Four Questions

August 18th, 2021

Four Questions

As move-in day quickly approaches, athletes from all across the country will begin the 2021-22 season with a clean slate.  Whether you are a true freshman or 6th year senior, everyone essentially begins the season with an abundance of opportunities that would assist them in achieving their goals and aspirations.

During the move-in and transition process for athletes, I’ve made it a habit to wait a few weeks before I try to schedule a time to meet with them before the start of the season.  Over the years I have found that meeting with upperclassmen first is less overwhelming than trying to meet with a freshman that has been on campus for a few days and is trying to figure out what is happening!

As any of my athletes (current or former) will tell you, I don’t shy away from sending the occasional email or message in the group chat about the upcoming season.  Initial messages are typically focused on sending me a copy of their class schedules, asking how their transition has been going, and if there is anything they need from the coaches or their teammates to help make their transition smoother.

Before I meet with athletes on an individual basis, I send the athletes an email with a couple of questions to be prepared to answer and to come prepared with any questions they have for me.  Returning athletes usually don’t have any questions besides the typical clarifying questions about practice days, times, and weight room schedules.  Sometimes I’ll be asked questions that are track related.  Other times I’m asked questions that are not related to track, which are fine as well.

In my email, I ask all of my athletes these four questions:

1. What do you want to accomplish this season?
   
2. What do you want to accomplish before you graduate?
   
3. What do you expect of yourself as a student-athlete on campus?
   
4. What do you expect from me as your coach?