“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” –Lao Tzu
Athletic Directors (ADs) play a crucial role in shaping the success of their athletic programs, not just through administration but by actively supporting their head coaches (HCs) in developing players. While HCs are on the front lines of training, mentoring, and leading their teams, they need the right resources, culture, and guidance to help athletes reach their full potential.
What are some practical ways ADs can empower their coaches, foster player growth, and create an environment where development—not just winning—becomes the foundation of a significant program?
- Invest in Coaching Education
- Provide funding and resources for HC professional development (clinics, certifications, leadership courses).
- Encourage HCs to learn from experts in player development, sports psychology, and leadership.
- Create a Culture of Development Over Winning
- Emphasize skill development, personal growth, and character building over short-term results.
- Support HCs in implementing long-term development plans for their teams.
- Facilitate Stronger Player-Coach Relationships
- Encourage open communication between HCs and players by setting up regular feedback loops.
- Provide mentorship training to help HCs build trust and rapport with their athletes.
- Support Mental & Physical Wellness
- Allocate resources for sports psychologists, strength coaches, and nutritionists.
- Ensure HCs have access to facilities and recovery programs (athletic trainers, physical therapists) that aid player development and long-term health.
- Give Coaches the Time & Tools to Succeed
- Reduce administrative burdens on HCs (where possible), so they can focus more on coaching.
- Provide access to technology (game film software, analytics tools) to enhance training.
- Encourage Leadership Development for Players
- Work with HCs to integrate leadership training into their programs.
- Support team-building activities that help players take ownership of their growth. Make it an expectation that each program does a pre-season team-builder before the season begins.
- Foster a Collaborative Environment
- Create networking opportunities for HCs to share best practices across sports. Teach them how to be Master Teachers.
- Encourage assistant coach development, ensuring a strong coaching pipeline.
Great athletic programs aren’t just built on talent—they thrive on strong leadership, continuous development, and a commitment to growth at every level. When athletic directors actively support their head coaches, they create an environment where players can excel both on and off the field. By investing in coaching education, fostering a culture of development, and providing the necessary resources, ADs can help shape not only better athletes but also better leaders.
At the end of the day a successful program isn’t just measured by wins and losses—it’s defined by the impact it has on the lives of its players.
If you are seeking practical guidance to develop programs and activities tailored to your budget and your coaches’ time constraints, you can schedule a strategy session at coachmattrogers.com or contact me directly at matt@coachmattrogers.com
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and want to dive deeper into understanding motivation and personal growth, check out my book, Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes. It provides valuable insights into the recruiting process and how athletes can take control of their journey.
Families and school administrators can also schedule a strategy session with me. Together, we can uncover what truly motivates you and develop a game plan for long-term success.
