Just finished up my college baseball career last month, so I figured I would share some advice I wish I knew before I started my college career. These are based on my opinions and experiences, so if you disagree with some of these feel free to share your opinion. pic.twitter.com/UwWaxypSz0
— Riley Bender (@RileyBender7) June 15, 2026
Sport is a meritocracy. Career arcs generally follow production. As a D1 walk-on pitcher, I had about the undistinguished career that you would expect. As a Harvard freshman (not eligible then), I pitched batting practice to a team that went to Omaha. So there's that.
1. There are studs at every level.
Show up prepared physically and mentally every day. Don't blame coaches for our limitations.
2. Mental game importance
Attitude leads choices and effort. Even though we're not "in the game," be aware of the game flow, strategy, and personnel.
3. Mental game tips
Focus is trainable. Habit formation defines destiny. Mindfulness is a force multiplier.
4. Know your why.
Our why can change. Priorities (e.g. graduate school, earning spending money) can replace previous priorities.
5. Know your reasons for choosing a school.
Find a good fit. If sport is a primary driver and you don't have the same commitment to the school, then poor production, coaching changes, academic woes, or many other issues can derail the process and necessitate transfer.
6. Competition and relationships.
Coaching is a relationship business. Day-to-day competition can impact relationships. In some instances in sport, people sabotage others to advance their cause. Carl Pierson's "The Politics of Coaching" shares a valuable resource and is a worthy read for every coach and sports parent.
7. Nothing is promised.
Experience shows that expectations and reality often do not intersect. Life reflects the differences between what happens and our response.
8. Anything can happen.
Some people fashion incredible success stories from humble origins and others "flame out" despite having every advantage.
9. You get out what you put in.
The Greeks described three values - ethos (moral character and credibility), logos (reason/logic), and pathos (emotion). Hard work isn't a guarantee, but not working hard guarantees less. Ultimately character and competence separate most outcomes.
Lagniappe. Coach Berge coaching phrases.
What are your favorite coaching phrases?
— Greg Berge (@GregBerge) June 17, 2026
Here are 20 of the best.
1. "Iron sharpens Iron."
2. "Are you a fountain or a drain?"
3. "Trust the process."
4. "Be a champion by choice."
5. "Eliminate easy. Handle hard."
6. “Find an excuse or find a way.”
7. "Never give up."…
Two of my favorites are, "Everyone can't be a great player but everyone can choose to be a great teammate" and "sacrifice."
Lagniappe 2. Coaches want everyone to succeed.
If you watched your
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) June 17, 2026
1. Missed shots
2. Turnovers
3. Amount of standing watching the Ball
4. 1st 2 steps to the offensive glass, running the floor and in recovery defensively
5. How quick you get back on D after a turnover, missed shot or non call.
You’d get better QUICKLY
