Brent Hobson on Coaching with Honesty, Adaptability, and the Modern Athlete

Rob sits down with Brent Hobson, longtime Friends University women’s soccer coach. Brent became a head coach at 24 and has spent nearly a decade shaping a program built on clarity, honest feedback, and team-first culture.

They dig into what it actually takes to coach Gen Z, how to lead players who aren’t getting the role they hoped for, and why self-evaluation is one of the most underrated tools in a coach’s toolkit.

Key Themes

Coaching a Generation Under Constant Pressure

Brent sees today’s athletes as more visible, more individualized, and more influenced by social media. Instead of complaining about the shift, he explains how coaches can adapt and still build connected teams.

Valuing Every Athlete

Brent created the Garland Award, named after a former player who rarely played but shaped the program through character and commitment. It’s the only award displayed in his office—and a reminder that contribution isn’t limited to playing time.

Honest Conversations About Role and Reality

Whether it’s the athlete who won’t play much or the athlete upset about their role, Brent leans toward clarity over comfort. He outlines how to help players understand how they can still impact the team—and why these conversations require coaches, captains, and teammates working together.

How 3D Coaching Changed His Approach

Initially skeptical, Brent now credits the 3D framework with helping him slow down, reflect, and rethink his relationship-building as a coach. It gave him a needed “renewal” in how he leads.

What Administrators Need to Hear

Evaluations shouldn’t be a hunt for mistakes. Brent urges ADs to look at the whole athlete experience and share what’s going well—not just what needs work.

Rapid-Fire Highlights

• Book recommendation: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
• Failure that shaped him: The challenging 2020 COVID season
• Definition of success: Lasting relationships with players and alumni
• Best golf score: 73 at Cherry Oaks
• New habit: Listening more—to players, colleagues, and his kids

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coaching-an-impactful-coaching-project-podcast/id1711128150

More resources at impactfulcoachingproject.com