The 30th season of the WNBA tips off next Friday, May 8th and a record 216 games will be nationally televised. This increase in visibility isn’t just a win for the league or its fans. It is a win for women as a whole. This is the first season under […]
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The Theater of the NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs transform basketball into a high-stakes battle, showcasing drama and teamwork. With sixteen teams competing, the playoffs unfold like a gripping narrative, revealing each team’s true identity through seven pivotal games. Each game serves a distinct purpose: from establishing identity in Game 1 to the pressure cooker of Game 7, where reputations are forged. Ultimately, the playoffs not only crown a champion but also expose the essence of each team’s character and resilience.
Read MoreThe Hidden Layer of Sport
From the outside, this layer of sport is almost invisible. But from within, one thing becomes clear very quickly: match manipulation is not rare. It exists in plain sight, but few notice it.
Read MoreA New Identity for the Chicago Sky
Just hours into the first day of free agency, it was announced that Angel Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for the Dream’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks (WNBA, 2026). Reese had expressed frustrations with the Sky franchise in an interview with the […]
Read MoreSport Has To Be Fun
Most, if not all, sports are still games at their core. That matters. Before trophies, scholarships, contracts, or status, sport should be fun first, especially for the players. It should not matter whether you are in the World Cup final or in a pickup game at the neighborhood court. We […]
Read MoreHow Wearable Fitness Trackers Are Changing Athlete Performance and Recovery
Wearable fitness trackers have become a staple in everyday wear, but more noticeably in professional sports, promising real-time insights into performance, recovery, and injury risk. Before the development of wearable trackers, coaches had to monitor athletes on the field to make conclusions about their performance and overall well-being. Today, some […]
Read MoreThe Overlooked Dimension of Performance in Women’s Sport: The Menstrual Cycle
Sometimes one’s period shows up right before a match or during a training session with full main character energy and suddenly everything feels just a little more overwhelming than it should. And this often times reflects a shared reality for many female athletes, not just an isolated experience. Research shows […]
Read MoreHow Does Leadership and Organizational Culture Shape Success, Performance, and the Long-Term Wellbeing of Athletes?
Across every level of sport, from recreational sports to professional organizations, leadership and organizational culture dictate how teams operate, athletes are treated and perform, and how organizations respond to success, pressure, and adversity. For decades, many organizations, leaders, coaches, support staff, athletes, and fans have celebrated performance while overlooking the […]
Read MoreEmbracing the Journey of Self-Development in Sports
In the fast paced and competitive realm of sports, the focus is often on developing athletes, strategies,and teams to achieve peak performance. However, an area that demands equal attention, yet isfrequently overlooked, is the self-development of individuals within this dynamic environment. Theconcept of developing self transcends the mere acquisition of […]
Read MoreInvesting in the Growth of Coaches and Staff: The Key to Sustained Organizational Success
In the dynamic world of sports, the development of coaches and staff is as crucial as the training ofathletes. It is an investment that not only enhances the capabilities and effectiveness of the team butalso contributes to the sustained success of the organization. What are the strategies and benefits of […]
Read MoreIdentifying Opportunities for Collaboration and Teamwork in Sports Coaching
Collaboration and teamwork are indispensable in the world of sports coaching. An organization wheremembers function harmoniously as a team can effectively leverage individual strengths, mitigateweaknesses, and achieve collective success. As John C. Maxwell famously said, “Teamwork makes thedream work” (2002). This quote underscores the power of collaboration and the integral […]
Read MoreThe Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Young Athletes
Disordered eating is defined as potentially harmful and disruptive eating behaviours. This can include behaviors such as abnormal dieting, increased attention to food intake, and weight watching. Disordered eating can sometimes, not always, develop into Eating Disorders (ED) (Mancine et al., 2020). This is a subgroup of diagnosable psychiatric disorders […]
Read MoreThe WNBA at a Crossroads: What the Labor Talks Reveal About Women’s Sports
The WNBA is facing a critical moment. Negotiations over the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) remain stalled, with players pushing for fair pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions. Sophie Cunningham recently called the league the “laughing stock of sports,” reflecting the frustration of players pushing for equity in a […]
