The past several months I have done an informal survey with young athletes and I have to be honest, the results have been shocking to say the least.

So what is this informal survey I am referring to? 

Well, the nametag above says it all!

I have asked probably just over one hundred high school and college athletes since December 2009 the following question:

"How is training going (at your school or training facility)?  By the way, what's the name of your coach?"

Okay okay,  this may seem like an obvious question, BUT, the majority of athletes had NO IDEA what the actual name was of the coach who was working with them!  UNBELIEVABLE!

Sure they could describe him or her as to what they looked like, however, their name?  It was simply 'Coach'.  And what was worse was that they really did not even care!

Now right now I am sure as you are reading this you are thinking, THAT'S NOT ME.   And while it is probably not, I am positive there is at least one or two athletes you work with that you have yet to truly connect with on a personal basis.

If the story you are helping your athletes tell on their sports journey is predominantly based on an improved  forty yard dash, single RM bench press, or any other systemic value, than you are not a very good author!

Take the time this week and connect with an athlete whom you have yet to get to know and who most likely does not even know your name, especially if you are working in a large school setting or group private training facility.

Better yet, when was the last time you talked with your athletes about something other than their workout for the day?

The impact and influence coaches can have on a young person's life is like no other.  We never know how what we say or do (or what we don't say or don't do) affects the lives of our athletes in ways well beyond even the weight room or field or court.

Make getting to know your athletes on a personal level, no matter what their age, a priority this week...

You will be glad you did!