What separates good athletes from great ones?
According to Deshawn Woods, it’s not talent. It’s the willingness to embrace the work that happens long before anyone notices the result.
In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Tony Gilio sits down with basketball coach, league commissioner, founder, and NIL advocate Deshawn Woods to discuss his journey from playing college basketball at Wiley College and Texas A&M to coaching, building professional opportunities for athletes, and creating pathways through the Women’s Basketball Association.
Deshawn shares lessons learned from every stage of his career, including what young athletes often misunderstand about success, why self-awareness is one of the most valuable leadership traits, and how NIL is changing the future of sports for athletes and their families.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🏀 Why the best athletes focus on growth, not hype
🏀 The reality of playing professionally overseas
🏀 How NIL opportunities extend beyond superstar athletes
🏀 The importance of personal branding and marketability
🏀 Leadership lessons from coaching and entrepreneurship
🏀 Why staying grounded creates long-term success
🏀 What athletes, parents, and coaches need to know about today’s sports landscape
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, educator, or leader, this conversation offers practical insights on development, opportunity, and the mindset required to keep growing.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations about sports, leadership, personal growth, and the people creating opportunities for others to succeed. #basketball #coaching #athlete #sportspsychology
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/WTgSs5EkQi4?si=1LXCcQSk-egYta0h
Tony Gilio 