This is a big part of the book I’m currently working on. The question for us coaches is how we can invite kids to love the sport again? What broader social forces do we have to reimagine, and who do we have to be as coaches to do that work with and for young people?

If she’s in your corner, you’ll absolutely know it. One of the biggest, most supportive fans ever. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! Her love of hoops and her kids and grandkids grounds my own.

As a coach, you need to set a good example for how to act in pressure situations. If you keep your composure and remain mentally strong, your players will likely do the same.

We’re wired for belonging—throughout history, survival depended on it. Today, the brain still tracks what the group values. A strong team identity doesn’t just drive compliance—it reshapes how players value effort, sacrifice, and long-term goals.

Watching Scottie Scheffler’s people love and support him they way they do only reinforces for me how much freedom an athlete can play with when they know they’re loved irrespective of performance. There’s a lesson for us in that as coaches.

This is a great and important thread.

Dereon Barnes ‘28 6’1” Burnsville with the tough finish… We have a physical battle😤going on in game 2 at ⁦Prep Hoops Circuit 🏀⁩ Westside Waves 15U 🆚 15U Real Phenom RG #PHHardWorkRegionFinals

Dereon has looked really strong this spring. He had a fantastic year playing JV for us this past season, and can’t wait to see his continued growth this summer!

Both these young men excelled as freshmen for us, earning JV minutes together at the end of the season. Eager to see their continued growth and leadership development over the next 3 years. Proud of them both!

🚨 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 These prospects are making noise on the court! ✍️ #PHHardWorkRegionFinals 📎 events.prephoops.com/info?website_i… Preston Crider

Aiden has grown tremendously over his freshmen year. High IQ player just discovering his potential. Can’t wait to watch it unfold for him!

🚨 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 Check out who’s making an impact! ✍️ #PHHardWorkRegionFinals 📎 events.prephoops.com/info?website_i…

It’s lonely at the top—but it doesn’t have to be. Great head coaches know when to lead from the front and when to be just another voice in the room. That’s how you break down barriers. That’s how trust grows. That’s how good coaching staffs become great.

It’s not culture vs. strategy. Culture is strategy. When athletes feel disconnected from their purpose, role, or leadership, they spend their mental energy trying to belong—and have less to give to performance. Culture isn’t separate from strategy—it drives it.

Yeah Yannick! One of our rising seniors in our basketball set for a big year next season, beginning with excellence on the track this spring!

Jayden has been focused on improving in all the right areas this spring. I can’t wait for the summer ahead, and for him to step into his role in helping lead us next season!

Connor gave us strong minutes this past season, and is readying himself to make massive contributions this upcoming season! His best basketball is ahead of him, and I can’t wait to get a front row seat for it!

Elite coaches are "architects of their environment." What sets them apart? • They lead through values • They build structure and clarity • They coach the whole person • They align their staff around the mission That’s high-performance leadership.

Yeah Carp! This kid has attacked his development, and stepped into a leadership role in a major way this spring. So proud of you, and can’t wait for what’s ahead!

Not every athlete who holds back is lazy or unmotivated. Research shows that self-handicapping behaviors—like procrastination, lack of effort, and under-preparation—often stem from an excessive striving for perfection and the belief that success is beyond their control. Instead