Trevor Kapp

Over the past 2+ years, I’ve been fortunate to interview dozens of top coaches and executives across sports and business. We’ve discussed their successes, failures, core leadership views and critical lessons. Here are 10 of my favorite quotes 🧵:

@KevinDeShazo He's just supreme when it comes to team-building philosophies.

Sam Presti: "We've said since we got here in 2008, we've always talked about drafting People, not Players. Finding people who create positive environments where people can improve and pursue progress together. That's what we look for." Leadership + Culture = Success

Sam Presti is widely regarded as one of the top executives and talent evaluators in all of sports. His Oklahoma City Thunder has had 3 different NBA MVPs dating back to 2014. What do the greats have in common? “The best players are the secure players." @KevinDeShazo

Carlos Alcaraz is in the French Open final against Jannik Sinner. After last year’s semifinal, he shared a critical key to his success. “You have to find the joy in suffering," Alcaraz said.

I like watching end-of-season media availabilities. They usually contain some valuable leadership ideas. Good thought from Minnesota Timberwolves President Tim Connelly yesterday on balancing continuity vs. risk.

Pretty interesting clip. Stephen Curry acknowledging he still suffers from impostor syndrome. "Are you fulfilling your full potential in all different areas?" x.com/ClutchPoints/s…

@KevinDeShazo Two words we should all probably say more often: "My fault."

Most people are capable but lack accountability. They make excuses, they get defensive, they quit. Hold yourself accountable. Allow others to hold you accountable. Accountability unlocks potential.

Some good quotes in this interview: -“I could choose to be embarrassed of who I was on national TV or choose to have a chip on my shoulder.” -“They’re going to know me from my work ethic.” -“I prepare 100 percent. I use 20 percent.” x.com/RyanHawk12/sta…

Good piece by @BumperGraham on how empowering its coach led PSG to its first Champions League crown. "We will back you, we will give you total authority over the training ground and the squad, you'll be able to get rid of who you want... We want you." espn.com/soccer/story/_…

Good answer from new Denver Nuggets Coach David Adelman on what defines success. “You can talk about finality all you want, but the bottom line is it is a process-based business,” he said. “You have to work every day to get to your ultimate goal, not just expect it to happen.”

“I said I was going to make them regret cutting me,” SGA said. 10 years later, he still looks back on it as a critical catalyst for his growth. “When I fail and lose is when I am most motivated,” he said. “I think getting cut kind of kickstarted that.” youtube.com/watch?v=UP4BTO…

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one win from the NBA Finals. But before he was an MVP, before he even was a D1 college player, SGA was a 9th grader cut from the 10th-grade team at his Ontario high school. When that decision was made, he didn’t sulk. But he did text his mom. (1/2)

@coachajkings Good thread. Looking forward to reading her new book.

Dawn Staley was asked, "What's the one event that changed everything for you?" She didn’t hesitate. She named one moment. A moment that crushed her… and then built her. Here's the story and what we can all learn from "failure":🧵

@charlesmiller_7 The refreshing part is it's entirely in our control and can be trained.

@AlexHormozi It’s easy to glorify “the grind,” but there are significant tradeoffs to any meaningful pursuit.

Sometimes, the less we care, the better we are at something. Madison Keys went her first 45 Grand Slam tournaments without a win, before capturing the 2025 Australian Open. Now, she’s fighting not to revert to old habits. A good message on “the doubled-edged sword of success.”

@DrewMaddux Good one. Amazing how much weight we can give at times to the outside opinions of one or two people.

So true 💯

@coachajkings That "internal reflection" component is a good one. Tough to grow if you're not constantly examining your larger methods and systems.

Coach Nick Saban was the GOAT of getting his teams to: 1. Eliminate distractions. 2. Focus on the process.

@CoachMikeDunlap Agreed, Coach. Then postgame, asking Jalen Brunson, “What’s up with Thibs?” seemed a little odd.

Bone to pick. Charles Barkley. I get questioning any coach, his or her decisions: the chair a magnet for criticism. Yet, when Thibs makes some bold moves, team wins, please give credit for such moves. Charles stuck to his narrative at 1/2 time, "Knicks will lose". Really???

Interesting piece by @spencernusbaum_ on sticking to a larger process and maintaining belief during what seems like an extended stretch of bad luck. “I’m just gonna go keep doing what I’m doing, and then they’re gonna be converted to hits.” washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/05…