Advancing the Coaching Profession: Championship Behaviors & the Evolution of Coaching

National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA)

At our recent NHSACA National Conference Board Meeting, we had the distinct pleasure of learning from Rick Ringeisen, Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA). Rick’s presentation, grounded in both experience and vision, challenged and inspired us with his insights on how we, as leaders in the coaching profession, can evolve, grow, and better serve the student-athletes in our care.

A Powerful Message: Hugh McCutcheon’s Championship Behaviors

Central to Rick’s message was a powerful TED Talk delivered by Hugh McCutcheon, titled Championship Behaviors, which is based on McCutcheon’s acclaimed book by the same name. Hugh—an Olympic gold medal-winning coach and one of the foremost minds in athlete development—offers a deeply insightful look into the foundational behaviors that drive sustainable excellence in sport and in life.

This TED Talk is a must-watch for coaches at every level:
🔗 Watch the TED Talk here

We encourage all NHSACA member state associations to share this resource widely. Whether it’s used in leadership training, state conventions, or coach mentoring programs, it aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the coaching profession.

If your state is interested in bulk ordering copies of Hugh’s book, Championship Behaviors, the anticipated cost is approximately $10.00 per copy. We are actively exploring options for donations or sponsorships that may offset or fully cover the cost of books for interested associations. Please reach out if your state would like to be included in this opportunity.

The Evolution of Coaching Prep Sport

Rick Ringeisen also shared a personal perspective through his column from the Minnesota Prep Coach, titled “The Evolution of Coaching Prep Sport.” This compelling piece, which served as the foundation for his presentation, highlights the shifting landscape of high school athletics, the rising expectations placed on coaches, and the imperative for us to be proactive in professional growth, communication, and community impact.

We are pleased to reprint Rick’s full column in this issue of the NHSACA Newsletter for wider circulation among our membership. It’s a thoughtful, candid reflection that reinforces the importance of leadership in our ever-changing world of education-based athletics.

Final Thoughts

At NHSACA, our shared vision is rooted in the continued development of exceptional coaches—those who teach, mentor, and inspire far beyond the scoreboard. Rick’s presentation and the resources he introduced serve as timely reminders of the values and behaviors that define greatness in coaching.

Let us carry forward these insights into our own associations, state clinics, and personal coaching journeys. The evolution of our profession depends on it.

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” - Ryunosuke Satoro