Episode
Kevin Connors - Million Coaches Challenge Lead & Managing Director at the Susan Crown Exchange - Episode 1232
- Podcast
- Hoop Heads
- Published
- Mar 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4534
- Processing state
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Summary
Kevin Connors is the Managing Director at Susan Crown Exchange, where he oversees grantmaking, leads new initiatives, and co-develops organizational strategy. Kevin has helped lead the Million Coaches Challenge, a national initiative launched by the Susan Crown Exchange in 2021 to transform youth sports by training one million coaches in evidence-based youth development practices. Backed by 18+ partners, including the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and research led by the American Institutes for Research, the Million Coaches Challenge is transforming youth sports by equipping coaches with the information and tools to create positive, inclusive environments that help young people build confidence, belonging, and life skills through sport. On this episode Mike & Kevin discuss the Million Coaches Challenge, which strives to train one million coaches in evidence-based youth development practices. The conversation explores the critical gaps in training that many coaches face, highlighting the fact that a considerable percentage lack even the basic knowledge necessary to promote healthy development among young athletes. Connors underscores the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments where children can thrive not only athletically but also socially and emotionally. He believes that the role of a coach transcends mere technical instruction, advocating for a more holistic approach that nurtures the personal growth of each athlete. As the discussion unfolds, Connors reflects on his own experiences in youth sports, sharing poignant stories that illustrate the profound impact that empathetic coaching can have on a child's development. He emphasizes the need for coaches to cultivate meaningful relationships with their players, asserting that understanding what…