Monthly Archives: November 2023

Introducing the 3rd Edition of “The Battle Plan for Athletes”

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Just in time for the Holidays comes the 3rd Edition of “The Battle Plan for Athletes”. The Battle Plan is a Goal Tracking and Management system with a Daily Journal that provides a comprehensive, yet easy-to-follow process for Planning Goals, Checking in against those goals, and creating adjustments or corrections to the plan and process as needed.

There are 3 parts to the Battle Plan.

Set Goals:

The Battle Plan gives you a place to track your goals.  Select personal and team goals for the full year or for specific parts of the year.

While your goals should be realistic, you should also have some aspirational goals as well because what is the point if they are too easy.  The goals should be your goals and you should shoot for the stars.  Get feedback from peers and coaches but ultimately, the Goals should be yours, therefore, take the feedback but try not to be too influenced by your coaches, parents, etc.

Pro Tip – Goals Should Be:

  • Actionable
  • Measurable
  • Specific
  • Challenging

Be sure to capture the “What, Why, How, and When”

What -The Goal

Why – Purpose

How – Actions to Take

When – Target Date

Daily Journal

Use the Daily Journal to capture your thoughts, plans, dreams, or whatever you want.  Keeping track of how a training session went whether with your team or outside training.

Keep track of what you did, how you felt, what you ate, or even the weather.

This is your journal and your place to write your thoughts and feelings, track performance, and manage and measure your goals.

These will be helpful for doing a self-assessment at different times of the year or you can keep them and look back in them in future years for inspiration and motivation.

Pro Tip -Journal Topics

•           Injury

•           School Conflicts

•           Social Conflicts

•           Highlight Moments

•           Food, Water and Sleep

Hit Your Targets

When you combine written goals and daily journaling, you now have what you need to assess your progress.

Establish Checkpoints where you can return and report on your progress.  If you have achieved your goals, you can set new goals or new targets that you want to hit.  If you are not progressing, you can do a course correction to modify the goals or modify the plan to get there.

Pro Tip – Ideas on Timing

•           Preseason

•           After Fall Season

•           Mid-Winter

•           Pre – Spring Season

•           Year – end

•           Off Season Training

Each week should be a reflection on the previous week with a check-in on your goals and an opportunity to outline and plan the week ahead.  This is a great time to establish tweaks to the process as needed if the pathway to the goal is not optimal.

The 3rd Edition of the Battle Plan comes in 2 sizes, each with a unique cover design.

Cover 1 is 5 x 8 inches.

Cover 2 is 6.9 x 9.6 inches

Available on Amazon.com

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Practice Gratitude Daily – Thanksgiving Lessons for Everyday – The Secret Sauce for Youth Athletes

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On this Thanksgiving Day in the USA, I am reminded of the importance of giving thanks and showing appreciation for what I have, for my health, relationships, basically everything. This was an article that was published in the Spring that I felt compelled to re-share given that today is a day that youth athletes will be practicing Gratitude. Why not use this day and this practice as a starting point to bring the practice of showing gratitude on a daily or weekly basis?

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in our lives. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact that the community that supports youth athletes has on our children. Here are some ways that youth athletes can show gratitude this Thanksgiving:

  1. Write a thank-you note: A heartfelt note of appreciation can go a long way in making a coach or trainer of young athletes feel valued and recognized for their hard work and dedication.
  2. Volunteer at a local sports event: Consider volunteering at a local sports event to show your support for other young athletes. You can help with setup, cleanup, or even coaching.
  3. Donate to a youth sports organization: Many youth sports organizations rely on donations to provide equipment, uniforms, and other resources to young athletes. Consider making a donation of extra equipment or gear to support these organizations and the young athletes they serve.
  4. Express gratitude: Get in the habit of sharing what they are thankful for. This can be done through a team gratitude board or by having athletes share their thoughts out loud. It can also be shared on social media or in private via meditation, journaling, etc.

Let’s take this Thanksgiving as an opportunity to show our appreciation for those who support you as a youth athlete. Beyond Thanksgiving, follow these practical tips and guidelines to make Gratitude a part of your routine as a young athlete and into adulthood.

