Coach Ryan Odom, Mentorship, Every Team Has One Life

Given our 11-1 lead in basketball this season and the win against American, I thought I’d resurface my interview with Ryan Odom, UVA Men’s Basketball Head Coach.

This one’s a real throwback — published just a month after launch (Apr 29), back when I only asked two questions: How’d you get your start? and What does networking mean to you?

I got this interview after sending 6 emails over the course of a month to 3 different people, so if you ever feel like you’re bothering someone when following up, don’t. Click here for the full outreach timeline and the exact email template I used to land the interview.

I’ve been very fortunate in my life because I grew up in a coaching family. My father was a coach for 40+ years, so I’m definitely a beneficiary of his contacts in a lot of ways.

I learned at a very young age what excellence looked like. Watching a team and coaching staff work together to achieve their goals on a daily basis was really beneficial to me. As a coach now, I reach back to those moments often.

I’m also grateful to have people that have given up their time for me, especially those I haven’t worked with. Coach Holland, for example, would talk to me on the phone, get lunch with me, write a letter, and come watch me coach.

When you have people that are caring like that it’s really helpful. Because others have done that for me, I’ve tried to do that as well. I think that’s the way it should be.

There’s a feeling in your heart when you help somebody. It makes you feel good – it's the gift that keeps on giving.

You have to understand that none of us can do this alone. Every successful person, regardless of their line of work, has had people help them along the way. We have to be accepting of that help and humble enough to understand that we don't have all the answers.

Additionally, it’s important to be yourself. My parents taught me that. You’ve got to take the lessons you’ve learned and use them in your own way, on your own path.

As a coach, I believe each team has one life. Within that life, it's essential that you connect the group, and you have to do it the old fashion way – in person.

You have to have vulnerable conversations, events outside practice, and one-on-ones. You’re building a team that’s willing to buy into doing their best for the group.

I’m ashamed to say I haven't finished it, but I do love it.

The Bear, though, is great. The passion for building something special resonates as a coach.

I want to leave you with a question Coach Odom asked me during the call (its something I think a lot about when writing about networking):

4 things to do right now:

Got value? Share it.

📄 1 referral → Networking Guide
👕 5 → Free T-shirt
🍻 10 → $20 Trin Gift Card

Your current count: {{rp_num_referrals}}
Your personal link: {{rp_refer_url_no_params}}