Read MoreSynergizing Leadership Styles for a More Effective Coaching Team
Diverse leadership styles can create a dynamic, efficient coaching team when adequately managed.Research shows that a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership is insufficient; the best leaders adapt their styles to their teams’ needs (Northouse, 2018). However, it is also essential that the coaching team’s leadership styles align cohesively to benefit the […]
Read MoreGronk’s Legacy
Nine seasons, three Super Bowls, three rings. Rob Gronkowski was an exhilarating player and a lively character on the field, bringing pride to all Patriots fans. He wants to show how once a Patriot, always a Patriot. Gronk signed a one-day contract with the Patriots on November 12, 2025. He […]
Read MoreInside Ferrari’s 2025 Struggles: Lessons on Leadership, Accountability, and Trust in Formula 1
The Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team carries one of the richest histories in motorsport. With legendary drivers such as Nikki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and now in 2025, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Ferrari has been defined by iconic drivers and championship-winning moments. Yet, in recent years, this legacy […]
Read MoreCollege Sports: Bringing Community Together
Crowds. Tailgates. Never-ending amounts of people waiting behind stadium doors. Ready for a day of chants, screams, scoffs, grunts, and tears (sadness or joy). College sports contain everlasting emotions, generational pride, a drive to win, and a hunger not to lose. These sports never fail to unleash the competitive spirit […]
Read MoreThe Reality of Youth Burnout
It’s no secret that youth are specializing in sports at younger and younger ages. Parents have a dream —a defined future, if you will —that has their son or daughter playing collegiate or professional sports. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with dreams, there is something amiss with ignoring the […]
Read MorePapaya Rules: A tale of Friendship, Rivalry, and Mclaren Team Orders
McLaren’s Lando Norris now leads the Formula 1 World Drivers Championship by one point, following a dominant run at the Mexican Grand Prix. McLaren has dominated much of the season, winning 13 races and clinching the Constructors’ Championship in Singapore. With only four races remaining, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and […]
Read MoreBarcelona’s Resurgence: A Coaching Case Study in Team Success
FC Barcelona’s 2024/2025 season, the first under Hansi Flick’s coaching, is undoubtedly a symbol for the impact great coaching can have on a struggling team. The beginning of the 2024/2025 season was marked with great uncertainty from a once-dominant team. Specifically, several players who were expected to leave at the […]
Read MoreLeadership Mindset
Let’s talk leadership. When you think of the leaders in your life, who comes to mind? What attributes do they have? Do you count on them? Will you take their advice? Can you trust them with your success? Why do you want them to lead you? Every sports team is […]
Read MoreThe Dynamic Relationship of Sports and Politics
Historically, politics and sports have had a reciprocal impact on one another. Whether sports are used to comment on or raise awareness of a political issue, or a political issue is influencing the way sports are viewed, it is essential to understand the dynamic relationship between the two. On Tuesday, […]
Read MoreWhen the Caution Isn’t Enough: Rethinking Safety and Mental Health in Motorsport
The Honda Indy Toronto is an 11-turn, 1.786-mile street circuit in Toronto, boasting incredible racing action. In 2024, the Honda Indy race raised questions surrounding safety protocols and the steps taken following an incident to prevent injury. With 13 laps to the checkered flag, Pato O’Ward, driving the Number 5 […]
Read MoreWomen’s Basketball: A New Era
We all know the big names in basketball: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. When you think of basketball, you think of these legends that shaped the history and culture of this great sport. As you may or may not have noticed, there are no […]
Read MoreSports are the Catalyst for National Unity
In the present, it’s largely accepted that sports serve the masses for entertainment purposes, whether it be going to a game or watching it with friends and family on the television. However, there is one thing in common, that is it always seems to attract groups of people who share […]
Read MoreHow NSL Teams Can Turn Early Excitement Into Lasting Support
AFC Toronto’s home opener match was characterized by great energy and a complete sell-out of BMO Field Stadium’s lower bowl (Waking The Red Staff, 2025). The crowds at this game demonstrated the immense support Toronto soccer fans have for the development of women’s sports, both locally and across the country. […]
Read MoreBalancing Innovation and History: How Sports Are Changing for the Modern Fan
