In sports, personal growth often takes center stage for athletes. We celebrate their dedication, hours of practice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. But what about the coaches who guide them? The truth is that coaches require just as much focus on their growth—maybe even more.
During my time behind the scenes in college sports, I witnessed firsthand the immense dedication coaches put into their teams. They're not just showing up for practice; they're deeply invested in their players' success, often at the expense of their personal lives. Long hours spent on campus, late-night game footage reviews, and the pressure of endless administrative tasks can mean something has to give—usually time with family and self-care.
Yet, how often do athletic departments support coaches facing these pressures? While athletes usually have access to mental health resources, coaches frequently navigate their challenges alone. This gap highlights the need for coaches to cultivate skills that enhance their effectiveness and support their well-being.
The Reality of Coaching: Stress, Workload, and Identity
Coaching comes with its own unique set of pressures that can quickly go unnoticed. A recent NCAA survey revealed that over 60% of coaches frequently experience stress related to workload, and nearly half struggle to balance their coaching responsibilities with personal life. The role of "coach" often becomes intertwined with personal identity, with 70% of coaches reporting that their profession significantly shapes who they are.
But why is it so hard for coaches to "switch off"? The truth is, coaching is much more than just a job—it's an all-encompassing commitment. Coaches often become deeply invested in the success and well-being of their athletes, which can make it challenging to separate work from personal life. While this dedication is part of what makes great coaches, it can also lead to exhaustion if they don't find ways to manage the mental and emotional load. Developing strategies to set boundaries around their time and energy is crucial—not to distance themselves from their teams but to ensure they can show up fully as professionals and individuals.
Finding Balance Through Personal Development
While athletic departments routinely provide resources for athletes, few mandate personal development sessions for coaches despite the clear need. Prioritizing personal development equips coaches with the emotional resilience and self-awareness to manage these pressures effectively. It allows them to handle internal stressors, prevent burnout, and ensure they can lead clearly and confidently.
Coaches like Phil Jackson, for example, have famously integrated mindfulness practices, meditation, and leadership development into their methods. Known as the "Zen Master" of basketball, Jackson didn't just focus on plays and game strategies—he worked to develop his players emotionally and mentally while maintaining his personal growth as a coach. This philosophy helped him win 11 NBA championships and is a prime example of how personal development benefits athletes and the entire team culture.
Taking a step back, personal development also plays a crucial role in how coaches interact with each other. Within any coaching staff, there are often strong personalities, diverse viewpoints, and sometimes conflicting strategies. Without the right tools, these tensions can create friction, leading to breakdowns in communication or strained relationships. Personal development helps coaches cultivate empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills—allowing them to better understand each other's perspectives and work through disagreements constructively.
A coaching staff that invests in its growth will be better equipped to create a unified front, setting the cultural foundation for the entire program. When coaches are in sync, it trickles down to the athletes. Teams often mirror the staff dynamics—if coaches are collaborative, empathetic, and aligned in their goals, the athletes are more likely to adopt those same values. By focusing on their own development, coaches become better leaders and create a positive, cohesive environment that enhances team morale and performance. The internal culture within the coaching circle is as influential as the culture they're trying to establish with their athletes.
Ultimately, personal development isn't just a bonus for coaches—it's necessary. It strengthens their ability to balance the demands of the job, fosters healthier relationships within the coaching staff, and enhances the culture of the entire program. As athletic departments prioritize personal development for their coaches, they will see more robust, more resilient teams and healthier, more fulfilled coaches who can truly thrive in all aspects of their roles.
In the end, when coaches grow, everyone benefits.
NCAA. (2021). NCAA Coaches' Survey: Mental Health, Workload, and Career Satisfaction. NCAA Coaches' Survey
Trudel, P., & Gilbert, W. (2006). Coaching and Coach Education. In D. C. R. M. Côté & J. A. Baker (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Sports Coaching. Routledge.
Jackson, P. (2004). The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul. New York: Penguin Press.
Jackson, P., & Delehanty, H. (2013). Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success. New York: Penguin Press.
B. L. F., & Schaefer, B. (2020). The Impact of Work-Related Stress on Coaches and Their Athletes. Sports Medicine, 50(4), 547-558.
Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.
Comments