Every game and every practice is an opportunity. Treat each rep like it’s your chance to improve by 1%.

Ignore distractions. Stay in your lane and focus on what you can control—effort, attitude, and preparation.

Post-game? Reflect on what went well before critiquing yourself. Build on the positives first.

Billie Jean King: "Pressure is a privilege—it only comes to those who earn it."

Cristiano Ronaldo: "I don’t chase records; records chase me."

Ask open-ended questions after a game: “What’s something you’re proud of today?” or “What’s one thing you’d like to work on?”

Be patient during their struggles. Growth often happens during the hardest moments.

Celebrate their role on the team, even when it’s not the spotlight position. Every role matters.

Julie Foudy: "Sports teach your kids to take risks, handle failure, and keep striving. That’s the real win."

Brene Brown: "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s showing up and being seen."

Teach players to “fail forward.” A mistake is just feedback if you learn from it.

Encourage team accountability. Great teams hold each other to high standards.

Stay adaptable. Each player learns and grows differently—meet them where they are.

Joe Torre: "The great thing about coaching is that you always have to adapt. You don’t get stuck in a rut."

Tony Dungy: "The secret to success is good leadership, and good leadership is all about making the lives of your team members better."