From Athlete to Coach: A Shared Journey with Brannon Sneed and Coach Leo Young By Coach Leo Young | SoreToSoaring.org

Some of the most meaningful moments in sports don’t happen in front of crowds. They happen during the quiet work—between athlete and coach, mentor and student.

In this episode of the Sore to Soaring Podcast, I sat down with Brannon Sneed, now the General Manager of Peter Boulware Toyota, and a former player I coached in college. What made this conversation so powerful wasn’t just the memories of games and practices—it was the realization that our journey came full circle.

Brannon had once been the athlete, while I was the coach. Years later, we sat side by side as professionals—both still applying the same values and lessons we lived on the field.

From the Catcher’s Glove to the Coach’s Clipboard

Brannon reflected on his early transition from high school player to college player, and I shared my own story of moving from college player to immediate coaching role. Like so many former athletes, we both found ourselves in leadership positions where communication, discipline, and accountability mattered just as much off the field as they did on it.

“You were coming in just as I was starting my coaching career,” I told him.”

Whether it’s baseball, business, or life, we both agreed: coaching is an extension of who you were as a player.

The Ripple Effect of Mentorship

One of the most overlooked aspects of sports development is the impact of coaching relationships—not just in improving athletic performance, but in shaping long-term personal and professional success.

Brannon shared how even small moments of coaching—conversations, discipline, leadership habits—stayed with him long after his playing days. Now, as a business leader managing teams and operations, he’s applying those same lessons every day.

And that’s what coaching really is—it’s not just building athletes. It’s building people.

From Dugouts to Boardrooms: Leadership is Transferable

So many of the traits that define elite players also define elite professionals:

• Attention to detail

• Mental toughness

• Personal accountability

• High standards of preparation

• The ability to lead by example

Brannon and I talked about how sports training and coaching directly prepare people to lead in law enforcement, business, or any high-performance environment. And how those principles still fuel both of our careers today.

That’s the mission of Sore to Soaring—to help athletes learn how to soar in life, not just in sports.

Key Takeaways from Our Shared Journey

• Coaching isn’t just teaching technique—it’s shaping identity

• The habits you build as an athlete will follow you forever

• Leadership starts long before you carry a title

• Former athletes often make exceptional coaches and managers

Watch the full podcast episode:

https://youtu.be/MR4_0ZXtL0M

Watch the short clip from this conversation:

▶ https://youtu.be/a7w4w93zWvQ

Support our mission:

We’re building programs that help young athletes develop skills for life—on and off the field.
💪 Learn more or support the mission at:

www.soartosoaring.org

Disclaimer:

The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned

If you wish to learn more about Brannon Snead’s work, visit Peter Boulware Toyota at: peterboulwaretoyota.com.