Evolution in sports can occur in various ways, such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, or structural changes. Each of these enhancements can work together to achieve a level of engagement with the sport that may be missing. How do we allow sports to grow and evolve while maintaining their historical […]
Read MoreThe Importance of Great Coaching
When we see a successful team, we recognize the players for their extraordinary talent and capabilities. However, the reason they get there is incredible coaching. A study by The Harris Public Policy believes that the coaches are responsible for 20-30% of the team’s outcome. This proves how coaches are a […]
Read MoreSupporting Muslim Athletes During Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting- abstaining from food or water, from dawn until sunset. For professional athletes, this means balancing their religious beliefs and practices while maintaining peak physical fitness through specialized diets to continue participating in their respective sports. In recent years, professional […]
Read MoreSee it, Believe it, Achieve it
Visualize your favorite sports moment: the most significant shot, fastest turn, wildest catch, longest putt, walk-off homerun. I would guess that greats like Lebron James, Katie Ledecky, Lindsey Vonn, and Michael Phelps would make up just a few of these iconic moments. All are the greatest in their respective sports, […]
Read MoreTalent vs. Effort
Sports are a game of wins and losses, failures and success, talent and effort. It’s indisputable that the mere thought of sports wouldn’t exist without athletes. Athletes bring a unique set of skills designed to play a role in creating individual or team success. But what makes one athlete better […]
Read MoreMore than just a rumor: The real impact of trade speculation on Athletes
Silly season, trading period, and transfer window are all key elements of a different sports season, but ultimately, the same thing. No matter the sport, there comes a point in each athlete’s journey when their contract expires or they risk being traded to a different team. Silly-Season in Formula 1 […]
Read MoreLeveling the Playing Field: Addressing Financial and Competitive Barriers in Youth Sports
Participation in sports from an early age can offer many developmental advantages for those who are given the opportunity. Some benefits include higher levels of self-esteem and confidence (Eime & Young, 2013). Additionally, youth involved in sports typically report lower levels of depression and anxiety as compared with individuals not […]
Read MoreKarolyi
Legendary gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi died on Friday. He leaves behind a complicated legacy of harsh, anachronistic coaching of very young girls and having revolutionized gymnastics, first in his native Romania and later to the U.S. to which he and his wife Martha defected in 1981, after his coaching made […]
Read MoreDeveloping Athletes: Enhancing Performance and Personal Growth
In the realm of sports, the development of athletes transcends beyond just refining their physicalcapabilities. It encompasses a holistic approach aimed at enhancing performance, personal growth, andpreparing them for the challenges both on and off the field. A comprehensive development strategy thatincludes physical training, mental conditioning, and life skills education […]
Read MoreNurturing Excellence: Strategies for Developing the Sports Organization
In the competitive world of sports, the development of the organization itself is as crucial as trainingathletes or enhancing coaching methods. A well-structured and efficiently managed organization cansignificantly influence its teams’ success, from local clubs to elite professional teams. This article exploreskey strategies for organizational development in sports, offering insights […]
Read MoreACL Tears: Understanding How to Face Injury As Individuals And Community
Participation in any form of exercise comes with a risk of injury. Factors that contribute to the risk of injury include what type of exercise one might participate in. Examples include, playing sports, going to the gym, and excessive running without proper recovery. Injuries are something that athletes never wish […]
Read MoreBuilding Relationships with Peers, Athletes, and Stakeholders: The Cornerstone of Effective Coaching
Strong relationships are the cornerstone of any successful organization. In the realm of sports coaching,the significance of building solid relationships with peers, athletes, and stakeholders cannot beunderstated (Jowett, 2017). In the world of sports, collaboration is vital. Coaches work closely with their peers—fellow coaches,trainers, and team managers. These relationships can […]
Read MoreIs this the Athletes’ Team? The Essence of Player-Centered Coaching
In the realm of sports coaching, there’s a pivotal question that often gets overlooked: “Is this theathletes’ team, too?” This seemingly straightforward inquiry holds profound implications for how coachingshould be approached and implemented. The ethos of player-centered coaching suggests that itis the athletes’ team (Côté & Gilbert, 2009). Modern coaching […]
Read MoreThe Integral Role of Coaching: How Do I Help Others?
