03/13/2026
Show you care, especially when they’re struggling not just because they are struggling but because support happens before during and after the struggle. Meaning when youth leaders are being consistent and proactive in thier care and concern off the court they are more likely to be seen as a truted adult. Its called TRUST. Send the message to your athetes that even if they never play or never seem to be struggling that they still are worth your support.
- Teach self-love by modeling it yourself.
- Have open discussions about emotions, remedies, and startegies for wellness
- Embody and model the things you want for your athletes
Being a coach isn’t just about wins. It’s about being a support to young people when they are in need, a support system on and off the court or field.
This clip hits hard for me personally because as a coach it is sometimes a challenge to push through. In this clip, I see my own words and feel the need to take my own advice.
We are all hueman and coaches also experience defeat, frustration, and grief. It is imperative that we too learn how to love on ourselves when we dont like ourselves. To love the parts of yourself that others aren't aware of or think differently of. When we are able to unapologetically show and share the ways in which we navigate and understand our own strife it shows our athletes how to do the same for themsevles. Living examples lead to memories which turn into habits. Being vulnerabile with your athletes sheds lite on all the things we say to athletes to inspre them. Our actions must align with message. "Connection before correction."
Consequently, when coaches exude these behaviors our athletes are met with a coach who not only demands excellence and self-development but one who embodies it.
Coaches, let me know in the comments:
How do you show support when your athletes are struggling?
