In the world of Division III football, where scholarships don’t anchor players to a team, it’s the relationships that hold the real power. Coach Dan McCarty at St. Norbert College understands this better than most. His success in creating a program that retains players year after year isn’t just about winning games—it’s about cultivating genuine bonds between coaches and athletes, promoting an environment where every player feels like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Through his emphasis on mentorship, connection, and culture, Coach McCarty has achieved a remarkable 88% retention rate, a feat almost unheard of at this level.
Building Bonds from Day One
For Coach McCarty, player retention starts long before any player ever sets foot on the field. His “big brother” program pairs incoming freshmen with older players to ease the transition into college life and the demands of college football. This program is the foundation of the team’s culture, emphasizing the importance of brotherhood and camaraderie.
“Every freshman that comes into our football program gets assigned a big brother,” McCarty explains. “We try to match those guys up with someone just a year ahead, someone who knows exactly what they’re going through.” These pairings don’t just introduce newcomers to their teammates; they introduce them to a support system that carries through their entire time at St. Norbert. From helping new players get to practice on time to simply sharing a meal together, this mentorship lays the groundwork for long-term investment.
The big brother program ensures that “our kids know they’re part of something bigger than them,” McCarty says. By creating an environment where every player has someone to lean on, the program helps incoming athletes feel grounded and connected to the team—and not just to the game.
One-on-One Connection Matters
In addition to fostering bonds among players, Coach McCarty makes it a priority to connect with each athlete on an individual level. One of his most effective approaches involves meeting players for lunch to discuss life, not just football. This personal time is key in showing players that he values them as people, not just athletes.
“I take a player to lunch every day,” says McCarty. “I started with the freshman class, and now I’m working through the sophomores.” These lunches are more than casual get-togethers; they’re deliberate efforts to understand the challenges and goals of each player. “It’s a time to sit one-on-one, talk about life, and find out what’s going on with them.” This simple gesture of connection has an enormous impact on the players’ sense of belonging and motivation to stay.
The effect of this approach is clear in St. Norbert’s high retention rate. When athletes feel seen and supported, they’re far less likely to leave, even when things get tough. McCarty’s commitment to his players on a personal level makes the difference between a fleeting commitment and a lasting investment in the team.
Honest Conversations: The Bedrock of Trust
Coach McCarty doesn’t shy away from hard truths. He firmly believes that honesty is vital in building the kind of trust that keeps players loyal to a program. His approach to these difficult conversations is straightforward but rooted in care.
“We’re kind of the last truth talkers of the world almost,” McCarty notes with pride. “We have to be upfront and honest and truthful with our kids. We can’t tell them what they want to hear.” This commitment to honesty means he’s not just telling players they’ll get more time on the field if that’s not realistic. Instead, he listens to their goals, then openly discusses what it will take to reach them or why they may need to adjust their expectations.
In an age where young athletes often receive mixed messages or false promises, McCarty’s commitment to transparency stands out. “When you develop that culture, and your players know you truly care about them as people, you can have those tough conversations,” he says. This kind of openness reinforces trust and fosters a deeper level of respect that strengthens players’ bonds to the team.
Beyond the Game: A Culture of Belonging
Coach McCarty’s philosophy at St. Norbert College goes beyond winning games or achieving athletic excellence. His emphasis on relationships and honesty, paired with a team culture that values each player’s contribution, has resulted in a high retention rate that speaks for itself. For Coach McCarty, success is about more than just football. “The last thing we want to do is have a young man come here and not walk away in four years with a degree,” he emphasizes. “We’re trying to use the sport of football to help these kids better their lives.”
In McCarty’s program, retention isn’t just about keeping players on the team. It’s about making them feel like they belong, like they’re part of a family that values them. By focusing on meaningful connections and open communication, Coach McCarty has built a culture that keeps players invested, engaged, and proud to represent St. Norbert College.
D3 Head Coach and Staff of the Week
Dan McCarty and the St. Norbert Staff were named the Coach and Coordinator D3 Head Coach and Staff of the Week presented by Hansen Ratings for their 55-7 win over Wisconsin Lutheran. Coach McCarty is assisted by Dennis Cooper, Charlie Drewek, Bob DeKeyser, Connor Rylatt, Eli Blohowiak, Grady Brick, Rob Davis, Ken Golomski, Ethan Herron, Chris Howard, David Kaplan, Don Maslinski, Pete McMahon, Mike Schultz, Brendan Webb, Justin White, and student assistants Braden Daniels, Max Larson, Brett Treichel and Hunter Hucek.
Notable Stats
Head Coach/Coaching Staff of the Week
Dan McCarty | St. Norbert | 55-7 vs. Wisconsin Lutheran
- Only allowed four first downs all game
- Over 40 minutes of time of possession
- Over 200 yards each passing and rushing
- Forced six turnovers w/ one return TD – four interceptions and two fumble recoveries