The role of a coach extends beyond the conventional dimensions of instructing players about the game’stechnicalities or designing play strategies. At its core, coaching is about fostering an environment thatbolsters growth, inspires the pursuit of excellence, and provides the necessary support to each individualin achieving their goals (Lyle & Cushion, […]
Read MoreConcentration And Attention in Sports
Coaches and athletes often interchange the words concentration and attention and the often-heard term fouls. To most effectively utilize these tools, it may be helpful to define each term; Vernacchia (2003) defined concentration simply as “the ability to perform with a clear and present focus” (p.144). What, then, is focus? […]
Read MoreWhere Art and Competition Meet
Sports is a creative activity where individuals work together towards certain objectives. On one hand, the goal of sports is to improve the health of people and the formation of individuals’ personalities. On the other hand, sports can be appreciated as a form of entertainment. Viewing sports events is appreciating […]
Read MoreCherishing The 4 Years Of Student-Athletes
As a current (time of writing this article) high school athlete, the high school sports experiences is has lots to offer to any athlete. Teens at the end of their 4 years will take away with them invaluable life lessons, lifelong friendships, and the will to compete. It holds a […]
Read MoreIdentifying How to Work with Others on My Perceived Weaknesses: A Collaborative Approach to Coaching and Leadership
As coaches and leaders, we often tend to focus on our strengths, believing that our success is contingentupon leveraging what we do best. While our strengths are undeniably critical, it is equally important toacknowledge our perceived weaknesses and work collaboratively with others to mitigate their impact. “Strength does not come […]
Read MoreThe Importance of Positive Psychology in Sports
Sports is widely agreed upon as being an essential component of a student’s exercise program. However, many students display fear and avoid any physical activity in particular sports. From this point, coaches may draw upon positive psychology to indicate positive principles and instructions, helping players understand what is good and […]
Read MoreHow Do We Communicate with Each Other and Together in a Team?
