Episode 79: IWU Men's Volleyball HC, Brandon Mueller, talks about keeping and building culture.

In Episode 79 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, host Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Brandon Mueller, head coach of the Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team. Coach Mueller shares his journey from player to coach and offers valuable insights on building and maintaining a strong team culture.From Player to Coach: A Journey of GrowthCoach Mueller's path to coaching was not a straight line. As a talented player from the Chicago suburbs, he initially resisted volleyball, preferring traditional sports like baseball and basketball. However, his sisters' influence led him to try volleyball at age 14, igniting a passion that would shape his career.

• Played at Springfield College, competing against Division I teams
• Played professionally in Germany
• Transitioned to coaching after injuries ended his playing career

Building Programs from the Ground Up

Coach Mueller's coaching experience spans diverse environments:

• Won a State Championship at Deer Creek-Mackinaw, an established IHSA powerhouse
• Currently leads Illinois Wesleyan University's men's volleyball program, which he built from scratch

This range of experiences has taught Mueller the universal importance of relationship-building in creating successful programs.

Key Lessons in Team Culture

1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Mueller credits much of his confidence as a player to facing and overcoming challenges. He emphasizes the importance of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
2. Focus on Every Player: Early in his coaching career, Mueller learned the hard way that concentrating solely on top players was a mistake. He now ensures that all 20 players on his team understand their roles and importance.
3. Adapt Your Approach: The transition from player to coach taught Mueller the need to constantly evolve his methods. What works for one team may not work for another.
4. Build Relationships: Regardless of the program's status, Mueller stresses that strong relationships are the foundation of any successful team.

Insights for Coaches, Players, and Sports Enthusiasts

This episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone involved in sports:

• The importance of mental preparation in athletics
• How to build resilience through facing and overcoming challenges
• Strategies for creating a cohesive team culture
• The evolving landscape of college athletics and its impact on team building

Coach Brandon Mueller's journey from reluctant volleyball player to successful college coach demonstrates the power of passion, resilience, and adaptability in sports. His insights on building team culture and overcoming challenges offer valuable lessons for coaches and athletes at all levels.Don't miss this engaging conversation about the future of athletics and the keys to building successful teams. Tune in to Episode 79 of The Mental Mettle Podcast for more insights on forging your mental mettle!Ready to elevate your coaching or athletic performance? Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann today and discover how Mental Mettle Coaching can help you unlock your full potential.