Athlete-coach relationship extends beyond field

Jaiden Herald | Co-Editor-in-Chief

In most cases, an athlete’s success is determined by the season record, personal statistics and individual achievements. Everyone has heard that practice makes perfect and knows that in order to achieve success, one must work for it. However, said success is due in part to an athlete’s strong foundation that of which stems from the athlete-coach relationship.

Coaching is a large commitment. Athletes spend hours upon hours with their coach during their sporting season, often times spending as much, if not more, time with their team and coach than they do their own family or friends. Coaches are role models and affect more than just their athletic performance. A coach’s relationship with their athletes builds success that extends beyond the sport.

“The relationship between athletes and coaches is what lasts, that’s what matters. It affects their athletic performance, but also when an individual knows their coach cares then it also provides them a sense of self worth,” head basketball coach Brent Jameson said.

According to Jameson, most coaches become coaches because of the relationship they will have with their ath

letes.

“The relationship you have with a coach will affect you and the team both on and off the court. A positive relationship with a coach will lead to a more positive team environment. Having a positive environment enhances on court performance. The chemistry of the team will be much better when you respect your coach,” said Jaylah Mays (12), basketball captain.

“Having a good coach is important to the entire team because when the team trusts the coach, and their decisions then I just feel as though the team is a lot more successful. If everyone is angry with the coach or mad at the decisions they make, then the team could not work well as a whole, causing defeat or no success throughout the season,” Riley Pool (12) said.

Athletes believe that a strong relationship with a coach is built upon mutual respect and a trusting relationship. “I do feel like my relationship with my coach/coaches is important not only because I want them to know that I respect and trust them but that they respect and trust me,” Pool said.

A coach’s relationship and general attitude determines the teams mood and influences individual motivation.

“Having a good coach is important for many reasons. Morale is a big thing, [and]having a good coach who everybody likes makes the sport more enjoyable for everyone,” Cole Atha (11) said.

Coaches should be encouraging yet able to give criticism to their players in a way that maintains a level of respect.

“A good coach must have the following qualities: the ability to motivate and inspire,knowledge of the sport, a willingness to sacrifice their time and effort, a love for their players and a strong amount of discipline,” Mays said. Athletes that are wishing to continue their athletic careers at the college level find that the coach is an integral part to their decision.

“When I was looking to commit to a college team, I was looking at the instant relationships I formed with the coach. If they gave a bad vibe off then I did question if I wanted to go to that school. I think the coaches affected my decision because I thought to myself, ‘Do I want to play for this person for 4 years?’ and ‘Will I enjoy my time as a college athlete if I play for this person?’ Pool said.

How a coach treats their athlete leaves a lasting mark. Even after the game clock runs out or the season is long over, the relationship an athlete has with their coach will remain.