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Joanne P. McCallie          

Author, Award-Winning Basketball Coach, Motivator & Mental Health Advocate

Joanne McCallie is a speaker, mental health advocate and Hall of Fame basketball coach.

One of the most highly decorated female college basketball coaches in the country, she has coached at the University of Maine, Michigan State, Auburn University and Duke. She became the first Division I head coach to win conference titles in four different leagues -- the ACC, Big Ten, America East and North Atlantic; the first to be named Conference Coach of the Year in four different conferences five times; and the only head coach to lead two different programs to 30-win seasons with three National Championship game appearances.

Post-basketball, McCallie has become a mental health advocate and speaker, sharing her story to inspire and educate others on how to "win without losing yourself." As the founder of CoachP4Life, she draws upon her own personal experiences with bipolar disorder, triumphs and professional challenges, and shares her passionate life philosophy: “Choice, not Chance.” This simple but powerful mantra serves as the foundation for the award-winning athletes and competitive teams she has built and continues to lead -- an approach to life that can be applied to sports teams, business teams, student athletes and even parenting.

McCallie is the author of two books: "Choice Not Chance: Rules for Building a Fierce Competitor" and her memoir, "Secret Warrior: A Coach and Fighter, On and Off the Court."

McCallie received a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from Auburn University.

Speech Topics


Intentional Work: How to Find Your Own "Why?"

Through philosophy and story telling, McCallie addresses the journey of finding your personal “Why?”. In this keynote, McCallie speaks on her own major career pivot. CoachP shares the story of endurance from being diagnosed with manic-depressive disorder to finding success as a 28-year championship coach. CoachP offers advice on how to apply deeper thinking to our own life choices. Working with intention involves great focus, but also a skill of noticing and observing others. Passion drives intention. McCallie puts you on the path to having a clear “Why” and helps lead you to greater joy in work and in life.

How To Lead With Purpose

McCallie offers advice on how to develop the pro-active leadership necessary to effectively lead. CoachP combines a self-deprecating, intuitive leadership style that helps inspire a team within the hybrid model. Mentorship matters greatly in building a team. Leadership involves studying the personal dynamics of each individual and knowing what method of motivation is best. McCallie's keynote offers an entertaining blend of tips and stories from her own experiences as a strong female role model coaching a very diverse group of women.

The Importance of Care and Compassion

"#BeGoodToYou" is one of our four fundamental hashtags at Team Secret Warrior. This a complex and important piece of self-care and balance. From exercise, routines, to removing the clutter in life, to seeking help when needed, to embracing the best you, is key. Self compassion is the first step to showing compassion for others. These concepts are all inter-related and McCallie shares specific stories give you actionable ways to develop self-care habits and positive life thinking.

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