44 - Johnny Poss: Wilson College Head Coach

Bio

 

• 4th Season as Head Coach of Wilson College
• Started the program and went 21-13 in the inaugural season
  • Led the conference in pitching and defense
  • Made the conference playoffs
• During his time at St. Mary’s Catholic High School he was 123-28 and sent 22 players to play in college
• Assistant coach at his alma mater, Dematha HS where they won 2 private school state championships during his tenure
• Played at UMBC and Winthrop University before playing some independent ball in the Frontier and Atlantic league
• In 2000 he also had some time in the Baltimore Orioles organization

 

Show notes

• Make sure kids go to a good fit. (no D1 or bust)
• Create competition in a program at every position
• Recruiting comes down to personality
• Be sure coach has a good roster full with information to contact players
• Recruiting is about relationships and families need to believe what you are about
• You have to adapt as a coach and get better. 
  • Never get rid of some of my old schools ways but will adapt with new tendencies
• Thank each school for their recruitment no matter if you have no intention of going there
• Be available for all my players!
• Once the kids know they sincerely care for them they will want to play for you!
• There are certain things you do every time you step on the ballfield. Respect the game
• Post pre and post practice jobs
• Phoenix challenge - end of fall challenge with teams
• No cookie cutters. Let players play to their strengths within the program
• You can’t get up and down for games you have to stay a little bit above the norm
• Have the kids buy into your and your goals. Buy into you first
• The best team police themselves. If the coach has to police them it will be a long year
• App “headspace” - meditation app to help shut the brain down
  • First part of practice to help breathing and get yourself in control and slow things down
• Never say no to a coach right away. You never know what will happen. After the academic/financial package you will get around at least 40% if you do well academically.
• Wilson athletic website (cell phone or office number)
• john.poss@wilson.edu