🎙️ From the Commissioner’s Chair: What NCAA Division II Leadership Really Looks Like | Bob Dranoff

What does it actually mean to lead an NCAA conference?

In this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Bob Dranoff, former Commissioner of the East Coast Conference, for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at leadership from the highest level of Division II athletics.

Bob shares what most coaches and athletic directors never get to see—the reality of conference leadership. From balancing presidents, athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes, to running championships, managing membership, and navigating limited resources, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the complexity of the commissioner’s role.

They dive deep into what makes Division II special, why empathy matters more than ever in leadership, how athletic directors can better support coaches, and the growing challenges facing college athletics—from professionalization to burnout to changing family expectations.

This episode is packed with perspective for:

• College coaches
• Athletic directors
• Administrators and aspiring leaders
• Anyone seeking a clearer, more grounded view of leadership in college athletics

📘 Resources Mentioned & Recommended:

• Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
  👉 https://amzn.to/3LMRRjk
  
  
• The Recruit’s Journal (sport-specific editions)
  👉 https://coachmattrogers.com/journals

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Learn more and connect with Matt Rogers here: https://coachmattrogers.com/

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

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🎙️ 3-Peat Perspective: How Candace Moats Recruits for Championships That Last

How do you win a three-peat—and keep doing it without burning out your culture, your players, or yourself?

On Part 2 of this two-part series on the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers continues the conversation with Candace Moats, Head Volleyball Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, AVCA Coach of the Year, and leader of a program that has captured three consecutive NAIA National Championships.

This episode zeroes in on recruiting—and why sustained excellence starts long before a recruit ever steps on campus.

Coach Moats breaks down how her recruiting philosophy has evolved from chasing talent to prioritizing fit, joy, work ethic, and alignment. She shares why she refuses to manipulate recruits into saying yes, how she talks honestly about faith-based schools, what she listens for in conversations, and why the best recruiting decisions are the ones athletes make for themselves.

This is a must-listen for recruits, parents, and coaches who want clarity, honesty, and a recruiting process built on trust—not pressure.

🔗 Candace Moats Bio: https://iwuwildcats.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/candace-moats/777

🎧 Listen: CoachMattRogers.com
📺 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more and connect with Matt Rogers here: https://coachmattrogers.com/

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

Did you like what you heard and want more?
New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on the show!

🎙️ 3x National Champions: How Candace Moats Builds Programs That Last

What does it really take to build a championship program—and sustain it year after year?

On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers sits down with Candace Moats, Head Volleyball Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, AVCA Coach of the Year, and leader of a program that has now won three consecutive NAIA National Championships.

But this conversation goes far beyond banners and rings.

Candace shares powerful insight on protecting team culture, coaching with conviction, rebuilding when necessary, and what it truly means to “finish the race well.” She speaks openly about faith, leadership, accountability, and why sustained excellence is built through clarity, relationships, and standards—not shortcuts.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletic leaders, and anyone committed to building programs that last—on and off the court.

🔗 Candace Moats Bio: https://iwuwildcats.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/candace-moats/777

🎧 Listen: CoachMattRogers.com
📺 Watch: youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more and connect with Matt Rogers here: https://coachmattrogers.com/

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

Did you like what you heard and want more?
New Podcasts every week. Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to leave a comment or recommend your favorite athlete, coach or leader to be on the show!