👁️ Passing The Eye Test

📰 COLLEGIATE ELITES WEEKLY

Issue 030 — January 6, 2026

Before we talk about training, standards, or readiness, we need to define something that often gets talked about a lot but rarely explained.

What is the Eye Test?

The eye test is simple:

It’s whether an athlete looks the part or not.

An athlete passing the eye test looks ready to compete at their current level and above.

They’re composed.
They’re prepared.
They move with intent.

Here is what you can do to pass →

‼️ WHY THE EYE TEST MATTERS

Coaches watch them and think:
“Yeah… that athlete belongs.”

Athletes who don’t pass the eye test look unprepared. They look rushed, distracted, casual about moments that matter. Nothing is outright wrong, they are technically doing it, but nothing says ready, either.

On the other hand, athletes who consistently pass the eye test are doing the small things right. Not perfectly, but intentionally. Their presence alone signals seriousness and ready for the moment.

That’s what the eye test is really about:

How many areas in your sport can you show up ready for before anyone has to tell you to?

Most athletes think improvement starts with better drills, better programming, or better genetics.

It doesn’t.

It starts with whether you look ready to do the work.
That’s the eye test.

It’s a mindset. An approach. It’s how you operate.
And it matters more than most people realize.

 🥇ELITE PERFORMANCE STARTS BEFORE THE WHISTLE

High-level athletes don’t flip a switch at competition. They build readiness all day long.

That includes:

• How you sleep.

• How you wake up.

• How you warm up.

• How you transition between drills.

• How you cool down.

• How you recover.

None of this is accidental.
Readiness is a habit.
And habits show.

⚠️ YOU DON’T “STUMBLE” INTO STANDARDS

One of the biggest mistakes young athletes make is assuming seriousness comes after success.

It doesn’t.

Looking like an elite athlete comes before becoming one.

You don’t wait until you’re dominant to act focused.
You act focused so dominance has room to show up.

The fastest way to raise your ceiling is to raise your standards early.

Even if:

• You’re new to the sport.

• You’re behind your peers.

• You’re still figuring things out.

Passing the eye test costs nothing.
But it compounds fast.

🔁 THE SIMPLE ACCOUNTABILITY LOOP

Ask yourself this every day:

If someone who didn’t know me walked in right now, would they assume I’m serious about this?

If the answer is yes, you’re on track.
If it’s no, adjust immediately.

That awareness alone changes:

• How you train.

• How you prepare.

• How others perceive you.

• How you perceive yourself.

🎯 FINAL THOUGHT

The sooner you hold yourself to higher standards, the sooner real gains show up.

Not just physically but mentally

Confidence grows.
Consistency improves.
Opportunities increase.

Because long before results show up on paper…

You’re already passing the eye test.

Be Elite.

✅ TAKE ACTION

📍 In Seattle?

Come train with us in person at the Collegiate Elites weight room.
Get hands-on coaching, structured training, and the same environment our college athletes trust to stay sharp. 👉

🌐 Not local?
Train with a former college athlete — online or in your area. 👉