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful team interactions and a prerequisite for highperformance. Building a productive communication network within a team requires understanding,trust, and the conscious application of communication best practices. Two-Way Street Communication is a two-way process and it not only involves how you send messages, but also […]
Read MoreFrom Me to We: Promoting Team Cohesion Among Youth Athletes
Have you coached a high school sports program for many years? Have you volunteered to coach a youth sports team in a recreational league? Either way, team cohesion dramatically impacts the success of your program and you as a coach. What is team Cohesion? Imagine a sports team as a […]
Read MoreMending Crushed Spirits – How to Approach a Bad Performance
Many athletes have experienced what it’s like to leave the court or field and prepare themselves mentally only to have coaches criticize them for a subpar performance. Players just need some time to think things through since they’ve heard enough. On the flip side, coaches feel compelled to speak frankly […]
Read MoreEncouraging Athletes to Take Ownership: A Coach’s Influence
Coaches play a critical role in fostering a sense of ownership in athletes. This journey extends beyondsimply being responsible for individual performance. Instead, it encapsulates contributing to collectivesuccess and fostering a healthy team culture (Lemyre, Trudel, & Durand-Bush, 2007). Encouragingathletes to take ownership is a complex, yet rewarding endeavor that […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Communication Style in a Team Context: A Key to Effective Leadership
Effective communication lies at the heart of every successful team. Clear and effective communication iscentral to team cohesion and overall performance. As a coach, understanding how your communicationstyle impacts the team, athletes, staff, and fellow coaches can be a game-changer for your leadershipapproach. Your Unique Communication Style Everyone possesses a […]
Read MoreHow to Cut a Player: A Guide for Coaches
A coach I know called me last week saying she didn’t know who else to talk to about a problem. What she brought up is one too few athletic administrators give coaches much advice about how to cut a player. Cutting a player is among the most difficult things a […]
Read MoreIdentifying Your Preferred Leadership Style and its Impact on the Team
Understanding one’s leadership style is a crucial aspect of effective management and teamdevelopment. Leadership styles directly influence team performance, athlete satisfaction, and theoverall success of an organization. This article examines the process of identifying one’s preferredleadership style and its potential impact on team dynamics. Different leadership styles carry different characteristics, […]
Read MoreEmotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: The Building Blocks of Team Success
The success of any team, whether it’s in a sports, business, or any other context, hinges on effectiveleadership. A crucial part of this leadership equation is the leader’s emotional intelligence (EI) and self-awareness, two aspects that have gained considerable recognition in recent years for their influence onteam performance and satisfaction. […]
Read MoreKim Mulkey: What She Might Have Said Better – A Case Study
By Robert Boland & Jeff Chatterton As a sports lawyer (Bob) and a crisis communications advisor (Jeff) who have worked together before, and will again, LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey and her pre-emptive attack on The Washington Post and noted sports journalist Kent Babb, who was authoring a forthcoming […]
Read MoreAligning Personal and Coaching Goals: The Journey to Team Success
Many coaches grapple with differentiating their personal aspirations from their coaching goals, and howthese two facets can be harmoniously intertwined. While personal goals tend to revolve around thecoach’s individual development, coaching goals are generally linked to the team’s progress andachievements. Personal goals can vary widely amongst coaches—ranging from expanding their […]
Read MoreHow Do My Goals Align with the Organization’s Goals?
In the rapidly evolving work and coaching environments, finding alignment between individual and organizational goals is of paramount importance. Aligning coaches’ personal aspirations with strategic organizational goals significantly and positively impacts the team and organization’s performance and competitiveness. It is critical to understand the differentiation between personal and organizational goals. […]
Read MoreFitting Individual Values within the Organizational Canvas: A Harmonious Alignment
In an era where organizations continually strive for creating a value-centric culture, the alignment between individual and organizational values has come to the fore (Shuck & Rose, 2013). This alignment is not just a cornerstone for an individual’s job satisfaction and engagement, but it also fosters organizational success. Coaches who […]
Read MoreIdentifying How My Strengths Support the Team
As a sports coach or leader, understanding your strengths and leveraging them to support the team is crucial. Coaches need to understand why it’s essential to identify your strengths and how they can significantly impact your team’s overall performance. Research suggests that leaders who know their strengths can perform more […]
Read MoreAligning Personal and Coaching Goals: The Journey to Team Success
Many coaches grapple with differentiating their personal aspirations from their coaching goals, and how these two facets can be harmoniously intertwined. While personal goals tend to revolve around the coach’s individual development, coaching goals are generally linked to the team’s progress and achievements. Personal goals can vary widely amongst coaches—ranging […]
Read MoreFacilitating Goal Achievement: The Role of the Coach in Sports Organizations
As coaches, we strive to lead our teams to success, but what role do we play in helping our sports organization reach its broader goals? This article discusses the multifaceted role of the coach in facilitating goal achievement within a sports organization. Coaches serve a critical function as the conduit […]
Read MoreWhat Is the Best Version of Myself? A Self-Exploration in Sports Coaching
Lao Tzu, an ancient philosopher once said: “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power”. In coaching, the journey towards self-improvement and personal mastery is not just beneficial, it is crucial. This journey starts with a critical question: What is […]
Read MoreHow Do I Help the Organization Reach Success? A Coach’s Guide
Being a sports coach is more than just guiding a team to victories on the field. It involves building a culture, fostering resilience, developing athletes’ skills, and driving the success of the entire organization (Mallett & Lara-Bercial, 2016). It begins with creating an environment conducive to growth and excellence. As […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Role in Driving the Organization Forward
Being part of a sports organization is more than just taking up a position; it’s about embodying a role that influences and shapes the direction of the team. As a coach, your role is instrumental in guiding the organization towards its desired future. This article aims to help you understand […]
Read MoreWhat Do I Bring to the Organization? Harnessing Your Unique Contribution to Your Sports Team
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek In any sports organization, the individuals involved contribute to its culture, performance, and overall success (Reiche, Bird, Mendenhall, & Osland, 2017). A coach’s role is particularly crucial, offering guidance, motivation, […]
Read MoreWhy Am I Here / Why Are We Here Together?
