{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"341. Grant Freeman - From 3 High Schools to 2 - Building Culture from the Ground Up","description":"When a school district undergoes one of the most significant transformations in its history\u2014shutting down three long-standing high schools to create two brand-new campuses\u2014strong leadership becomes essential. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Grant Freeman, Athletic Director at Wichita Falls ISD, shares the pivotal role that character, relationships, and culture play in leading through change. Coach Freeman, a lifelong educator and coach, unpacks how his personal upbringing, the lessons he learned from his father, and a transformational leadership philosophy helped him guide coaches and athletes through a historic district-wide transition. Whether you're facing a program rebuild or want to cultivate a player-led culture, Coach Freeman\u2019s experience offers a playbook on how to lead with purpose.   Key Takeaways Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership: Freeman emphasizes the importance of focusing on transformation\u2014building people\u2014rather than just checking off tasks. Building Culture During Transition: Leading Wichita Falls ISD through the consolidation of three schools into two required intentional culture-building and trust across unfamiliar teams. The Three E\u2019s Framework: Freeman\u2019s leadership philosophy centers around Effort, Execution, and Everybody\u2014ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and moving in the same direction. Focus on Relationships First: In any program shift, relationships are the foundation. Freeman prioritized team-building among coaches and athletes who had never worked together before. Effort Is the Equalizer: Regardless of background or skill level, Freeman believes every student and staff member can control their effort\u2014and that\u2019s where excellence begins. Practical Character Building: Coaches model and teach what effort and leadership look like beyond the field\u2014whether it\u2019s picking up trash in a hallway or showing up to class on time. Filtering the Noise: In today\u2019s digital world, leaders must help athletes and coaches discern genuine support from distractions. Tangible Sportsmanship Training: The Texas Way initiative turned abstract ideas of sportsmanship into teachable, repeatable actions for students, coaches, and even parents. You Are Not Alone: Freeman encourages coaches to lean on mentors and resources like 2Words Character Development when navigating challenges in leadership and program development.   Memorable Quotes \u201cWe focused on being transformational instead of transactional.\u201d \u201cEffort is the one thing everybody can give\u2014regardless of skill or role.\u201d \u201cThe Texas Way gave us a landing spot for sportsmanship. It made a mythical creature tangible.\u201d \u201cThe most important thing coaches need to know is you are not alone.\u201d \u201cYou find out who\u2019s running with you halfway down the track\u2014that\u2019s your team.\u201d \u201cCoaches must walk with their kids beyond the field to teach character.\u201d \u201cCulture change isn\u2019t about resumes\u2014it\u2019s about personalities that fit the mission.\u201d \u201cWe\u2019re not just merging schools. We\u2019re merging people, values, and purpose.\u201d   CONTACT COACH FREEMAN: gfreeman@wfisd.net   COACH 360 IS PRESENTED BY: 2Words Character Development Interested in connecting or taking the next step with 2Words Character Development? Let us know! Email Colton Leonard at: Colton@2words.tv Visit http:\/\/www.2words.tv\/preview to learn more and for a free week of the curriculum.   JOIN 2WORDS ON SPORTSYOU Interested in regular encouragement on the SportsYou platform? 2W has a dedicated page on sportsYou where we share encouragements for coaches and athletes 2-3 times a week! Click here to join our sportsYou page. Use the access code C4CB-DN5T when prompted.    The Texas Way Sportsmanship Initiative Interested in registering for The Texas Way? Join the initiative at: www.PlayTheTexasWay.com   COACH 360 IS SPONSORED BY: ProMaxima PMX ProMaxima is your one stop shop for the ultimate fitness equipment solution. From strength to cardio, They manufacture a wide range of high-quality products made in the USA to maximize your teams performance. Experience the difference with PMX ProMaxima and see why thousands of athletes and schools trust them. Visit http:\/\/pmxstrength.com\/ today to explore their catalog and elevate your fitness journey.   ","author_name":"Coach 360","author_url":"http:\/\/www.2words.tv","html":"