By Chris McQuilkin, MS, CSCS*D Most athletes are taught what to do. Very few are taught how to think. And that gap — between execution and understanding — is where most teams stall. Coaches explain the drill. They draw it up on the board. They walk through it step-by-step. Practice starts… and suddenly…
In recent years, a pressing question has emerged in the world of youth sports: Are today's young athletes becoming emotionally softer, or are coaches becoming more demanding? Or, can we all agree to just blame the parents? (Joking… sort of) The reality likely lies somewhere in between, highlighting a crucial…
We don’t control the actions of others. But only through discovering the “why” behind student actions, can we help them chart a path forward, teaching them the importance of personal accountability grounded in compassion.
– Brittany Romano and Jim Davis Some seasons are just… different. For New Trier Field Hockey, the 2025 season fits in that category. It began with ambition, grew through adversity, and ended with a finish that will be retold in the history of New Trier Field Hockey. Momentum from the…
For driven people, the instinct to do more is understandable. Achievement brings validation, security, and a sense of identity. We all want to feel like we matter. In competitive environments, success often feels like the byproduct of volume – more effort, more output, more wins. The early stages of a…
The ABC model in behavioral psychology outlines the relationship between antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. It serves as a diagnostic tool in various settings, but understanding behavior requires considering broader antecedents, including physiological and cultural factors. Integrating contemporary frameworks like HOP and CARE enhances this model, promoting sustainable behavior change through…
Jim Davis, Ed.M., MA, RSCC*E “That dog won’t hunt,” said the football coach about the athlete lagging during the final sprint. A tough appraisal. One of the most common psychological pitfalls in coaching is the fundamental attribution error (FAE). This principle, well-established in social psychology, refers to the tendency of…
Pat Williams, the legendary co-founder of the Orlando Magic, left an indelible mark on professional basketball and the city of Orlando. Over a remarkable 51-year career in the NBA, Williams exemplified what it means to be a leader—not only in title but in vision, courage, and service. Williams began his…
By Rijad Pekmez I’ve spent more than a decade in weight rooms. First as an athlete, now as a performance coach. My role is to guide athletes in becoming stronger, faster, and more efficient in their respective sports, all while helping them achieve both individual and team-oriented goals. And let…
By Reilly Dampeer, Head Coach and High Performance Program Manager at OKC National High Performance Center This letter shares the messages that I needed as a young athlete. No words are able to replace experience so I cannot honestly say that I would have heeded the lessons of each story…