We believe that genuine success lies not in the outcome but in the liberation from it—the freedom to strive, stumble, and rise stronger.
Winning Ways was born out of a love for family, community, and the lessons sports teach us about life. Yet, at its core, it's a celebration of humanity's relentless pursuit of excellence simply for the sheer joy it brings.
In a world where sports can feel overshadowed by controversy and shortcomings, we’re committed to unearthing those lesser-known athletic narratives that illuminate the human spirit and touch our hearts. Within these stories of inspiration resides the true soul of sports, reminding us of the pure love that initially drew us to play in the first place.
A Teacher's Workshop
For over 30 years, Ron Cogdill devoted himself to shaping young athletes as one of the nation’s most accomplished youth track and field coaches. As a rural elementary school teacher in Oregon, he saw the gym not as a limit, but as a canvas for creativity. With ingenuity and heart, he transformed sandpits into long jump pits, scraps of wood into starting blocks, and hallways into hurdle lanes, nurturing champions who thrived on state and national stages.
Though he was encouraged to coach at “higher levels,” Ron stayed true to his calling: instilling good habits and a lifelong love of movement in young athletes. His legacy wasn’t just in the titles won but in the self-discipline, joy, and resilience his athletes carried into their lives.
The Roots of Winning Ways
Ron’s passion for building extended beyond sports. Over the years, he constructed six homes—not out of necessity, but for the joy of creating something meaningful. Each project was a labor of love, filled with trial and error, lessons learned, and pride in the imperfections that gave the homes their character.
Among these homes was one he built with his daughter, Brynn. For them, the process symbolized a shared belief: life is like a home. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about tackling challenges with purpose, embracing the journey, and being grateful for the people who make it meaningful.
This philosophy shaped Brynn’s approach to sports, coaching, and life—and it’s the foundation of Winning Ways.
Builders at Heart
Pursuing Joy
Growing up in an environment fueled by imagination and encouragement, Brynn (Cogdill) Smith found sports to be her playground for freedom and self-discovery. From an early age, she chased ambitious goals, learning from mentors and teammates who inspired her to grow. Competing alongside her older brother, she cultivated confidence in her ability to compete with the boys, ultimately becoming a four-sport Hall of Famer in high school and collegiate All-American.
But the greatest lesson she learned wasn’t about winning. It was discovering that true success lies in who you become along the way—in the habits you form, the resilience you build, and the joy you find in the process. Inspired by her father’s legacy, Brynn turned to coaching, determined to help young athletes build a foundation of positive habits and mindsets that transcend the game.
Building a Purposeful Life
Sports and life share a simple truth: we are the builders of our own stories. As Brynn moved beyond sports, she realized how deeply this truth connects the experiences of adults and children. While parents strive to construct purposeful lives through their career choices, values, and relationships, children mirror this process in the playground of sports.
Like building a home, the work is never flawless. There are missteps, frustrations, and challenges along the way. But it’s in these moments that character is built, relationships deepen, and gratitude takes root. The result—a championship, a home, a life, a purpose—is a reflection of the care, creativity, and heart we invest in the process.
The Unique Struggles of Sports Families
As Brynn became a parent herself, she realized the unique pressures athletic families face. Balancing careers, relationships, well-being, and children’s athletic pursuits can feel overwhelming, especially in a culture of overachievement. She also recognized how a lack of resources for parents and coaches could unintentionally harm the very athletes they aimed to support.
The stakes are high. Brynn has seen how the weight of expectations can erode joy and, in some cases, lead to serious mental health struggles for athletes and lifelong relationship strains for families. She believes families deserve tools to navigate the demands of sports—and life—with greater ease, joy, and alignment.
Redefining Success
At Winning Ways, we see sports as more than competition—they’re a reflection of life’s struggles, triumphs, and moments of imbalance. They teach us that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about recognizing when we’re out of sync and making intentional choices to realign with our true selves and what matters most.
Together with world-class experts in high-performance coaching, neuroscience, and positive intelligence, Brynn has gathered, and tested, science-backed techniques to support busy families. These practical tools help parents navigate the complex landscape of competing priorities, offering clarity and peace of mind across athletics and every aspect of life.
Winning Ways isn’t about creating champions in the traditional sense. It’s about helping families redefine success on their terms and build lives rich with purpose, authenticity, and connection.
If our story resonates with you, come join our family at Winning Ways—we'd love to have you!