#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!

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📲 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! 🎧👍