OM DENNE EPISODE
In this episode of the JAMODI Podcast, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Coach Jake Garner, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Walnut Grove High School in Prosper ISD. From small-town Texas roots to opening a brand-new high school program, Coach Garner shares the leadership lessons, systems, and daily disciplines that have shaped his journey.
This conversation dives deep into culture building, parent relationships, spring development, and how to balance school basketball with the realities of select/AAU in the DFW area.
If you're a high school basketball coach, athletic director, or leader building something from the ground up, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.
Key Topics Covered:
🏀 Growing up in Tom Bean, Texas and the impact of mentorship🏀 Transitioning from student teacher to head coach in Prosper ISD🏀 Opening Walnut Grove High School and building culture from Day 1🏀 Partnering with parents instead of battling them🏀 Giving parents access without losing program standards🏀 Moms clinics, communication systems, and building trust🏀 Spring development philosophy: skill first, system second🏀 4-out to 5-out offensive evolution and spacing concepts🏀 Teaching pace & space at the high school level🏀 Balancing AAU/select basketball with school development🏀 Daily habits that sustain elite leadership🏀 Planning your day as a head coach🏀 365-day readers, journaling, and self-reflection🏀 Giving yourself grace during the grind of the season
Coach Garner shares practical ideas like:
• Putting your cell phone number on the first parent meeting slide• Documenting parent contact trends after wins vs losses• Filming every practice to increase transparency• Using 10-minute player meetings to clarify roles• Structuring spring workouts around problem-solving and skill development• Evaluating your drills instead of just running them• Creating player connection maps to strengthen team culture
Whether you're coaching in Texas, building a new program, or leading an established one, this episode offers both strategy and heart.
About Coach Jake Garner:
• Head Boys Basketball Coach at Walnut Grove High School (Prosper ISD)• 12 years in coaching, all in Prosper ISD• Former varsity assistant at Prosper High School• Opened Walnut Grove High School as Head Coach• Former multi-sport athlete from Tom Bean, Texas• University of North Texas graduate
This episode is a must-listen for coaches who care about culture, clarity, communication, and consistent growth.
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