Unpacking Individual and Collective Purpose in Sports Leadership Understanding one’s purpose in any venture can be the defining factor that determines success or failure, joy or discontent. The same holds for sports coaching, an occupation where the stakes can be high, and the payoff is often more about personal fulfillment […]
Read MoreBeyond Winning: Defining Success in Sports Organizations
Success – a seven-letter word that drives organizations, individuals, and indeed, our societies. Yet, this concept varies widely based on individual beliefs, cultural nuances, and organizational goals. Especially in the context of sports organizations, success can be a multifaceted and complex construct to define. Traditionally, success in sports has been […]
Read MoreShaping the Future: What Kind of Organization Do We Want to Be?
Defining the future of an organization is a fundamental strategic process that underpins the direction, purpose, and values it aspires to uphold. In sports coaching, determining the kind of organization we want to be, shapes not just the broader institutional framework, but also the coaching practices and the experiences of […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Organization’s Values: The Foundation of Effective Coaching
Coaching in sports goes beyond the realm of performance metrics and winning strategies. It shapes the culture of an organization and profoundly impacts athletes’ lives. At the core of this influence are the organization’s values, the guiding principles that help to navigate the complexities of the coaching role. Values of […]
Read MoreIdentifying My Preferred Leadership Style
Effective leadership is a crucial aspect of coaching. By identifying and understanding your preferred leadership style, you can lead more authentically and make a greater impact on your athletes and your team’s performance. Understanding Leadership Styles Leadership styles are distinct methods of guiding, motivating, and influencing others. Recognized styles include […]
Read MoreThe Vital Role of Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness in Coaching
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are essential elements in effective leadership, including sports coaching. Defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others, emotional intelligence has emerged as a key factor contributing to effective coaching and leadership (Goleman, 1995). The Components of Emotional […]
Read MoreThe Influence of Personal Values and Beliefs on Coaching
In the arena of sports coaching, personal values and beliefs act as an invisible guiding hand, shaping our interactions, decisions, and coaching practices (Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 1996). The Role of Values and Beliefs in Coaching Values represent the principles we consider important, guiding our behavior and decisions (Rokeach, 1973). […]
Read MoreUnderstanding and Honoring My Moral Compass
Our moral compass is a critical part of who we are as individuals and leaders. It comprises the personal values, ethics, and principles that guide our actions and decisions (Shao, Aquino, & Freeman, 2008). A moral compass is extremely influential in a team’s culture. The Essence of a Moral Compass […]
Read MoreEnvisioning and Becoming the Best Version of Myself
The journey to becoming the best version of oneself is a personal and unique path that requires introspection, understanding, and a commitment to self-improvement. This journey is not about reaching a state of perfection but embracing constant evolution and growth. Unpacking ‘The Best Version of Myself’ The concept of the […]
Read MoreEmbracing Authenticity in Leadership and Coaching
Authenticity has emerged as a critical aspect of effective leadership and coaching. Leadership researchers often cite authenticity as a key characteristic of successful leaders, linking it to improved leadership effectiveness and employee engagement (Banks et al., 2016). Understanding Authenticity Authenticity involves aligning actions with inner values and beliefs, embracing one’s […]
Read MoreWhat Are My Perceptions and Biases? The Unseen Factors in Sports Coaching
In the realm of sports coaching, this insight from da Vinci always holds true: “All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions”. Our perceptions and biases, often operating subconsciously, can significantly positively or negatively impact our coaching practices and decisions. Understanding Perceptions and Biases Perceptions refer to the way […]
