339. Lawrence Johnson - Building A New Culture Through Adversity

Coach 360

Content provided by 2Words Character Development, Stephen Mackey, and Colton Leonard. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by 2Words Character Development, Stephen Mackey, and Colton Leonard or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

27d ago 27:14

MP3•Episode home

In this inspiring episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, we hear from Coach Lawrence Johnson, the Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach at Wichita Falls Legacy High School. Taking on the challenge of merging three schools into one unified program, Coach Johnson shares a raw, powerful account of what it takes to build culture, character, and unity in the face of adversity.

With a new campus, a new team, and no shortage of challenges—including an 0-10 season—Coach Johnson offers a masterclass in leadership through hardship. Rather than focusing on the scoreboard, he turns his attention to the character of his athletes, teaching them to believe, compete, and serve each other through a values-driven framework he calls the ABCDs. For any coach navigating change, struggle, or a rebuild, this conversation is essential listening.

Key Takeaways from the Lawrence Johnson Interview

Adversity is a classroom: Coach Johnson believes tough seasons teach the most powerful life lessons—resilience, humility, and belief.
Start with values: His team is built on ABCDS—Accountability, Brotherhood, Compete, Discipline, and Selflessness—as daily standards, not just slogans.
Merge through relationships: Bringing together students from three schools, Coach prioritized bonding, trust, and shared experiences over immediate wins.
Leadership is modeled, not mandated: Johnson emphasizes showing love through actions, creating spaces for student-led leadership like Unity Councils.
Celebrate others: Selflessness is taught through intentional acts—cheering teammates, community service, and authentic encouragement.
1-0 mindset every day: After a winless season, the rally cry is simple: win today. In the classroom, the weight room, in effort, and attitude.
Coaching is about belief: "Believe in your head and your heart" became a foundational mantra to help athletes push forward.
Love first, coach second: Johnson challenges coaches to know kids beyond the field—who their siblings are, what they’re going through, what matters to them.

The Highlight Reel – The top quote-worthy moments from the episode.

“You can’t ask for discounts when you're trying to win. You’ve got to pay full price for it.”
“You control your response to adversity. Don’t let it control you.”
“I told the kids, ‘Don’t believe what I say. Let me show you that I love you.’”
“You can’t overcome adversity until you overcome your biggest excuse.”
“The scoreboard isn’t the only way to win—life is happening between the lines.”
“Even in success, discipline matters. Celebrate with control. Lead with purpose.”
“Believe—believe it in your head, and believe it in your heart.”
“If a kid knows you love them unconditionally, they’ll run through a wall for you.”

COACH 360 IS PRESENTED BY: 2Words Character Development

Interested in connecting or taking the next step with 2Words Character Development? Let us know! Email Colton Leonard at: [email protected] Visit http://www.2words.tv/preview to learn more and for a free week of the curriculum.

JOIN 2WORDS ON SPORTSYOU

Interested in regular encouragement on the SportsYou platform? 2W has a dedicated page on sportsYou where we share encouragements for coaches and athletes 2-3 times a week! Click here to join our sportsYou page. Use the access code C4CB-DN5T when prompted.

The Texas Way Sportsmanship Initiative

Interested in registering for The Texas Way? Join the initiative at: www.PlayTheTexasWay.com

COACH 360 IS SPONSORED BY: ProMaxima

PMX ProMaxima is your one stop shop for the ultimate fitness equipment solution. From strength to cardio, They manufacture a wide range of high-quality products made in the USA to maximize your teams performance.

Experience the difference with PMX ProMaxima and see why thousands of athletes and schools trust them. Visit http://pmxstrength.com/ today to explore their catalog and elevate your fitness journey.

342 episodes

#Sports #Stephen Mackey #2Words Character Development #High School #Podcasting Education #Colton Leonard