From July 24–26, 2025, Soldiers To Sidelines (STS) hosted its first-ever Coaching Summit at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee—an extraordinary gathering of 171 veterans and service members committed to transforming their leadership experience into coaching excellence. With over 80 coaches earning their certification for the first time, this summit was a turning point for many who are moving from active duty to active mentorship on the field and in the community.
Setting the Tone: A Warm Welcome at Vanderbilt
The Summit began with a stirring welcome from Vice Chancellor Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt’s Vice Chancellor for Athletics and the first Black woman to head an SEC athletics program. She reflected on her military family background and her journey through leadership in athletics, setting a tone of humility, empowerment, and service that permeated the entire weekend.
A Candid Conversation with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey
A highlight of the weekend was a powerful conversation between SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and STS Founder Harrison Bernstein. Commissioner Sankey, who has overseen a dramatic increase in the SEC’s financial success and competitive dominance, shared his views on leadership, change management, and what it takes to earn and keep a head coaching position in the SEC. He highlighted the importance of working hard, pursuing constant education, creating a core set of principles that will guide our careers, while having a vision based on reflective questioning.
Sport-Specific Coaching Excellence: Every Speaker, Every Session
Across multiple sports tracks, the Summit delivered elite instruction from industry-leading coaches.
In Football, a standout lineup brought energy, experience, and actionable knowledge.
Jerod Kruse, DB Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at TSU, opened with a foundational session on Press Man Coverage.
Gregg Williams, one of the most respected minds in football as former NFL Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, delivered a compelling talk on Changing Team Culture and the 4-from-a-side Trap Principles.
Rod Marinelli, Vietnam Vet and former NFL Head Coach known for his defensive mastery, led a session on Fundamental Vision Corresponding to Defensive Strategy.
Blake Williams, Defensive Coordinator of the UFL National Champion DC Defenders, brought a high-level breakdown of Defensive Vision Corresponding Fundamentals.
Aaron Brady tackled Offseason and In-season Wide Receiver Drills and Training.
David Lee, longtime NFL QB Coach, presented Quarterback Throwing Mechanics and Four Answers to the Blitz, while
John Mumford introduced military-aligned innovation through Go Army Edge Technology.
In Basketball, Matt Zosel, former Army Ranger and Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Southern Oregon, discussed High Post Motion and Half Court Offense. Jamal Jackson, Kentucky State Head Men’s Basketball Coach, presented on Transition and Pressure Defense. Mark Byington, Vanderbilt University Head Men’s Basketball Coach, presented on Special Situations. Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt University, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, discussed Basketball Strategy, Chris Briggs, Georgetown College Head Men’s Basketball Coach, presented on Zone Offense, while Vic Schaefer, University of Texas Head Women’s Basketball Coach taught Zone Defense. LSU’s Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Bob Starkey, shared Lessons Learned in His Coaching Journey. Ray Harper, Head Men’s Basketball Coach taught Transition Offense and Quick Hitters.
The Soccer and Lacrosse sessions featured dual expertise. Ryan Wellner, Defensive Coordinator of Notre Dame University and Scott Urick, NCAA and MLS legend, explored strategy, identity, and culture in Lacrosse Coaching, while Darren Powell, Academy Director for Nashville FC, and John Miglarese, Former St Louis FC Coach, gave detailed breakdowns of Tactical Decision-Making in Soccer. Darren Ambrose, Vanderbilt University Head Women’s Soccer Coach, presented Principles of Attack and Vince Ganzberg U.S. Club Soccer Director of Coach Education, delivered Tactics Quizzes. The session concluded with Dr.Ben Freakley Jr leading a Sport Director “Ask the Coach” Forum, focusing on building resilient team cultures through mindset work.
The Adaptive and All-Sport Performance (AASPES) track brought together diverse coaching philosophies. Melissa Mercado opened with Plan with Purpose, Coach with Passion, a deeply motivational session. Nate Palin gave a powerful talk on Touch the Flame – Exploring Extracurriculars During and After Service. Johannah Zabal shared her approach in Using Tempo for More Than Just Increased Difficulty. Steve Watterson, retired Tennessee Titans Director of Strength and Conditioning and Associate Head Coach, presented on Nose to Toes Foundations of Strength and Conditioning. Rob Stiner, Vanderbilt University Head Football Strength Coach, presented Harder to Break: A Demands Specific Approach to Sports Performance Programming. The session closed with Emily, Johannah, and Nate in a roundtable “Ask the Coach” session that encouraged connection, vulnerability, and forward planning.
In the High Human Performance track, STS Founder and CEO Harrison Bernstein presented the core curriculum of STS Certification: Effective Coaching, Effective Communication, The Inverted Pyramid of Coaching Success, and Schematic Theory. These talks integrated neuroscience, psychology, and leadership philosophy—leaving coaches not just better tacticians, but better people.
Soldier Coaches Speak: Testimonials from the Frontline of Transformation
“I completed the full Soldiers to Sidelines seminar because I’m transitioning into coaching and leadership. I walked away with a greater appreciation for emotional intelligence, mental performance, and creating a safe environment for athletes to grow.”
— Amanda Bailey Mayweather
“To get the certification, yes—but more so to share space with other veterans who are chasing their next mission. I’m leaving with new techniques, leadership tools, and even deeper purpose.”
— Courtney Dock
“I’m in my final year of active duty and preparing to lead in my community through sport. STS equipped me with cutting-edge coaching strategies, mentorship, and a network I’ll lean on for years to come.”
— Eric Vincent
“Attending the Soldiers to Sidelines coaching seminar was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had since transitioning out of the military. The event didn’t just teach me how to be a better coach — it helped me rediscover my purpose through service. From hearing powerful insights from NFL legends to learning leadership strategies rooted in empathy and accountability, every session was impactful. What stood out most was the sense of community — being surrounded by fellow veterans and athletes who all share a common mission to uplift others through sport. This program is more than just a certification. It’s a brotherhood, a calling, and a blueprint for building stronger leaders and stronger communities. I’m proud to be part of it.”
— Johnathan Johnson
These voices underscore what the Summit is truly about: equipping and empowering those who have served to continue making an impact.
With Deep Gratitude to Our Sponsors
This landmark event was only possible through the steadfast support of our sponsors, who believe in the power of service, sport, and second chances.
Vehicles for Veterans, our Presenting Sponsor, provided the foundation of financial support that brought this vision to life. PenFed Foundation, our Certification Sponsor, ensured that more than 80 new Soldier Coaches received certification without cost, directly fueling their next mission. CVS Health, as our VIP Sponsor, contributed essential wellness support and programming resources to bring together key stakeholders in the Tennessee community to create a ripple effect of change through our mission.We are also grateful to Colonial Pipeline, Wounded Warrior Project, Wells Fargo, who stood up each Summit’s educational pillars. Teambuildr, Tourney Direct, and 1st Phorm—each played a vital role in bringing both logistics and heart to the experience.
And finally, Vanderbilt University, our Host Sponsor, whose facilities, leadership, and culture of excellence elevated every moment of the event.
A Movement, Not a Moment
The 2025 Coaching Summit was more than a coaching convention—it was a celebration of identity, potential, and continued service. As these newly certified coaches return to lead on fields, courts, and in communities across the country, they carry with them a simple truth: great coaches don’t just build teams—they build people.
The mission continues. We’ll see you in 2026.
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