redefining​​CHAMPION

I was told once, when I was a young coach: “Hire great men -- help them become great coaches.” Obviously, I am committed to creating a team that redefines champion; therefore, I must staff our team with coaches who are not only committed to but also embody the redefined champion.

 

redefining CHAMPION through Staffing

Although many want to coach champions, and many coaches embody the characteristics of the redefined champion; few programs encourage them to instill those characteristics into student-athletes. It is incumbent upon me to build a program that does with coaches who do.

 

Qualities to Consider

• Like Minded. Staff members must be on the same page, philosophically, with both the school and the head coach. Each must be committed to creating student-athletes who redefine champion.

• Great Teachers. Great coaches must be able to teach with passion. In turn they must be great students; they must be able to balance autonomy and leadership with the ability to take direction. They must be able to listen.

• Synergy. Together individual staff member’s strengths are magnified, and individual weaknesses are balanced by the talents of the staff.

• Hard Workers. The staff must be willing to work hard while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

• Fun to be around. Staff members should enjoy working together. As we will spend a great deal of time together, laughs and smiles must be a staple.

• Accountable. Each member of the staff will be expected to be a person of integrity; we will hold each other accountable.

• Loyal. Staff members must remain loyal especially when times are tough-- loyal to one another and loyal to the philosophy of the program. Coaches must be able to put their egos aside for the good of the program.

• Relationship-minded. Staff members should enjoy interacting with others; this includes, but is not limited to, other coaches, student-athletes and their families, alumni, college faculty, staff and administration. How staff members interact with internal and external constituents is a direct reflection on the program, and, therefore, must always be positive.

 

Staff: in Summary

Hiring the right people is paramount to the process of redefining champion. Teams are constantly evolving, and we must hire people who can continue to impact the lives of student-athletes through the change. We must hire coaches who are committed to the holistic development of the student-athlete, and who recognize and value the relationship between holistic development and a successful athletic program.