The Set Up

Are student athletes being properly groomed for the future?

From the moment an athlete decides to play sports they hear “you follow my lead and let “me” help you and I will take you far’ “ I have so many connections, just stick with me“ and my all time favorite coaches/trainers lie...drumroll please... “ you can make it to the league”.

****LIES LIES LIES AND MORE LIES***

it’s a lie ,why do I say this you may be asking yourself. Only 1% of the student athlete population will make it to the pros and if we really pay attention and look at the track record of the individual making the promise, they have helped no one before you make it. Most student athletes are filling a space needed to make the coach and the sponsors look good. The truth is most coaches don’t have a hookup and if they do. The athletes talent and ability was going to get them to the pros regardless.

Student athletes receive a huge amount of pressure at an early age. The culture of PeeWee sports practices and games have changed from good ole family fun and everyone wins to all out competition. Winning medals and championships are goals at 5 years old for athletes, meanwhile other kids that are not into sports are able to pick their boogers and play Roblocks. Athletes have a ton of pressure to be great and successful at such a young age. This pressure of high expectations and success can lead to struggles in High school and later on in life.

“Winning medals and championships are goals at 5 years old for athletes, meanwhile other kids that are not into sports are able to pick their boogers and play Roblocks.”

By the time they get to High School; college, NCAA, and rankings are a high priority. At this point if youre an All American or D1 player the special attention is at an all time high. the false empowerment is through the roof and TAHDOW their a local celebrity/superstar. The rules dont apply to a lot of these student athletes and that sends a horrible message to the subconscious mind. Mixed with the ongoing mesage of ‘youre not good enough‘ is a recipe for anxiety and depression. Where does ’im not good enough come from?. im glad you asked....despite the athletes being good at their position, they are not allowed to have a bad game or weak moment. It becomes a job, one that when you screw up someone else is waiting to take your spot. Good means you have to be working to be great. You are constantly being compared to others, film is watched consistently to disect weaknesses and nit pick at the flaws and if you get complacent someone is coming for your spot. The coaches livlihood is dependent on the players performance, therefore the narrative changed from “stick with me and I’ll help you go all the way” to ‘I will bench you if you play crappy like that again.“ What can we do to help athletes focus and remain true to themselves in such a cut throat environment? Stay tuned for the next blog for some insight.