Spotlight: Greg Berge - Actionable Ideas from 30+ years of coaching & leadership
This Week's Information:
Greg Berge, Author who writes a weekly newsletter featuring actionable ideas on Coaching, Leadership, Culture and Teams straight to your inbox.
What It Is:
Greg Berge’s newsletter and social accounts are MUST READS for youth sports parents. A veteran high school coach and long-time principal in Minnesota, Berge has spent decades leading winning basketball teams and nurturing school cultures built on purpose and values—not trophies. He’s grown into a widely respected thought leader. Through his Great Teams, Better Leaders newsletter, Berge shares quick, actionable reflections on leadership, culture and cultivating resilience in young athletes.
Why Berge's ideas matter for youth sports parents:
Berge’s content is great for youth sports parents because it helps shift the focus from wins and stats to what actually matters in a child’s development: character, confidence and culture.
Here’s why his work stands out:
It Centers the Whole Child:
Berge’s coaching philosophy is grounded in growth mindset and relationship-based leadership. He consistently reminds parents that youth sports are about helping kids become better people—not just better players. This aligns with what most parents actually want: resilient, kind, confident kids.
“We don’t coach sports. We coach people.” — Greg Berge
It Offers Clear, Actionable Guidance
His weekly newsletter is short and practical. It often includes one clear lesson or reminder that’s easy to discuss with your child or bring up with a coach. No jargon. Just thoughtful prompts like:
- How do you define success after a game?
- Are you giving your child space to lead and learn?
- Do you praise effort and attitude as much as performance?
This kind of reflection helps parents support without smothering, cheer without pressuring and talk about sports in ways that build connection.
