From Competitor to Coach: Hannah Long's Transition in Track and Field with Dr. Leo Kormanik

From Competitor to Coach: Hannah Long's Transition in Track and Field with Dr. Leo Kormanik

February 23, 2026 · 39 min · Episode 94

About this episode

Hannah Long discusses her transition from competitor to assistant coach at Virginia Tech, emphasizing empathy and athlete perspectives in coaching.

Hannah Long is the assistance track/cross country coach at Virginia Tech. This is her second time on our show! Her first interview with the MBM show can be heard here: https://youtu.be/Hj8SJ-xQab8?si=V7cPtJ2vLiGMoMJA In this conversation, Dr. Leo Kormanik engages with Hannah Long, the assistant coach for the Virginia Tech track and cross-country teams, to explore her recent transition into this prominent coaching role. Hannah shares her experiences and insights as she acclimatizes to the new environment, emphasizing the importance of empathy in coaching and the value of understanding athletes' perspectives. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on her own athletic journey, highlighting how her experiences in the NCAA have shaped her coaching philosophy. The dialogue also delves into the dynamics of team coaching and the significance of fostering a supportive athletic community. Ultimately, this episode serves as a profound exploration of the intersection between coaching and competitive running, illuminating the pathways that lead to personal and collective growth within the sport. The dialogue featured in this episode presents an insightful examination of the coaching…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Leo Kormanik

Guest: Hannah Long

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Virginia Tech

More episodes of Mind Body Marathon: Running, Health & Human Performance

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Mind Body Marathon: Running, Health & Human Performance podcast page.