Part 1
Even though I grew up in a small town, I’ve had the privilege of playing for several great coaches. I often reflect on the amazing people who have made an impact on my life, and without a doubt, the great coaches I’ve had are among those people. When I think about what makes a great coach, a few things immediately come to mind: unselfishness, accountability, strong relationships, emotional control, communication, and a positive mindset. Great coaches are constantly evaluating themselves and looking for ways to help their teams improve. They understand that leadership starts with themselves. They know how to build meaningful relationships with their players and coaching staff, navigate adversity without letting their emotions take control, and communicate in a way that keeps everyone engaged and bought in. At the end of the day, coaching is about helping others and making a positive impact on their lives. It’s not about you! As a coach, you have an incredible opportunity to help people accomplish something bigger than themselves. Isn’t that why you coach in the first place? A great coach also understands the importance of accountability. They are willing to look in the mirror, recognize their mistakes, and find ways to get better. They never stop learning or searching for new ways to help their team improve. One thing I strongly believe is that coaches should be developing just as much as they expect their players to develop. You can’t demand growth from your players if you aren’t willing to pursue it yourself. Players respect a coach who can admit when they’re wrong, take responsibility for their actions, and consistently work to become better. The best coaches don’t just develop better players. They develop better people, and they never stop developing themselves.
-Colby Garey-Wright
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