Tuning Up with Texas Longhorns Football Director of Player Development
Q&A with Kevin Washington on staying Competitive, Music, and Motivation
Tune-Up Tuesday is an extension of The Monday Morning Coach, helping all of us to stay motivated past the Monday morning motivational and into Tuesday when the reality of persistence is more difficult to carry out than the concept itself. The objective is to interview and profile artists, athletes, former athletes, and coaches to offer varying perspectives on how music influences the way we compete, workout, and stay motivated when it’s sometimes difficult.
When I first saw Kevin Washington, he stood on a stage midfield at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, Texas. Kevin led all the local schools and universities in a Fields of Faith gathering, imploring young people to a life of faith inspired by Jesus.
Almost sixteen years later, Kevin continues his pursuit of lifting and imploring young people to live a life inspired by Christ as the Director of Player Development for the University of Texas Longhorns Football Team. He’s married to his incredible wife Jordan, and they have a two-year-old daughter and a baby boy due November 4th!
Kevin was a linebacker for the University of Notre Dame and ACU Wildcats, so he knows firsthand the value of competition. He was also a big supporter of me and my friends when we started making music. He’s a connoisseur of deep lyrics and heavy beats and understands how well the intersection of music and competition can motivate us to “tune-up” our Tuesdays.
Below is a Q&A with Kevin Washington, a dear friend and mentor, who graciously took the time to help you Tune-Up your Tuesday. Enjoy!
Tune-Up Tuesday with Kevin Washington
The Monday Morning Coach: Apple Music or Spotify? Or neither?
Kevin Washington: Spotify
TMMC: What’s currently playing on your streaming service?
KW: Podcasts’s and JMonty and Indie Tribe
TMMC: What’s a genre of music the people you know might be surprised you’re into?
KW: Broadway musicals! Usually, only if I’ve seen them, but they’re fun, and remind me how crazy talented those people are.
TMMC: Playlists or albums? And why?
KW: Playlists: I control the vibe and what I’m looking for for the day or moment, and I’m usually listening for a reason: Deep work, workout, chill on the way home, etc.
TMMC: When preparing for a big meeting or event, what’s your go-to song, playlist, album, or genre?
KW: It’s probably something in Christian Rap. Beats get me hyped and “feeling” the moment, while truth grounds me and reminds me of what I believe so I can do what I do.
TMMC: How has your taste in music evolved over the years, and what does that say about your personal growth?
KW: I listen to a couple of other genres and am willing to hear something at least once instead of discounting it out of pocket. I like country and Broadway music now, which never happened before, and I also really appreciate different types and styles of rap more now than before.
TMMC: Do you prefer listening to music solo or sharing it with friends? Why?
KW: Solo, so I can sing it and change when I want to. I like listening with friends, but some people like changing the song before the best part or listening to a song wellllll after they should have changed it.
TMMC: Same! Except when people like you are listening to playlists instead of albums and skipping. Messes with the whole groove and intention of the song as it fits in the album. But, I digress. Okay, what’s an album or song, or who’s an artist, that’s helped you get through a difficult stretch of a season (of life, work, or a sport’s season)?
KW: Beautiful Eulogy is an album that helped my wife and me through a hard time, and things didn’t make much sense. The music was great because it voiced stuff for us that we couldn’t or didn’t know how to. It was encouraging to know we weren’t alone in what we felt and thought while providing another way to express ourselves than just in the echo chambers of inner thoughts and wounded words.
The Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse album is also an all-time favorite. It represents and recreates the energy of the movie and Miles’ journey so well. I’ll turn that on when I’m working through something personally or trying something new that means a lot to me. There are a lot of bangers on there, but for sure, What’s Up Danger, Sunflower, Hide, and Memories are always on repeat in those moments.
TMMC: If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
KW: KB. I love his creativity and what he stands for, his convictions, excellence, and it seems like he has a lot of fun with what he does.