On Gratitude (as posted April 18, 2023)

Gratitude is an essential quality that can bring immense benefits to our lives. It is the act of feeling thankful and appreciative of what we have and the people around us. As a teenager, and competitive athlete, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, school, friends, and family drama, and forget to be grateful. Add the constant pressure of performance and it is easy to see how an athlete could get caught up in a lot of the negative stimuli.  In this article, we will explore the importance of gratitude and ways that an athlete can begin to add the practice into their lives.

Why Practice Gratitude?

Gratitude has been proven to have a positive impact on our mental health and overall well-being. When we are grateful, we tend to focus on the good things in our lives, which helps us feel happier and more content. It can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Gratitude can improve our relationships with others by strengthening bonds and increasing empathy and kindness. Practicing gratitude can also lead to better physical health, including improved sleep and reduced inflammation.

Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

  1. Keep a Gratitude Journal

One of the easiest ways to cultivate gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. You can start by writing down three things you are thankful for each day. It can be anything from a good grade on a test to a kind gesture from a friend or family member. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can increase your overall sense of gratitude.

  1. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and emotions. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of the good things in your life and appreciate them more. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breathing and be present in the moment.

  1. Express Gratitude to Others

Expressing gratitude to others can be a powerful way to cultivate gratitude in your own life. You can start by thanking someone for something they did for you, or simply telling them how much you appreciate them. You can also write a thank you note or send a message of gratitude to someone who has made a positive impact on your life. There is no limit and no right or wrong answer, it could be a friend, a teammate, a coach, teacher, Starbucks barista, you name it and you decide.

  1. Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to cultivate gratitude by helping others. By giving your time and energy to a cause or organization, you can gain a sense of perspective and appreciation for what you have. You can volunteer at a local charity or organization, or even help out a friend or family member in need. Not only is volunteer work rewarding, but it is also often required by schools and an important attribute in college acceptance criteria. Volunteering as a way of cultivating gratitude may help an athlete have a better overall experience than volunteering out of a sense or requirement.

  1. Focus on the Positive

Finally, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of your life, even during difficult times. By focusing on the good things in your life, you can increase your overall sense of gratitude and happiness. You can do this by creating a gratitude list, reminding yourself of what you are grateful for, and focusing on the positive aspects of challenging situations.

In conclusion, cultivating gratitude can bring many benefits to our lives, including increased happiness, better mental and physical health, and stronger relationships. By practicing gratitude regularly, we can increase our overall sense of well-being and appreciation for what we have. As a teenager, it is important to prioritize gratitude and make it a part of our daily life.

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The Secret Sauce For Youth Athletes: Getting Recruited – Practical Tips and Guidelines to get Started

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Getting recruited for college athletics is a competitive and challenging process that requires careful planning, hard work, and persistence. Here are some of the current steps that aspiring student-athletes should follow to increase their chances of getting noticed by college coaches and potentially earning a scholarship.

Research potential colleges and programs. The first step is to identify which colleges and programs match your academic and athletic interests, goals, and abilities. You can use online databases, such as the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center, to search for schools by division, sport, location, size, tuition, and other criteria. You should also consider factors such as the coach’s style, the team’s culture, the facilities, the graduation rate, and the alumni network.

Create a sports resume and highlight video. The next step is to showcase your athletic achievements, skills, and potential to college coaches. You can create a sports resume that includes your personal information, academic records, test scores, athletic awards, statistics, references, and contact details. You should also create a highlight video that demonstrates your best plays, techniques, and abilities in your sport. You can upload your resume and video to online platforms, such as BeRecruited or NCSA, or send them directly to coaches via email or social media.

Register with the NCAA or NAIA. Depending on which division you want to play in, you may need to register with the NCAA or NAIA to be eligible for college athletics. The NCAA has three divisions (I, II, and III), while the NAIA has two divisions (I and II). Each division has different academic and amateurism requirements that you must meet to be cleared for recruitment. You can register online through the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center and submit your transcripts, test scores, and proof of amateur status.

Attend camps, showcases, and tournaments. One of the best ways to get exposure and feedback from college coaches is to attend camps, showcases, and tournaments that are relevant to your sport and level. These events allow you to demonstrate your skills, learn new techniques, network with coaches and peers, and compare yourself with other athletes. You can find out about upcoming events through your high school coach, online directories, such as Sports Camps USA or College Sports Evaluation, or by contacting college coaches directly.

Communicate with college coaches. The final step is to communicate with college coaches regularly and effectively throughout the recruitment process. You should initiate contact with coaches as early as possible, preferably in your sophomore or junior year of high school, and follow up with them periodically until you make a decision. You should express your interest in their program, ask questions about their expectations and requirements, update them on your progress and achievements, and request feedback on your performance. You should also respond to any inquiries or offers from coaches promptly and professionally.

Prepare for official and unofficial visits to college campuses. An official visit is when a coach invites you to visit their school for a maximum of 48 hours and covers some or all of your expenses. An unofficial visit is when you visit a school on your own initiative and pay for your own expenses. You should plan ahead and schedule your visits with coaches. You should also prepare questions to ask coaches, players, professors, and admissions officers. You should dress appropriately and be respectful and enthusiastic.

Next, compare offers and make a decision. You should evaluate each offer based on the academic, athletic, financial, and personal aspects. You should also consider the pros and cons of each school and program. You should communicate with coaches and let them know your timeline and preferences. You should also consult with your family, mentors, counselors, and coaches for guidance. You should sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) or a financial aid agreement when you are ready to commit to a school.

Here are the key steps and timeframes:

  1. Research and Evaluation (As Early as Eighth Grade):
    • Families begin researching colleges and evaluating which division level (D1, D2, or D3) is the best fit for their athlete.
    • They ensure that the athlete is on the path to NCAA eligibility.
    • Families may proactively reach out to college coaches.
  2. High School Years:
    • Sophomore Year (Starting January 1):
      • College coaches can begin contacting recruits.
      • Recruits can take unofficial visits.
    • Junior Year (Starting August 1):
      • Recruits can take official visits and receive verbal scholarship offers.
      • Coaches actively reach out to recruits.
      • Athletes should continue meeting eligibility requirements (core courses and GPA standards).
  3. Verbal Commitment:
    • The athlete verbally commits to a college or university.
  4. Official Offer:
    • The college coach extends an official written offer to the athlete.
  5. Signing the Offer:
    • The athlete signs the official offer.
  6. Continued Eligibility:
    • The athlete must continue to meet the requirements for admission to the specified program. This includes completing core courses and maintaining the required GPA.

Remember that while the NCAA recruiting calendars outline when coaches can proactively start recruiting athletes, you, as a student-athlete, can always initiate contact with a coach.

These are some of the steps that you need to take to get recruited for college athletics. It is a long and challenging process that requires dedication, patience, and perseverance. However, it is also a rewarding and exciting journey that can lead you to fulfilling your dreams and goals.

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The Secret Sauce for Youth Athletes: The Current Landscape of College Recruiting

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College recruiting is the process of attracting and signing college athletes for various sports teams. It is a competitive and dynamic market that involves various stakeholders, such as coaches, athletic directors, students, and parents. College recruiting has been affected by several factors in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of social media, the changes in student preferences and expectations, and the new rules on name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. In this article, we will examine the current state of college recruiting and its implications for the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted college recruiting in many ways. It has forced coaches and athletic directors to shift from in-person to online visits and evaluations. It has also reduced the number of scholarships and offers in some sports while increasing them in others. According to a survey by Next College Student Athlete, a leading online platform for college recruiting, 35% of coaches reported offering fewer scholarships in 2020, compared to 13% in 2019. The same survey also found that 42% of coaches reported offering more scholarships in 2020 than in 2019. The most affected sports were football, basketball, and baseball, while the least affected were soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse.

The rise of social media has also created new opportunities and challenges for college recruiting. On one hand, it has enabled coaches and students to connect more easily and effectively across geographic boundaries and time zones. It has also allowed coaches to access a larger and more diverse pool of candidates, and students to showcase their skills and personalities. On the other hand, it has also increased the competition and complexity of the market. It has made it harder for coaches and students to stand out and to maintain ethical and professional standards and build rapport in a crowded and impersonal online environment. It has also raised concerns about privacy, security, and accessibility for both parties.

