Letting Go: When It’s Time to Walk Away
As coaches, we’re used to pushing athletes to overcome adversity, build resilience, and work through the tough times. But there are moments when the most important thing we can do …
The Road Back…To Me.
I don’t usually post much of my doctoral work. Most of it stays tucked away in papers, discussion threads, or quiet reflections between deadlines. But now and then, something comes …
Behind the Whistle: The Real Lives of Coaches
Coaching youth sports is more than just a job. It’s a passion, a commitment, and, often, a sacrifice. But it’s not all glory, wins, and high-fives. Sometimes, it’s about managing …
Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
One of the most powerful elements in any team sport is trust. Without it, even the most skilled athletes won’t perform at their peak. Trust in the coach, in each …
Walking A Mile In Their Cleats
I once had a coach who thought motivation meant yelling at us until we “wanted it more.” Spoiler alert: it did not work. What did work? The coach who took …
More Than Words
Coaching is communication. But what happens when words aren’t enough? For many neurodivergent athletes—whether they’re autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or other cognitive processing differences—traditional verbal instruction can feel like a …
The Engagement Equation
Finding the right balance between fun & focus in practice isn’t a guessing game—it’s an equation.
Too much fun? Chaos. Too much focus? Boredom. The best coaches adjust in real-time, keeping athletes engaged & improving.
Here’s how to master it.
The Art of Teaching vs. Telling
The Art of Teaching vs. Telling: Why Youth Coaches Must Be Educators As a mental performance coach and member of a national coaching education cadre, I’ve witnessed a curious phenomenon: …
Coaching Players with ADHD
Coaching players with ADHD can be challenging, as the disorder can make it difficult for individuals to stay focused and perform well in sports. However, there are effective coaching strategies …
Coaching Neurodivergent Athletes
Coaches play a crucial role in the development and success of athletes. However, they face various challenges when it comes to coaching neurodivergent athletes. Neurodivergent athletes may have different needs …