The Leap | Athlete Stories
The Leap | Athlete Stories
The one story only they can tell. The Leap sits down with college athletes and coaches, going past the box score to the moment everything changed — unedited and unaired until now, in their own words. New interviews weekly on YouTube @theleapmediaco.
Grant Gurtin
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

Jeff Duncan on MLB Journey, Coaching at Kent, and Building a Faith-Driven Team Culture

S1 E22 • Jul 10, 2026 • 12 mins

Jeff Duncan shares his journey from his early baseball career and MLB call-up to his transition into coaching, highlighting key influences along the way. He discusses his decision to choose college coaching over a continued MLB career and his embrace of the role at Kent State. Jeff delves into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of faith in shaping team culture and achieving success. He reflects on the past season, offering insights into the lessons learned and the impact of his approach on the team's performance.

Key Points

  • Jeff Duncan's transition from player to coach was driven by his desire to impact young athletes' lives and foster a family atmosphere within college baseball.
  • Despite opportunities to move up, Duncan finds fulfillment in his current role, valuing the relationships and development of both players and coaches at Kent State.
  • Faith and community play a significant role in the success and cohesion of Duncan's team, providing a strong foundation to handle the pressures and adversities of the sport.
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