Kelly Graves, head women's basketball coach of the Oregon Ducks, shares his experiences as a parent and coach. He emphasizes the importance of balancing parenting and coaching, and the lessons he teaches his own children and players. Graves discusses his background and upbringing, as well as the dynamics of raising three boys while being a high-performing coach. He also talks about the value of being part of a team and the pressure on student-athletes to play, highlighting the importance of the overall experience rather than just playing time. Graves shares insights on program rebuilds, emphasizing the significance of recruiting great people and building relationships. In this conversation, Kolby Paxton interviews Kelly Graves, the head coach of the University of Oregon women's basketball team. They discuss the type of individuals Graves looks for when recruiting players, the power of fortitude and perseverance, the development of young athletes, the impact of Sabrina Ionescu, and the role of parents in youth sports. Graves emphasizes the importance of championship character, competitive spirit, and a team-first mentality in his recruits. He shares his personal experience of working on a potato farm and the lessons he learned about resilience. Graves also highlights the exceptional qualities of Sabrina Ionescu and the impact she has had on and off the court. He discusses his approach to mentoring assistant coaches and the importance of hiring great people. Finally, Graves offers advice to parents on how to support and guide their children in sports while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

LSU women's gymnastics head coach, Jay Clark, discusses his experience as the defending national champion and the challenges of managing a team in the NIL era. He reflects on his own upbringing and the influence of his coaches, emphasizing the importance of coaching and parenting in shaping young athletes. Clark shares his parenting style, focusing on firmness with explanation and creating a positive and supportive environment. He also discusses the impact of high-profile athletes on the team culture and the challenges and benefits of the NIL space. Clark offers advice for parents on supporting their child's passion for gymnastics while avoiding burnout.

Graham Neff, the Director of Athletics at Clemson, discusses his background and influences in this conversation. He grew up in Metro Atlanta and had a tight-knit group of friends who became like family. He was exposed to healthy relationships and parenting through his friends' families. He also mentions Clay Scroggins, a pastor and mentor, who had a significant impact on his faith and leadership development. Professionally, Dan Radakovich, the previous AD at Clemson, has been a mentor to Neff. Neff emphasizes the importance of work ethic and passion in his own life and hopes to instill those values in his children. In this conversation, Graham Neff, the Director of Athletics at Clemson University, discusses the role of faith in his life and how it influences his role as a father. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and creating a supportive environment for children. Neff also shares insights into his process for evaluating talent and finding the right fit for the Clemson athletic program. He highlights the significance of culture, relationships, and authenticity in building a successful team. The conversation concludes with Neff discussing the challenges and joys of raising twin boys and the values he seeks to instill in them, including integrity and the importance of consequences.