Read MoreHow Do I Communicate? Exploring Communication Styles in Sports Coaching
Interaction with others is part of the human connection. However, many will spend an entire lifetime refining their communication skills. As a coach, communication is essential to athletes, the team, and reaching success. Effective communication is critical for coaching success, influencing everything from team dynamics to performance outcomes. Understanding Your […]
Read MoreWhy Do I Love Coaching?
“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their growth,” said legendary business coach, Sir John Whitmore. This sentiment rings true across all coaching domains, including sports. The passion for coaching sports goes beyond winning games; it is about nurturing talent, fostering personal growth, and inspiring others to achieve their […]
Read MoreWhy am I here? The Importance of Coaches Knowing Their ‘Why’ in Education and Training
Education and training are extremely important. There are so many different trainings and reasons for the education, many times it is a requirement for working for a company, being a coach or athlete on a team, or as a student, teacher, or professor at an educational institution, and other times […]
Read MoreThe Crucial Role of Self-Understanding in Leadership and Coaching
The realm of leadership and sports coaching is complex and multifaceted, with countless variables influencing outcomes. However, one factor stands out as particularly foundational: self-understanding. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell once said, “You must know yourself to grow yourself” (2015). This profound statement encapsulates the essence of why self-understanding […]
Read MoreWho is a Leader, Who is a Hero
The passing of Willis Reed, former New York Knicks star, Basketball Hall of Famer, New York legend, is in many ways more painful than the loss of my boyhood idol, Tom Seaver. Reed is a character we at Culture in Sports would have to create if he didn’t really live, […]
Read MoreCoaches Do Make Mistakes
Coaches do make mistakes. Are these “mistakes” intentional or actual mistakes that a human being can make? Are coaches and other sports leaders willing to self reflect, identify toxic and abusive behavior, and take corrective action? Or will they double down on their behavior at the expense of others? We, […]
Read MoreAnother Super Bowl, Another Barrier
The first Super Bowl with two African American starting quarterbacks,sent me thinking back to two pioneers, who inspired me as a fat white kid growing up in Upstate New York and destined to put my hand on the dirt as a lineman, but who grew up loving the quarterback position. […]
Read MoreRecovery From Toxic Culture
Teri McKeever, former head coach of the University of California, Berkeley’s women’s swimming and diving program, was recently fired due to allegations of toxicity and abuse from former athletes and staff. These allegations have been reported over many years by athletes, and have adversely impacted the short and long-term mental, […]
Read MoreThe Best in the Very Nearly Worst of Times for the NFL
It was a game with no outcome that will be the one that we will all remember. On Monday night January 2, 2023, the largest viewing audience of the then-17 week old 2022 football season, some 23 million plus Americans, gathered to watch a game between the AFC East leading […]
Read MoreThe Life That Came After Was the Miracle for Franco Harris
There are athletes who are touched by destiny or maybe they grab destiny in their hands before it falls to the ground unused. Franco Harris, who died overnight on December 21, was one of those athletes. His passing comes just two days shy of the 50th anniversary of his Immaculate […]
Read MoreKeep Your Eyes on the Prize: A Note of Advice for College Athletes & the Transfer Portal
We are about to hear far more about the transfer portal- the NCAA mechanism that lets college athletes switch schools- than we ever have before. The portal undoubtedly will, either separately or together with Name, Image & LIkeness (NIL), be described as undermining all we hold dear- loyalty, responsibility, devotion. […]
Read MoreMake Good Choices
