#298: Shelia Burrell-San Diego State University

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

🎙️ **Leading with Heart: Sheila Burrell on Coaching, Confidence, and Connection** 🎙️

🔥 In this episode of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, we sit down with the inspiring Sheila Burrell, head coach of San Diego State University. From her days as a shy, athletic kid in Albuquerque to becoming a two-time Olympian and top-tier coach, Sheila shares her incredible journey through the world of track and field.

🏅 Sheila opens up about the importance of representation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why working with people—not just coaching—has been key to her success. Her powerful quote resonates throughout the episode:

**"I'm not necessarily a great coach, but I am good at working with people."**

💪 Tune in to hear:

- How Sheila found track through a friend and rose to Olympic heights 🌎

- The lessons learned from legendary coaches like Bob Kersee and Cliff Rovelto 📚

- Why she believes making an Olympic team was tougher than becoming a head coach 🏆

- Her approach to developing athletes and how she navigates the challenges of coaching today 👟

Sheila’s candid reflections and stories are filled with wisdom, grit, and humor. Don’t miss this deep dive into the life of a coach who’s making a difference one athlete at a time.

🎧 Hit play and get ready to be inspired!

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 300 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) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at [email protected], or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