16. Robert Lucero - Westlake High School (TX)

06/17/21 • 74 min

This episode is a conversation with Robert Lucero. I found this to be a conversation filled with empathy. Coach Lucero explores some of the ways he routinely takes the perspectives of those he serves, both his staff and his student-athletes, while reflecting on how ego, an inward mindset, and maybe lack of empathy might have resulted in a bit more diminishment of others previously in his career. Along the way, he highlights honest and loving communication, building community or giving others a place to belong, and serving first.
Robert Lucero is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Westlake High School in Austin, TX. During his seven seasons as head coach of the Chaparrals, Coach Lucero has compiled a 210 win - 34 loss record. His tenure includes two appearances in the state tournament, one in 2018, and again this past season. Westlake’s 2020-21 season ended with a top-25 national ranking, a 30-2 record, an undefeated run through district play, and advancing to the State Championship game. Coach Lucero has also been named District Coach of the Year three times, All-Central Texas coach of the year two times, and TABC Class 5A Coach of the Year. Prior to Westlake High School, Coach Lucero also served as the head coach at Hays High School for one season.
Further Reading:

Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach
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Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

adamgcoaching.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.gierlach/

Previous Episode

15. Rick Croy - California Baptist

This episode is a conversation with Rick Croy. I found this to be a conversation filled with healing, and exploring the healing potential of servant-leadership for ourselves and others. Coach Croy explores his recognition of the opportunity to help make whole those with whom he comes into contact, using healing in leadership as a force for transformation and integration. Along the way, he highlights creating an environment that allows for others to share, listening without trying to fix, and shifting focus from the career and professional hunt towards greater service to others.
Rick Croy is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at California Baptist University. During his 8 seasons as head coach of the Lancers, Coach Croy has compiled a 182 win - 63 loss record. CBU earned an NCAA tournament birth each season of Coach Croy’s tenure in Division II competition from 2014-2018, and the Lancers broke the NCAA record most wins in the first two seasons of the transition period into NCAA Division-I men’s basketball. In addition to time as an assistant coach at UC Riverside and St. Mary’s College, Coach Croy was also a highly successful head coach at Citrus College, winning the California Community College Athletic Association state championship in 2008. From Citrus College to CBU, each season of Coach Croy’s career as a head coach has finished with a winning record.
Further Resources:

"The Servant As Leader" by Robert Greenleaf
10. Frank Allocco, Sr. - Univ. of San Francisco Athletics

With the end of the college basketball season, the Love In Basketball podcast will also take a break for a few weeks. We’ll use this as time for restoration, improving the podcast, and recording new conversations with guests. We won’t be off for too long, so stay tuned. Maybe revisit conversations, listen to previous episodes you haven’t yet listened to, or continue your learnings on servant-leadership with resources provided through the show notes.
adamgcoaching.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.gierlach/

Next Episode

17. R-Jay Barsh - Boise State

This episode is a conversation with R-Jay Barsh. I found this to be a conversation filled with generous silence. Coach Barsh explores his journey of listening to his own heart and own mind through silence and challenge, to ground and center in his gifts rather than chasing the perceptions of others. Along the way he highlights the power of feedback loops, laying your arrogance down, and empathetic listening.
R-Jay Barsh is an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Boise State University. Coach Barsh has been an assistant coach for the Broncos for 2 seasons, and Boise State is coming off a 19-win season with an appearance in the NIT. Prior to Boise State, Coach Barsh previously served as the head coach at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. While with SEU, Coach Barsh led the Fire to three NAIA Division II National Tournament appearances, including an NAIA Fab Four run. Coach Barsh was also an assistant coach at Tacoma Community College, and the University at Puget Sound. His time at TCC included three Western Region titles and an NWACC championship.
Further Resources: