Coaching Through Crisis: Why athletic coaches are still essential for athletes at home

Coaches are essential. 

Due to the current worldwide crisis, many of us have suddenly and without warning found ourselves without our job, our team, our athletes - our livelihood.

In the same manner, our athletes have found themselves without their sports, their teammates, and without a place to get away from day-to-day distractions. They’re without an outlet and for some, without identity.

That’s why it is crucial for us to remember our purpose as coaches and the impact we have on the young people we serve.

Think about all the ways we influence athletes and all of the traits we help them develop. We help with motivation, discipline, mental and physical strength, maintaining good habits, independence, responsibility, organization, accountability, and stress management. Consequently, many times our work also leads athletes to find a sense of purpose and belonging.

I'm going to stress here just how much sustaining motivation not only helps with the burden and stress of this uncomfortable novel situation but also helps athletes return to their sport quicker once we are out of this crisis.

Fellow coaches, this is THE time to practice the full reach of our profession! Reach out to your athletes. Lead by example! You may not be able to physically be with your athletes right now, but you can still provide the tools for success, encouragement, and a listening ear. You can still check on them and hold them accountable for maintaining their work at home.

Now is the time to walk the walk. Now is the time to show and teach what perseverance and resilience are. It’s time to SHOW UP! You are ESSENTIAL!