🎙️ From Reluctant Runner to Rising Leader: Paris Vaughan’s Coaching Journey

In this episode, we sit down with Paris Vaughan, the interim head coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University, whose story is anything but ordinary. From dodging distance events as a middle schooler to building one of DII’s most competitive programs, Paris takes us through the personal twists, hurdles (literally), and growth that brought him to this moment.

🔥 What you'll hear:

🏃‍♂️ How a self-proclaimed “extroverted introvert” found his place in track

🧬 Growing up in a track family—but without any pressure to follow

💡 The moment he realized he was a “track guy” not just a “football guy”

💥 Navigating program cuts, career pivots, and unexpected coaching doors

📚 Why “Coach Vaughan” wasn’t the goal—but became the calling

🛠️ How he recruits, builds trust, and views coaching in the age of transfers

🎯 His approach to elevating the LR program after Kevin Patterson’s (Gill Podcast alum!) departure

💬 “I never thought about coaching. Ever. But something clicked at that first meet—I saw my athlete break a school record, and I thought, maybe I do know what I’m doing.”

—Paris Vaughan

Whether you’re a young coach, a multi-event athlete, or someone who fell into leadership unexpectedly, Paris’s journey is proof that sometimes your purpose finds you.

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