The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

🎙️ 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.

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