#368: Nick Schneigert-Coaching, Identity & Life Beyond the Sand Pit

Nick Schneigert’s journey isn’t a straight line—and that’s exactly why this conversation matters.

From growing up in a Polish immigrant family in Chicago…to discovering track and field after getting cut from baseball…to serving in the U.S. Navy and being deployed after 9/11…to chasing a career in media…to finally finding purpose in coaching…Nick’s story is about identity.

And what happens when the title “coach” is no longer part of your daily life.

This episode hits differently.

Because for many coaches listening, there’s an underlying question we don’t always talk about: 👉 Who am I if I’m not coaching?

🔑 In this episode, we dive into:

🏃‍♂️ Finding track and field after adversity—and why multi-event backgrounds matter
👉Lessons from the Navy, deployment, and discipline that shaped his leadership
🎙️ Chasing a career in TV and media—and why it didn’t fulfill him
📉 The reality of life transitions, career pivots, and “low points” professionally
💡 Why coaching became meaningful—and what made it stick
🧠 The identity challenge: separating who you are from what you do

This is a must-listen for any coach who has ever wondered about life beyond the sport—or is navigating it right now.

Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:
Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.📲 Stay Connected:
Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at Mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