Be the Coach You Wish You Had
Before you dive into this blog, I want to challenge you. Think about a leader who had a positive impact on your life, whether it was a coach, teacher, or boss. What were the three qualities that made them stand out? Now, shift your focus to a leader who didn’t quite hit the mark. What were three things that made them less effective?
Throughout my athletic career, I’ve been fortunate to experience both ends of the spectrum, leaders who knew how to inspire and those who didn’t. One moment stands out in particular. I remember a coach telling us, “I’m not going to treat you all the same, because you’re not all the same.” At first, it sounded like an empowering message. But in reality, it was an excuse for the coach to focus on the high performers and neglect those of us who needed more attention.
On the flip side, I had a coach who truly embodied what it means to connect with each athlete, Coach Frisman Jackson. He was tough, no doubt, but he knew how to get the most out of us. One thing that stands out to this day is the letter he wrote to each receiver after spring ball in college. In my letter, he praised me for handling the tough coaching and becoming a better player. The fact that he took the time to connect with each of us individually made a lasting impact. I still have that letter today. As coaches, it’s easy to gravitate toward athletes who are naturally gifted or those who don’t require much coaching. It’s less time-consuming and takes less effort. But here’s the truth, coaching isn’t about focusing only on the easy wins, it’s about unlocking the greatness inside every athlete, not just the standout ones. If that coach had taken the time to understand each of us as individuals, that message about treating us differently would have been powerful. Instead, it taught me what not to do as a coach. I’ve carried that lesson into my own coaching style, where I focus on figuring out how to connect with each athlete and help them reach their full potential.
The Role of Coaches in Building The Complete Athlete
To truly be the coach you wish you had, it’s about more than guiding athletes physically, it’s about building their mental resilience. As a coach, your impact goes beyond the field or court. The lessons you teach in handling adversity, overcoming obstacles, and bouncing back from failure are what shape an athlete’s long-term success. In today’s sports landscape, mental resilience is everything. Some of the best athletes ever were not just physically gifted, they were the most mentally tough. It’s easy to perform when things are going well, but the true test comes when athletes face challenges. How do they respond when things don’t go as planned?
Whether it’s dealing with tough losses, overcoming injuries, or navigating setbacks, your role as a coach is to help athletes develop the mindset to keep pushing forward. Mental resilience is what separates athletes who crumble under pressure from those who rise above it. In my own coaching, I aim to be a guide for my athletes, helping them not only with the technical aspects of sports but also with adding the tools they need to succeed. One example that stands out is when one of my athletes, who was being recruited by colleges, didn’t know what questions to ask a coach who was set to call him. Thirty minutes before the call, he texted me for advice. I gave him eight key questions and some tips on how to present himself during the conversation. Afterward, he told me how much it helped him organize his thoughts and feel more confident in the discussion. This is just one example of how being the coach you wish you had means more than pushing for wins. It’s about helping athletes navigate their journey, giving them the confidence and resilience to tackle anything that comes their way.
Introducing My Virtual Coaching Program
This philosophy of personalized coaching is the foundation of my virtual coaching program for athletes. It’s about more than just physical training, it’s about building mental strength, confidence, and resilience. Through this program, I help athletes develop the tools they need to overcome adversity, handle pressure, and grow into the best version of themselves, on and off the field. If you're an athlete looking to unlock your full potential, this program is for you.
Ready to elevate your game? Spots are limited, so sign up now or learn more here: https://www.highpointathletes.org/programs
Comments