Leadership On and Off the Field

<p>How do you lead a team that changes every year? We sit down with the head baseball coach at Duke University, Coach Chris Pollard. We talk about the process he uses to build a positive team culture with young people that equal success both on and off the field.</p><p>--</p><p>Chris Pollard became Duke University's 25th head baseball coach in June of 2012, taking over the reins of the Blue Devil program after successful stints at Pfeiffer University and Appalachian State University. Pollard led the Blue Devils to a magical postseason run in the NCAA Tournament in 2019, culminating in the program’s second straight and second NCAA Super Regional appearance. The NCAA Tournament selection marked the second consecutive appearance for the Blue Devils and the third in the last four seasons. The first head coach to lead Duke to the NCAA Tournament since the Kennedy administration, Pollard is also the fastest Blue Devil head coach to reach 100 wins in Durham. </p><p>Pollard graduated from Davidson in 1996, earning a B.A. in psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development. He played professionally in both the Western League and the Northern League before returning to Davidson to begin his coaching career. Pollard also received a Master's degree in physical education/health education from Mississippi State in 2004. His wife, Stephanie, is a 1997 Davidson graduate. The couple resides in Durham with their two sons: Thomas and Brady.</p><p>--</p><p>Become a member on Patreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/norlund"><strong>@norlund</strong></a></p><p>Or head over to <a href="https://thebluersky.com/" target="_blank"><strong>thebluersky.com</strong></a> and click on member.</p><p>Follow on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/chris_norlund"><strong>@chris_norlund</strong></a></p><p>Follow on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/norlund/"><strong>@norlund</strong></a></p><p>Stay positive and thank you so much for listening!</p><p> </p>