Send us Fan Mail

The final score may be forgotten—but the lessons learned through athletics can shape a lifetime.

In this episode of School on a Mission, Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts welcome Rochelle Harris, Assistant Athletic Coordinator and Head Girls Basketball Coach at Mayde Creek High School in Houston, Texas.

With more than two decades in education, Rochelle has seen firsthand that athletics is about far more than wins and losses. Sports create opportunities for students to develop resilience, emotional intelligence, selflessness, confidence, and leadership—qualities that prepare them not just for competition, but for life.

Drawing from her own experiences as an athlete, coach, and educational leader, Rochelle shares how coaches have the unique opportunity to become trusted mentors who help students discover their value, navigate disappointment, serve others, and prepare for whatever comes next. She also offers practical wisdom for parents, educators, and community members about supporting the whole student, celebrating growth beyond the scoreboard, and creating environments where young people can truly thrive.

Whether you're coaching on the field, teaching in the classroom, leading a school, or simply investing in the next generation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that some of life's greatest lessons are learned long before the final buzzer sounds.

Resources Mentioned
Next Gen Insider
Free leadership insights, practical tools, and resources for anyone investing in the next generation.

Learn More About Rochelle Harris

Entering her 22nd year in education, Rochelle Harris serves as the Assistant Athletic Coordinator and Head Girls Basketball Coach at Mayde Creek High School in Houston, Texas.

She is passionate about developing young people into confident leaders while supporting the growth and success of coaches and athletic programs. Rochelle is a strong advocate for building cultures of excellence, service, and meaningful relationships, believing athletics provides a powerful platform for shaping students far beyond the game.

Connect with Growing Leaders

Learn more about Growing Leaders, explore leadership resources, and discover practical tools to help you invest in the next generation:

Connect With School on a Mission

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another coach, educator, parent, athletic director, or mentor who is passionate about helping students thrive.

Because the greatest victories aren't always measured on a scoreboard—they're measured in the lives we help shape.

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

📲 Follow us on social media & join the conversation!

🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.