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Saturday, March 29, 2025

How Do You Define Success as a Coach?


Success as a coach has no "unitary" meaning. Some will judge coaches by "external recognition" (e.g. awards), others by record, reputation, personal relationship, or 'player experience'. All have some validity. 

Bill Parcells said, "you are what your record says you are." Our 'wins and losses' depend on many inputs - talent, coaching, schedule, health, and to a degree, luck. If we're playing a team from a community of 60,000 which has 12 hours of practice time a week and eight players, our 13 from 30,000 with three hours of practice time battles an uneven playing field. If you choose a small roster or only capable players in a developmental setting, you should outperform. 

Every coach's criteria for success will differ. Who am I to tell another coach their standard for success? Here are my two:

1) What was the 'player experience'? Everyone's differs. The opportunities for growth arose from practice, offseason player development sessions (optional), and games. Players got the opportunity to play in preseason 'tournaments' (I sponsored), got minutes twice in each half, received notebooks, handouts (e.g. Pyramid of Success, Bilas "Toughness" criteria, playbook/expectations), and periodic email progress reports to parents. There was total transparency as parents were offered attendance at practice, pre- and post-game talks, and the breakup dinner. 

Was everyone satisfied? That will never happen. I own whatever shortcomings existed. 

2) What kind of people graduated from the program? Did we produce leaders? Did some achieve their dreams? 

  • One player fully achieved her dream of attending the Naval Academy and is now a Navy helicopter pilot. Incredible. 
  • Another player is in the final stages of veterinary school. 
  • Multiple players became high school valedictorians. 
  • Multiple players were named All-Scholastics or All-State in various sports (basketball, volleyball)
  • Multiple players earned entry into the local high school athletic Hall of Fame.
  • Multiple players earned masters degrees in various fields.
  • Two players are currently playing D1 basketball on scholarship. 
  • Multiple players became executives in Fortune 500 companies.
  • Many players are succeeding as parents and citizens. 
They deserve the credit for doing the unrequired work needed to achieve their goals. To all I say, MUDITA, "your joy is my joy." At least we didn't impede their progress and in some cases made an empowering difference. 

None of us get a 'do-over'. Current coaches get the chance for a do-better. Take the opportunity to share your experiences. 

Lagniappe. If we have the talent, then "basketball is a game meant to be played fast." 

 Lagniappe 2. Caring. 

Lagniappe 3. "Take away everything that they do well."


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