Topeka Insider

We talk with head coach Lora Westling about building a program on high standards and real care, recruiting with intention in the portal era, and why joy and discipline can live side by side. Stories span Wyoming winters to Washburn wins and the energy of a campus that shows up. • Path from Wyoming to Washburn and coaching roots • People-first coaching and teaching the college athlete • Defining success beyond social media and comparison • Discipline as care and meeting players where they are • Recruiting tips, film, camps and playing with energy • Transfer portal, NIL and shifting roster realities • Multisport development, injury prevention and burnout • Women’s sports stereotypes challenged with evidence • Topeka life, trails, food spots and recruit visits • New arena, fan experience and campus momentum Come to a game: “Ichabod WBB on Instagram and X. We hope to get people to games, especially with the new arena… I’m just so proud of the fan experience we have at home games right now.” ________________________________________ 0:00 - Coach Lora’s Journey To Washburn 2:40 - Cold Weather Stories And Laughs 5:00 - Why Coaching Is A People Business 9:30 - Teaching, Generations, And Meeting Players 13:30 - Social Media, Success, And Belonging 17:30 - Expectations, Discipline, And Care 20:00 - Best Parts And Work-Life Integration 24:30 - Coaching Women And Busting Stereotypes 31:00 - New Leagues, Rule Changes, And Fun Ideas 38:00 - Soccer Year, Joy, And Perspective 42:00 - Recruiting Advice And Playing Hard 48:00 - Transfer Portal, NIL, And Retention ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!