📣 What Makes a Coach Great (and How to Get the Most Out of One)

📰 COLLEGIATE ELITES WEEKLY

Issue 017 — October 7, 2025

Ever had a coach who changed everything?

The kind who made you believe in yourself, work harder, think differently?

Great coaches aren’t just about running drills or calling plays. They shape athletes. They teach lessons that go far beyond the scoreboard. But not every athlete (or parent) knows how to recognize, or get the most out of, a great coach.

Here’s what sets the best coaches apart, and how to make the most of having one on your side.

🧠 GREAT COACHES TEACH MORE THAN SPORT

The best coaches don’t just develop skills, they develop people.

They teach accountability, communication, emotional control, and resilience. Those lessons might not show up on a stat sheet, but they are what will last long after the final whistle.

If your athlete is learning lessons that apply outside of practice, showing up on time, handling tough feedback, being a better teammate… that’s a sign their coach is doing something right.

🧩 THEY KNOW THEIR SPORT AND HOW TO TEACH IT

A great coach has a deep understanding of their sport and, even more importantly, they know how to translate that knowledge.

Here’s what to look for:

• They explain the why behind drills or corrections.

• They tailor feedback to the athlete, not just the team.

• They stay curious, constantly learning, asking questions, updating their approach.

• They can break down complex skills in ways that actually make sense.

It’s not about how loud a coach is or how long they’ve been around. It’s about how effectively they can help athletes improve.

💪 THEY CHALLENGE YOU, THE RIGHT WAY

Great coaches combine high standards with real support. They give honest feedback, push athletes to improve, and won’t sugarcoat effort. Their effectiveness shows in how they guide, correct, and encourage athletes. Look for signs like:

• Follow-through: They correct mistakes and make sure athletes are improving.

• Consistency: They maintain standards and hold athletes accountable.

• Supportive challenge: They push athletes while celebrating effort and progress.

• Adaptability: They adjust coaching based on each athlete’s skill level and needs.

Pro tip: When a coach challenges you, treat it as a chance to rise to the occasion. Apply corrections, push yourself, and show that you can meet the standard. Over time, this mindset will turn feedback into growth.

🤝 GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR COACH

The athletes who grow fastest are the ones who approach feedback with focus, effort, and a willingness to improve. Elite athletes master this early.

Here’s how to get the most out of your coach:

• Be coachable: Listen, take feedback seriously, and put it into action. Showing you’re willing to learn makes coaches invest in you.

• Take ownership: Don’t wait for motivation, bring it yourself.

• Stay consistent: Be the athlete they can count on to show up ready.

• Keep perspective: Feedback isn’t personal, it’s a roadmap to growth.

🎯 FINAL THOUGHT

The right coach shows you how to get the most out of yourself, every practice, every game, and every season. They challenge you, support you, and guide you toward growth.

If you’ve got a coach like that, embrace it. Apply feedback, rise to the challenges they set, and let their guidance push you further than you thought possible.

If you haven’t found that coach yet, keep your standards high. The right coach will help you become not just a better athlete, but a stronger, more capable person.

✅ 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. 👉