A close second is Andre 3000. The dude is impressive, lyrically, willing to do what he wants and be himself, not what’s expected, and it’d be great to do anything him.
TMMC: Okay let’s change gears: What does competition mean to you and how has it influenced your outlook on life today?
KW: Competition is a double edged sword for me. Initially, competition was fun, but that transformed into a pressure to retain the status as the best at something or better than most. At times, I still fall into the trap that competition is about proving myself to myself in comparison to someone else. Thankfully, my view has evolved and I understand that the goal is to compete, not compare—to enjoy whatever I’m doing, and use others as an opportunity to enjoy whatever I’m doing, while highlighting areas I can get better in. I think back to high school and competing against my best friend at a rival school. Those games were crazy intense! They were fun, and though I was ticked off after losing (their team was better, but I still went off), my friend and I would get back in the driveway or field and keep playing afterward.
Competition is personal before oppositional. One thing we say a lot about our teams is that it’s not about them. Ultimately, it’s about knowing what you do, trying to do it against them, and learning and growing. Competition should be a lifelong pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself in every area you can.
TMMC: What or who is your biggest motivation to give your 100% everyday (doesn’t just have to be music-related)?
KW: Calling, joy, and home. I believe in a God who gives gifts for us to better other people, ourselves, and to enjoy. Knowing and experiencing Him through what I do pushes me to give my all. He’s given the gift, and it’s my responsibility to hone it as best as possible. One thing I’ve often said is, “All He wants is all you’ve got.” Demanding but rewarding.
Joy is just because I enjoy what I do. It’s fun to compete! I also want to look back and be proud of what I’ve done, not thinking about what I could have or should have done.
Lastly, but one that’s growing exponentially is my family. I have a wife, a two-year-old, and one on the way! They loan me out to the world, and I want them to be proud. Not only that, but they’re sacrificing time with me, so to give anything less than 100% is disrespectful to them. They give, so I have to as well.
TMMC: That’s so dope. I know maintaining those perspectives makes you a great husband and dad. What role does music play in your creative process or daily routine?
KW: Have it on all the time, some Lofi upbeat or chill provides grease for my mind’s wheels. If I need to get over internal hurdles, that’s when a Spider-Verse album comes out, or Andre 300 or Lupe Fiasco for some creativity. I treat music as a supplement to my mood or daily needs. Music gets or keeps me going when and how I need it. We even have a cooking mix we put on in the evening, which creates a fun family cooking vibe, and just to be consistent, it’s a Spotify playlist that changes each night.
TMMC: Do you use music to help amp you up or calm you down before a big event? How about during a workout (if you workout)?
KW: I use music to match my energy pre-game. Sometimes I’m hyped and want something that hits, and sometimes I’m more calm, just ready to do what needs to be done and find something that matches that. Game days more so amplify where I’m at at the moment. During workouts, music is for sure on. It’s usually something deep and rhythmic, upbeat with bass. I want to be able to lift or run to the beats and cadence to make it seem like my workout has a soundtrack.
“Competition should be a lifelong pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself in every area you can.” —Kevin Washington
TMMC: Lastly, how do you “tune-up” your Tuesdays when work, life, or workouts feel monotonous or difficult?
KW: Ha honestly, I find music that gets me going; I pray, try to workout, and if it’s really bad, try to find a way to take a nap haha. When I’m on my rhythm, I’m usually pretty good energy-wise, and I remember my purpose and opportunities in front of me. So when I’m feeling it, I look back at my 5 to thrive: eating, sleeping, moving, connecting, resting, and deciphering if I’m off in any of those areas. Either way, I’m praying for energy and focus, and if all that is still sluggish, then a nap helps reset sometimes.
TMMC: Okay, I’m stealing that 5 to thrive. But anyway, thank you so much for taking the time out to inspire the people and good luck this season!
KW: Bro take it! Appreciate the opportunity to support what you’re doing, it’s a real encouragement for me.
You can follow Kevin on his Substack and socials by visiting his profile here:
Like this format, Coach! Well done