Danny Struck is a nationally recognized wrestling coach, educator, and international team leader with decades of experience developing champions on and off the mat. A graduate of the University of Indianapolis, Struck has coached world teams, mentored thousands of student-athletes, and shared his love of sport across six continents
He has earned 30 local, state, and national Coach of the Year awards, been inducted into three Hall of Fames, led teams to 12 sectional titles, and represented the United States, as a coach, at five Pan American Games and three World Championships.
Struck currently teaches and coaches wrestling and football at Jeffersonville High School in Indiana, where he leads the Jeff Sports Performance program, as a strength coach, and continues to live out his belief that "strength transcends sport".
High school wrestling is about more than just wins and losses — it’s about shaping young athletes for life. Danny Struck has dedicated his career to building cultures of resilience and mentorship, helping wrestlers grow stronger in body and mind. This session will give you fresh ideas and proven strategies you can implement immediately to strengthen your team culture.
Winning matches is great — but preparing wrestlers for life goes deeper than takedowns and medals. In this replay, Hall of Fame coach Danny Struck shares his philosophy on building resilience, grit, and mental toughness both on and off the mat. From coaching the “worst kid in the room” to instilling purpose beyond goals, Struck breaks down practical ways to develop athletes who stay confident, accountable, and ready for life’s challenges.
👶➡️💪 Coaching The “Worst Kid” → Elevate your entire team by raising the floor, not just the ceiling.
🧠🛠️ Teaching Mental Toughness → Proven strategies for building resilience without breaking athletes.
🎯✨ Purpose Over Goals → Why focusing on purpose drives long-term growth for wrestlers.
😃🏋️ Confidence Comes First → Create positive experiences and embrace the “gift of hard.”
🤼♂️🛡️ Coach Resilience Matters Too → Strong athletes need strong, consistent coaches.
👉 Learn more about Danny Struck's story and coaching philosophy in his book "Climbing for Gold" at dannystruck.net.
