Coach Speak: Todd Samland

PRESENTED BY

Omaha is a place that allows people opportunities. I received both my bachelor's and master's degrees from UNO, and the university was a place that gave me space to grow up and find myself. The faculty and advisors worked with me and guided me to what I wanted to learn and how I wanted to grow. I also saw many of my friends on campus create an amazing foundation for their futures – be it immediate employment or aspiring to a higher degree.

One of the things I love about Omaha is the people. The community is open and comfortable. A person can walk down the street and say hello to someone, and they will say hello as well. People have their heads up and are respectful with an air of confidence, yet not with an exaggerated swagger of arrogance. My friends are supportive and engaged with the community, which makes it a place that I love to live. The community is a place that you can afford to live and enjoy your neighbors. We have plenty of things to do, but not so much that you feel every night needs to be scheduled. Over the years, I have watched special events like concerts, Olympic Trials and the College World Series come to town while also enjoying regular occasions like a meal out with family or friends.

I have really enjoyed building our Maverick swimming & diving program from the ground up. Similar to my educational experience, my professional experience has allowed me to grow and challenge myself.

It takes an incredible amount of time and effort to create a culture. Once it is established, it continues to need effort because it involves new people all the time, which means it is a continual teaching process. Over time, I have learned that processes need to be looked at and adapted in order to be successful. With more focus on the process instead of total fixation on outcome, we tend to have greater success – but it is easier said than done.

Our athletic department has undergone some amazing transformations. Much of our success can be attributed to four administrators I have worked under in my 20 years – Connie Claussen, Don Leahy, Bob Danenhauer and Trev Alberts.

Connie has shown me that if you want something, you start working for it! It's not about wanting something and asking an administrator to do it for you. Sometimes it meant figuring it out on your own, but they very rarely told me no.

Don Leahy was the essence of positivity. I could have a down day, and he'd acknowledge where I was and also recognize some of the things that were going in the right direction. Connie and Don both believed in me, and that confidence from them has been a strength to lean upon.

Bob was a true salesman, and he had hustle. He would be smiling and reminding us of all the good things happening in Maverick Athletics.

Trev also knows how to sell our program and university. His vision for what is possible has helped evolve our department. All four have helped Omaha's campus create a positive identity in the Omaha community – they are truly amazing people!

Over my time at UNO, we've always found ways to adapt and overcome a variety of challenges. As we look ahead to 2020-21, I'm a firm believer that with the support of our community, our staff and our administration, we will continue to adapt to the “new normal” and achieve success.

GO MAVS!