1st In-Person Interview for Player Development Pod!
I recorded TWO PD Pod interviews in Atlanta!
Yes!
You read that right, this week you will watch, listen, consume the FIRST in-person interview in The Player Development Pod history.
I was in Atlanta and had the opportunity to record, not one, but TWO interviews. Yes! It was a great trip and you will hear one of the interviews this week.
That interviewee is, drumroll pleaseā¦
Rod Rook-Chungong
Hereās a backstory of how I met Rod and why I am SO PROUD of him.
I met Rod in 2022, I still remember our phone call as I was driving from Houston to Waco on a Friday. Kevin Cone connected us through a text message, and I had a three-hour ride ahead of me. Rod was transitioning out of NFL scouting and was interested in player development, so we jumped on had a great conversation and I lead Rod to the podcast and other resources. He took action and dove into the resources IMMEDIATELY.
We talked a few more times and he let me know how the resources helped him. (The resources can be found at the end of this newsletter.) Within a year of our conversation, he was on the player development staff for USF Football. A year after joining USF, he was in the director role at Georgia State. This made me incredibly proud of Rod, while I canāt guarantee any positions, the resources are there to help those who are interested and those who are in the role and Rod is a Beyond The Field Success story.
I was able to visit a Georgia State spring practice, see Rod in action, and then interview him for a new series I am creating called āMeet the Directorā.
The episode with Rod, will air this week wherever you listen to podcast.
Meet the Director Series
I live in Kansas City and between the professional and collegiate teams that are in the area, I will be taking time to intentionally reach out and meet with professionals while they are in Kansas City.
So, if you know any one locally or if KC is on your schedule or will be i your travel plans, letās connect so this beautiful Beyond The Field community can continue to learn about the position and those in the role.
The title of the series is āMeet the Directorā, but it is open to anyone in the role. Assistant directors, coordinators, interns and such. Maybe Iāll change it to āMeet the Professionalā
Students, WHERE YOU AT?
In an effort to answer all the questions I receive from students about player development I am creating a āPlayer Development Guide for Studentsā resource.
If you are a student or know of any students who are interested in player development, PLEASE have them fill out this link: PD Guide for Students
If you are a staff member and would like to talk more about this resource for your students, shoot me an email at info@btfprogram.com
Player Development Conference Sponsorships
There are MULTIPLE sponsorship opportunities for the Player Development Conference.
The Player Development Conference is a GREAT sponsorship opportunity for individuals and businesses.
We had speakers and attendees from the following leagues: NBA, NFL, and WNBA. In addition, we had speakers and attendees from multiple storied universities, with all the major conferences represented. (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.)
If you are interested in sponsoring the Player Development Conference, click here: Sponsorship Opportunities
May 16-18
12 Sessions
8 Breakout Rooms
3 Days of Learning
1 Night Dedicated to Networking
Endless Opportunities
Find out more about The Player Development Conference here:
Player Development Resources
COURSES
BOOKS
Player Development Guide eBook
Head Coaches Guide to Player Development eBook