Who we get...

The podcast guest said it again...

"We get the athletes we deserve."

He was a renowned sports psychologist and had worked with high level teams most of his career. He spoke candidly about his past experiences but this phrase stuck.

"We get the athletes we deserve?"

You could look at this through a philosophical lens, or as an idea of revenge or payback for past actions coaching and recruiting your teams. 

Maybe he was referring to physicality. Bring in a slew of big, strong athletes and watch games get more physical? 

Or maybe he just meant that if we coach at a high level, we will get high level athletes.

Maybe he meant engage your athletes throughout your two a week practices- EVERY practice- and get the most out of them mentally and physically.

Maybe he was referring to the idea that transactional coaching, monetizing athletes for what they can do for your career and ego and showing them the darker side of athletics will haunt the potential of the team?

Perhaps coaching with empathy, treating athletes as individuals-that are part of something bigger than themselves will return athletes humbled and grateful for their experiences they will transfer into life.

It certainly isn't quid pro quo. You can't expect to recruit the best outside hitter from another club and expect them to lead you in kills every game. Sports doesn't operate at the junction of want and result.

Maybe he just meant what we put into our athletes emotionally, mentally and physically is what we can expect to get from them. Infuse positive, athlete centered, engaging transformational coaching into your team and while it isn't a guarantee, perhaps reap athletes (and maybe parents) who are appreciative, intelligent and emotionally secure.

Depending upon the coach you are is maybe who we get...