#382: Brett Halvaks-Cal Lutheran University | From Walk-On to Head Coach

🎙️ On this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Brett Halvaks , Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cal Lutheran University . 🏃 Brett's story isn't the typical track and field success story. He didn't grow up in youth running programs. He started cross country as a freshman in high school after getting cut from basketball. He even took a year away from the sport after arriving at college before eventually returning, finding his passion, and building a coaching career. 👑 Along the way, Brett became a student leader, represented Division III athletes at the national level, worked multiple jobs while coaching part-time, and ultimately returned to his alma mater to lead the Kingsmen and Regals. In this conversation you'll hear: ✅ How getting cut from basketball changed his life ✅ Why he walked away from running and came back ✅ The value of being undecided in college ✅ Lessons learned from coaching at his alma mater ✅ The transition from assistant coach to head coach ✅ Building relationships with student-athletes ✅ What leadership in college athletics really looks like 🎧 Whether you're a coach, athlete, administrator, or simply someone trying to find your path, Brett's story is a reminder that success rarely follows a straight line. Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan , as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv , YouTube , Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! 🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode , which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network. 📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram ( @MikeCunninghamTF ), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