Dr. Phil's Biggest Fan: Coach Randy Mazey - Episode 11

A Legacy of Leadership with Coach Randy Mazey | Bald, Bearded, and Bold Podcast

Legacy of Leadership with Coach Randy Mazey | Bald, Bearded, and Bold Podcast In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Bald, Bearded, and Bold, we sit down with a man who has left an indelible mark not just on the game of baseball, but on the lives of the student-athletes he's coached and the community he's led — Coach Randy Mazey. As he prepares to close the chapter on his career as the head coach of the West Virginia University baseball team, Coach Mazey joins us for a candid and inspiring conversation. We dive deep into his journey — from arriving in Morgantown and building the WVU baseball program into a nationally respected force, to making the bold and deeply personal decision to step away from coaching to focus on being the best husband and father he can be.

Coming to WVU: A New Challenge Coach Mazey reflects on what it meant to take the reins of the WVU baseball program in 2012. At the time, the team was transitioning into the competitive Big 12 Conference, and the challenges were substantial. The facilities weren’t where they needed to be, and WVU baseball wasn’t yet a household name on the national stage. But for Mazey, it wasn’t about inheriting a ready-made powerhouse — it was about building something special from the ground up. With a competitive fire and a clear vision for the program’s future, he brought in a new culture of discipline, grit, and belief. From recruiting players who fit his blue-collar ethos to leading the charge for better facilities — including the state-of-the-art Monongalia County Ballpark — Mazey has been the driving force behind one of the most inspiring turnaround stories in college baseball.

Building More Than a Baseball Program Throughout our conversation, one thing becomes crystal clear: Coach Mazey never saw his role as just teaching baseball. His mission has always been about building men of character, resilience, and integrity. Under his leadership, the WVU baseball program became a family — one rooted in mutual respect, accountability, and support. He shares stories about the early years, the long practices, the games that didn’t go their way, and the big wins that reminded everyone why they believed in the journey. From leading the team to multiple NCAA Regional appearances to seeing his players succeed on and off the field, Coach Mazey’s time at WVU is more than a highlight reel — it’s a legacy of growth and transformation.

Walking Away with Purpose Perhaps the most powerful part of the conversation is Coach Mazey’s decision to walk away. In a sports world that often glorifies the grind and the never-ending pursuit of titles, Mazey is choosing something else: presence. He opens up about the decision to retire from coaching to focus on being a better husband to his wife Amanda and a more present father to their children. There’s emotion in his voice as he explains how the demands of coaching — the travel, the pressure, the late nights — slowly began to pull him away from the things that matter most. And in true Mazey fashion, he didn’t just make a decision for himself — he made a statement to every coach, every dad, and every leader watching: Sometimes the boldest move isn’t chasing the next win, it’s choosing to be fully present for your family. It’s a message that hits home, and it’s one that defines what it truly means to be “Bald, Bearded, and Bold.”

The Lighter Side: Dr. Phil, Dad Jokes, and Down-to-Earth Wisdom Of course, no episode would be complete without some laughs, and Coach Mazey brings plenty. In one of the more surprising and entertaining turns of the conversation, he reveals his deep admiration for none other than Dr. Phil. That’s right — the man known for calling pitches and building a nationally ranked baseball program is also a devoted fan of daytime TV’s most famous psychologist. Mazey talks about how Dr. Phil’s no-nonsense, cut-through-the-noise advice has influenced the way he mentors players and handles challenges in his own life. And it makes sense — both men are about accountability, truth, and cutting to the heart of what really matters. He also shares his love for the simple things: early mornings with his family, watching his kids play sports, and finally getting to experience the other side of the bleachers as a parent. The genuine joy and peace in his voice as he talks about this next chapter is both refreshing and inspiring.

A Message for the Next Generation As our conversation wraps up, Coach Mazey offers words of encouragement to the next generation of coaches, parents, and leaders. He talks about the importance of knowing your "why," being true to your values, and never losing sight of what really matters. He challenges listeners to think about success not just in terms of wins and