For over 20 years of traveling and working with teams and coaches, one of the biggest benefits is witnessing greatness when you are around it. One thing we have looked for when working with exceptional programs is the common traits. These are not the only ones, but here are 10 that separate athletic programs. My goal is to both challenge and encourage you as leaders of your athletic program. The most successful programs have the most intentional coaches and department leadership — "intentional" is the key word. The best programs have coaches who are intentional about everything; very little is left to chance. Here are 10 things that are not left to chance.
1. An Overriding Purpose — What Is Your Why?
Challenging question: Why does your athletic program exist?
These programs see beyond the day-to-day duties and responsibilities to a larger picture. This is usually a result of an Athletic Director who sees a bigger picture, has a clear vision, and can articulate exactly why athletics exists in the school. The stronger and clearer the "why," the quicker you are believed, the more players commit, and the more likely the success.