More Than a Game: Using Sports to Shape Identity With Nolan Recker
Fri Jan 09 2026
Guest: Nolan Recker, founder of Hey CoachHost: Scott SchimmelDuration: ~24 minsTheme: Using sports as a meaningful space for character development, reflection, and identity formation in kids
🔑 Episode Summary:
In this episode, Scott is joined by long-time friend Nolan Recker, a coach, entrepreneur, and former pastor who is building Hey Coach, a platform to bridge communication gaps between coaches, kids, and parents.
They explore:
Why youth sports might be the best environment for identity development
The emotional and relational challenges coaches face in mentoring kids
How Hey Coach creates structured reflection through journaling via text
Why kids today need private spaces to process identity—especially in a social media-driven world
The tension between competition and character development
How journaling and thoughtful coaching can counteract the pressure kids feel to perform or “be liked” online
🧠 Topics Covered:
Scott’s experience coaching 25+ youth teams
Nolan’s journey from vocational ministry to building a tech platform
The “third space” idea: where identity is formed outside of school and home
Why coaches feel under-equipped to mentor kids beyond the scoreboard
Social media’s impact on kids’ sense of worth and the rise of performance-based identity
Using asynchronous reflection questions to foster inner growth
💬 Notable Quotes:
“I don’t know a coach who doesn’t want to develop kids—but most don’t know how.”– Scott Schimmel
“Journaling helps you wrestle with things and form a grounded sense of self.”– Nolan Recker
“Sports are the perfect setup for conversations about failure, resilience, and identity—if coaches are equipped.”– Scott Schimmel
✅ Practical Takeaways:
Use reflection questions to help kids explore their identity (e.g., “What are you learning about yourself through competition?”)
Coaches need tools, not just good intentions
Journaling—even via text—gives kids a private way to explore thoughts without peer pressure
Parents also need coaching on how to support their kids after a tough game or loss
More
Guest: Nolan Recker, founder of Hey CoachHost: Scott SchimmelDuration: ~24 minsTheme: Using sports as a meaningful space for character development, reflection, and identity formation in kids 🔑 Episode Summary: In this episode, Scott is joined by long-time friend Nolan Recker, a coach, entrepreneur, and former pastor who is building Hey Coach, a platform to bridge communication gaps between coaches, kids, and parents. They explore: Why youth sports might be the best environment for identity development The emotional and relational challenges coaches face in mentoring kids How Hey Coach creates structured reflection through journaling via text Why kids today need private spaces to process identity—especially in a social media-driven world The tension between competition and character development How journaling and thoughtful coaching can counteract the pressure kids feel to perform or “be liked” online 🧠 Topics Covered: Scott’s experience coaching 25+ youth teams Nolan’s journey from vocational ministry to building a tech platform The “third space” idea: where identity is formed outside of school and home Why coaches feel under-equipped to mentor kids beyond the scoreboard Social media’s impact on kids’ sense of worth and the rise of performance-based identity Using asynchronous reflection questions to foster inner growth 💬 Notable Quotes: “I don’t know a coach who doesn’t want to develop kids—but most don’t know how.”– Scott Schimmel “Journaling helps you wrestle with things and form a grounded sense of self.”– Nolan Recker “Sports are the perfect setup for conversations about failure, resilience, and identity—if coaches are equipped.”– Scott Schimmel ✅ Practical Takeaways: Use reflection questions to help kids explore their identity (e.g., “What are you learning about yourself through competition?”) Coaches need tools, not just good intentions Journaling—even via text—gives kids a private way to explore thoughts without peer pressure Parents also need coaching on how to support their kids after a tough game or loss