Trying out for a school school team?

School sports are so much more than wins and losses. They’re a training ground for life. Players develop skills, build healthy habits, and form friendships that can last well beyond the game.

But what makes a player truly stand out in a coach’s eyes? From my years as a head high school coach and assistant college coach, I can tell you that it's not just about natural talent. Good coaches value three things (above most else): Effort, Sportsmanship, Coachability. 

***Depending on the age group and competitive level, coaches sometimes have to make cuts and be selective with their rosters. If you’re cut from a team, it doesn’t automatically mean you had a “bad coach.” In fact, it’s often one of the hardest decisions a coach has to make.

But here’s the truth: these three traits will always set you apart. Coaches aren’t eager to work with athletes who give minimal effort, refuse to play fair, or are too stubborn to listen. Trust me. ✨

#1 Effort 

Effort shows up before the game even starts. It's HOW you warm up, HOW you prepare mentally, and HOW you react when things get tough.

• Come prepared & focused.

• Chase every ball, no matter how far it seems.

• Push through fatigue when your body wants to slow down (safely).

Consistent effort it one of the clearest behavioral signs of motivation (Weinberg & Gould, 2023). It tells coaches you're committed to your own growth and to your team's success, whether or not the scoreboard is in your favor.

#2 Sportsmanship 

Sportsmanship is about how you treat others in the heat of competition.

• Respect your teammates, opponents, referees, and coaches.

• Show grace in victory, humility in defeat.

• Keep your words and actions uplifting, even under pressure.

Respect & fairness are critical for building a positive team culture. Teams with strong sportsmanship not only perform better, they create an environment where players want to STAY & GROW (Williams & Krane, 2021).

#3 Coachability 

Being coachable means being open to feedback, even when it challenges you.

• Maintain a growth mindset, and always look for ways to improve.

• Be willing to unlearn habits that aren’t serving you.

• Listen, apply, and adjust.

Athletes who embrace learning (rather than protecting their ego) develop skills faster and adapt better to challenges (Weinberg & Gould, 2023).

Quick Tips:

Tip	Why It Matters
Being early is being on time	Punctuality shows respect for your coaches and teammates.
Fuel your body well	Sleep, nutrition, and recovery aren’t optional for peak performance.
Ask thoughtful questions	Curious players improve faster and show they care.
Support teammates	Great teams are built by athletes who lift each other up.
Reflect after games	Growth comes from knowing what worked and what needs to be improved.

Final Thought

When you bring effort, sportsmanship, and coachability to the table, you’re not just making a good impression, you’re building the foundation for success beyond the game! Talent can open doors, but these 3 qualities keep you in the game for the long run. 🧠💪

Ready to take your game to the next level?

I help athletes build confidence, resilience, and crush their goals! . 🧠💪

Book your free consultation call with me below, and let's get started!

Click me!

References

Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology (8th ed.). Human Kinetics.

Williams, J. M., & Krane, V. (2021). Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.