Student Preferences and Expectations in College Recruiting

In the dynamic landscape of college recruiting, student-athletes, their parents or those supporting them should also consider broader factors that shape their overall college experience. Here are some key aspects influenced by student preferences:

  1. Career Advancement Opportunities: Student-athletes should seek programs that not only excel in their sport but also provide a solid foundation for their future careers. They should look for institutions that offer robust academic support, networking opportunities, and connections to potential employers.
  2. Work-Life Balance: Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life is crucial. Student-athletes should evaluate programs that understand this delicate balance and provide resources to manage their time effectively.
  3. Culture: Just as in the corporate world, college athletic programs have distinct cultures. Student-athletes ought to consider factors like coaching philosophy, team dynamics, and the overall environment. A positive and supportive culture can significantly impact their experience.
  4. Social Impact: Many student-athletes want to make a difference beyond the field. If that is of interest, they should seek programs that engage in community service, social justice initiatives, and advocacy. Thusm that student athlete may thrive in a program that contributes positively to society and social issues.
  5. Compensation and NIL Rights: With the recent changes in name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules, student-athletes now have opportunities to earn compensation through endorsements, sponsorships, and social media. Programs that support and educate athletes on leveraging their NIL rights are becoming increasingly attractive.
  6. Flexibility and Autonomy: Student-athletes schedules are often managed for them, in some conferences particularly in Division, there is not a lot of flexibility in a student athletes schedule.  If you or your prospective student athlete value flexibility in their schedules, you may consider understanding and searching for Divisions, conferences and programs that allow them to explore other interests, pursue internships, or engage in extracurricular activities beyond sports.
  7. Diversity and Inclusion: Collegiate athletics is a wonderful environment to expose students to diverse and inclusive environments. Student-athletes will most likely experience fellow athletes from different parts of the world, different ethnicities, cultures, languages, and the like.  Some programs and sports are more diverse than others and athletes should seek to understand that aspect if they desire to be part of programs that celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.
  8. Alternative Career Paths: While some aspire to professional sports, only a very small percentage achieve that dream.  The majority of athletes others are interested in and planning a career path or area of study while others may pursue entrepreneurial ventures, coaching, or non-traditional career paths. If programs that nurture these aspirations are appealing, it is important to investigate and consider as part of the selection process.

Challenges for Athletic Programs

These evolving preferences present challenges for athletic programs:

  1. Adaptation: Coaches and recruiters must adapt their strategies to align with student expectations. This includes tailoring communication, emphasizing holistic development, and showcasing the program’s unique features.
  2. Value Proposition: Programs need a compelling value proposition beyond athletic success. Highlighting academic support, life skills training, and character development becomes crucial.
  3. Ethical Recruiting: Balancing recruitment efforts while maintaining ethical standards is essential. Coaches must build genuine relationships and avoid undue pressure.

In summary, college athletic recruiting is no longer solely about wins and losses. It’s about creating an enriching experience that aligns with student-athletes’ aspirations and values. Programs that understand and embrace these shifts will thrive in the competitive recruiting landscape.

The new rules on NIL rights have also impacted college recruiting. NIL rights allow college athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness through endorsements, sponsorships, or other ventures. The NCAA adopted these rules in July 2021 after several states passed laws allowing NIL rights for college athletes. The rules have created new opportunities and challenges for college athletes, coaches, schools, and employers. College athletes can now leverage their personal brand and influence to generate income and exposure. Coaches and schools can use NIL rights as a recruiting tool or incentive for athletes. Employers can partner with or hire college athletes as ambassadors or influencers for their products or services.

The current state of college recruiting is characterized by uncertainty and opportunity. It is uncertain how the pandemic will continue to affect the market and how the virtual platforms will evolve. It is also uncertain how the student preferences and expectations will change over time and how the NIL rights will play out in practice. However, it is also an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. It is an opportunity for employers and career centers to leverage technology and data to enhance their outreach and engagement with students. It is also an opportunity for students to explore their options and interests and pursue their goals with more agency and support.

Stay tuned for the next article offering practical tips and guidelines on how to get started.

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