Welcome to today’s feature on Business Story of the Week! 🎙️ Hosted by Joshua Lori, this episode dives into the heart and soul of coaching, featuring the inspiring story of Coach Greg Winkler. From setbacks to triumphs, Coach Winkler’s journey has been a beacon of hope for young athletes, proving that sports aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re about building character, mindfulness, and a deep-rooted sense of gratitude.

Coach Greg Winkler is no ordinary coach. 🏆 Currently teaching at Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School and coaching soccer at Charlotte High School, he brings a wealth of experience from his days as a Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame member and the 2012 United Soccer Coaches National Coach of the Year. Not only has he penned two coaching books, but his dedication to inspiring athletes extends beyond the field. Greg focuses on the critical issue of young athletes dropping out of sports, offering solutions through better coaching.

Why Are Young Athletes Dropping Out?

This burning question opens the conversation: Why are so many young athletes quitting sports? Coach Winkler believes the solution lies in proper coaching. 🌟 His mission is to keep kids in sports and transform their lives by focusing on the principles that matter most—character, respect, and gratitude.

Coach Greg’s story isn’t just about his career—it’s about the relationships he’s built with his players. He credits his high school coaches for inspiring him to become a coach, and to this day, he stays connected with them, embodying the very essence of mentorship. “It’s about relationships,” Greg explains, “and how those relationships transcend the game.” 🫂

Mindfulness & Character: Keys to Success

Coach Winkler integrates mindfulness into his coaching, emphasizing that sports should not only improve physical performance but also elevate athletes’ overall well-being. Greg believes in teaching gratitude on and off the field. 🙏 For instance, he encourages athletes to appreciate their opponents and referees—because without them, there wouldn’t be a game. This mindset shift transforms the game into a practice of respect and growth. He even goes as far as to implement a weekly “Motivational Monday” on his YouTube channel, where he shares insights on character development, one of which is titled “What’s in Your Cup?” 🍵

Sports are not just about competition but about building life skills. Coach Winkler’s approach to mindfulness allows athletes to stay grounded, maintain calm during tense moments, and avoid emotional outbursts. ⚽ He emphasizes, “When your cup is filled with gratitude, you don’t blow up—you just keep playing.” Simple but powerful lessons like this foster resilience that lasts far beyond the final whistle.

The Joy of Coaching

But what’s most crucial for Coach Winkler is joy—both in life and in sports. 🕺 He’s adamant that if coaches aren’t having fun, neither will their athletes. He likens coaching to gardening: to grow strong athletes, you must plant seeds of trust, respect, and, of course, joy. 🌱

So whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a parent, remember Greg’s mantra: We is greater than me. 👥 Success is not a solo mission—it’s a team effort built on mutual respect and shared joy.

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Catch more of Coach Greg’s wisdom by grabbing a copy of his book The Transformational Coach, available on Amazon. You can also follow him on YouTube at GregWinkler10 for more character-building tips! And if you’re on the lookout for more inspiring stories, make sure to stay tuned for the next Business Story of the Week. 🎧✨