion matter most
• How to evaluate fit beyond rankings and stats
• The importance of academics and time management

If you’re a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation will help you make a decision that holds up long after the game is over.

🎧 Listen: coachmattrogers.com/podcast
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🔗 Learn more about Scott Fjelstul: https://luthernorse.com/staff-directory/scott-fjelstul/143

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📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here: https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers

📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
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⛳ Scott Fjelstul: Building People, Not Just Golfers

What does it take to lead a program for nearly four decades—and do it with consistency, humility, and purpose?

On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Scott Fjelstul, the longtime Head Men’s Golf Coach at Luther College and Director of Golf, to explore what it really means to build a program that lasts.

For 39 years, Coach Fjelstul has developed not just elite golfers, but high-level people—earning 13 Conference Coach of the Year awards, leading his teams to 12 conference championships and 8 NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances, while coaching All-Americans and Academic All-Americans along the way.

But this conversation goes far beyond wins and accolades.

It’s about:

• Understanding what athletes need—and when they need it
• Building trust in an individual sport like golf
• Creating a culture of consistency and accountability
• Leading with humility and longevity in mind
• Why Division III athletics offers a powerful developmental experience

This episode is a masterclass in coaching, leadership, and building teams that stand the test of time.

🔗 Learn more about Coach Fjelstul: https://luthernorse.com/staff-directory/scott-fjelstul/143

🌐 Explore more resources, books, and speaking opportunities: coachmattrogers.com

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📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here: https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers

📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
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🏀 Competitiveness, Fit, and the Truth About Recruiting | John Baines | Part II

In Part II of Episode 159 of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with John Baines, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Elmhurst University, diving deep into the realities of the college basketball recruiting process.

Coach Baines shares what he truly looks for in recruits after decades in the profession — and it’s not just talent. He explains why competitiveness, resilience, communication, and culture fit often matter more than stats or highlight reels.

In this episode, Coach Baines discusses:

• What competitiveness really looks like when watching recruits in the gym
• Why body language and resilience are critical evaluation tools
• How parents and coaches often see recruiting from very different perspectives
• Why recruits must understand their “why” when reaching out to a college program
• The importance of relationships and campus visits in making the right decision
• Why the best recruiting decisions are about fit, not just opportunity

Coach Baines also shares advice for parents navigating the recruiting process and explains how he evaluates whether a player is truly the right fit for the culture he has built at Elmhurst.

If you’re a recruit, parent, or coach trying to understand how college recruiting really works, this episode offers a candid and insightful look from one of Division III basketball’s most respected coaches.

Learn more about John Baines, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Elmhurst University:
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-baines/1092

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Subscribers receive free access to every podcast episode, the weekly recruiting blog, the Recruit, Coach and Parent Tips of the Week, and the Significant Question of the Week.

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📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
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📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com

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This week I’m joined by John Baines, head men’s basketball coach at Elmhurst University, one of the premier Division III basketball programs in the country.

During his time leading the Bluejays, Coach Baines has built a nationally respected program in the CCIW, leading Elmhurst to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships, and a run to the 2022 NCAA Division III National Championship game after a historic Final Four season.

But what stands out most about Coach Baines is not just the winning.

It’s the way he builds people.

In this conversation we discuss:

• Developing toughness and resilience in players
• Building leadership inside a team
• Practice design and daily standards
• Managing emotional momentum during games
• Teaching accountability and responsibility
• Why telling players the truth matters

This episode is packed with insight for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders who care about building strong cultures and developing young people through sport.

To learn more about Coach Baines and his career at Elmhurst, visit:
https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-baines/1092

For blogs, books, recruiting resources, and speaking opportunities visit:
coachmattrogers.com

And make sure to come back Monday for Part II of this conversation, where Coach Baines and I tackle the world of college basketball recruiting.

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📆 To Schedule Matt Rogers to speak at your school or organization, you can schedule a discovery Zoom session here: https://calendly.com/mrogers_significantcoaching/speaking-inquiry-w-matt-rogers

📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

🥎 Softball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qd4PFp

📍 All resources also available at coachmattrogers.com

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

Did you like what you heard and want more?
New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podca...