Since my daughter was in middle school, me and my wife have told both of our kids to make good choices…and not eat yellow snow. Even though our daughter is 21 and our son is 17, we still say it repeatedly to them, well to make good choices, that is. […]
Read MoreThe Brutality of Burnout in Competitive Sport
The last few articles I’ve written here have been primarily focused on different Mental Skills and helping athletes reach their full potential and become the best athletes and people they can be. But we also understand that sports aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. Competitive sports can bring us some down […]
Read MoreThe One Lap That Meant Everything
If I were to ask, “who won, the men’s 400-meter dash at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics?” It would most likely illicit a puzzled look, especially if you aren’t a Track & Field aficionado. Asking who finished second and third probably would be even more difficult to recall even for an […]
Read MoreLeadership Can Look Different to Each and Every One of Us
When I say the word ‘Leader’, we all probably think of someone different. Some of us may see a former coach, a player on our team, or someone entirely unrelated to sports. Leaders are everywhere, in every field, but sports is where my mind goes to first when thinking of […]
Read MoreAnother Look at the Sarver Investigation & Sanction
The shocking results of the NBA’s external investigation of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, and his actions and the workplace culture of his franchise were revealed last week, and Sarver was suspended for a year and fined $10 million dollars by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, with Silver stating it was […]
Read MoreBeing Distracted
Tom Brady had a tough game this past Sunday. Teammates, coaches, analysts, and fans can all speculate what happened on Sunday, but Tom Brady is the only one who truly knows what he was going through mentally, physically, and emotionally. Being an athlete at such high level is difficult enough. […]
Read MoreRecognizing & Celebrating Resilience: The Key to Making this Season Matter
Back in the Summer of 2021, a time no one really remembers because time in this pandemic has truly been a flat circle, without much context within it, only recollections from before and some sense of the now as things seemingly have progressed, I wrote a series of articles on […]
Read MoreAnother Toxic Culture Uncovered
The owner of the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns was suspended and fined by the NBA. For 17 years, the toxic culture prevailed. All personnel in both organizations were impacted by Robert Sarver’s toxic leadership and culture for 17 years. Sarver was suspended for one year and fined $10 million. […]
Read MoreNIL In High School: A Parents’ Guide
One of the biggest revolutions of the last 14 months is the removal of barriers that prevented college athletes from receiving financial benefits from the use of their names, images, and likenesses (called “NIL”). As the opportunity to earn income from NIL has now moved to the high school level, […]
Read MoreEducation and Sports
Yesterday, Bryce Strecker wrote about “The ability to focus can become your secret weapon“. It was an extremely informative article that dove deep into understanding focus and assisting athletes to better focus. If you have not read Bryce’s article yet, you must take a few minutes to not only read […]
Read MoreThe Ability to Focus Can Become Your Secret Weapon
I’ll be the first person to admit that I struggle to focus pretty often. I have a real ‘wanderer’ of a mind and that can make things difficult for me. Whether it’s trying to get myself to sit down and finish writing this article or getting myself to actually pay […]
Read MoreThe NFL’s Problems with Women: Why They Matter
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell boldly declared back in 2010 that the league, which had earned a bit more than $8 billion in annual revenue the prior year, would generate $25 billion annually by 2027. The league seems on pace to hit that goal, even after Covid slowed growth a tiny […]
Read MorePositive Coaching
Have you ever had a coach tell you that she believed in you? If you did, that coach may have been onto something. That same coach probably told you that he was proud of you or maybe even said that she loved your effort or hard work. When you reflect […]
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