🧪 Coaching Like a Scientist: How Observation & Values Led to a State Title

What does it mean to "coach like a scientist"? In Part 2 of our conversation with first-year varsity head coach and podcast editor Mckenzie Ridgely, we explore the evolution of leadership that goes far beyond personality.

Mckenzie reflects on her journey from thinking leadership meant being the "loudest and meanest" to realizing that her best self involves observing how her players respond and shifting her methods to meet them where they are. We dive deep into the "Team Manifesto"—how co-created values became the ultimate tool for accountability during a high-stakes championship run.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Evolving the "Best Self": Why coaching based on personality alone is a trap, and how to adapt your energy to get the best out of others.

• The "Scientist" Approach: Learning to treat every practice and game as an experiment, using player feedback (verbal and behavioral) to guide your next move.

• Values as a Tool, Not Just a Poster: The critical moment Mckenzie used team values to turn around a failing scrimmage and set the tone for the season.

• The TOC Safety Net: The power of a non-judgmental community for testing new systems and finding support in the "mind games" of leadership.

• The Story of the Season: Implementing team journaling to help players reflect on their growth and the memories that led to a State Championship.

Key Resources Mentioned:

• Annie Duke on Decision-Making (Podcast Episode)

• Jennifer Garvey Berger on Mind Traps (Podcast Series)

• The TOC Journal

Connect with us:Join the FREE TOC Coach Community to access the same tools Mckenzie used to lead her team to a state title.

👉 Visit to https://www.skool.com/toccoach/about learn more!

#CoachingCulture #Leadership #TeamCulture #StateChampions #FieldHockey #GrowthMindset #CoachLife #TOCcommunity

McKenzie Ridgely joins the hosts to discuss her successful first season as a varsity head coach, focusing on the implementation of culture systems and resources from TOC (The Coaches' Community). She highlights the importance of "working on the front end"—establishing clear expectations, systems, and communication with players and parents before the season starts. Key topics covered include the structure and impact of her initial parent meeting, the process for selecting captains and forming a leadership council, using player development plans, and strategies for communicating playing time decisions and handling late-season pressure.

Get your copy of the TOC Leadership Journal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/94...Join us on the 2026 TOC Leadership Retreat! https://www.thriveoncoaching.ie/retreatsSubscribe to the TOC Newsletter: https://tocculture.com/culture-toolbox

As we close out the year, JP, Nate, and Betsy dive deep into the internal "operating system" of leadership. While many leaders focus on external strategy, this episode explores the internal beliefs and thought habits that often hold us back from our next level of growth. The team discusses how to shift from acting out of old patterns to acting out of conscious choice, offering practical tools for grounding yourself in high-pressure moments. To wrap up the year, the hosts also share their favorite books, shows, and movies of 2025, ranging from leadership deep-dives to high-octane racing dramas.Get your copy of the TOC Leadership Journal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/947M5Z4J7SCQNJoin us on the 2026 TOC Leadership Retreat! https://www.thriveoncoaching.ie/retreatsSubscribe to the TOC Newsletter: https://tocculture.com/culture-toolbox