As a college athlete, having a strong relationship with your coaching staff is incredibly important. So what are you supposed to do when your coach changes or leaves for another opportunity?
First off, don't panic. At the end of the day, being a college athlete is an experience that not everyone gets to have, and you will probably survive the inconvenience of your coach stepping down or being let go from their position. If you or anyone you know ever encounters a difficult situation where there is a coaching change, here are three important tips to remember so the situation does not become too overwhelming or stressful.
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Stay Positive
Whenever there is a staffing change on a sports team, it is sometimes hard to let go and move on from old expectations and routines that an old coach has implemented and made ordinary to you. Make sure to not worry too much about the possibilities when it comes to who will fill the position–overthinking and overanalyzing can cause unnecessary stress on you and the people around you. And who knows? Even if you absolutely loved the coach who's leaving, your new coach may be even better.
Related: A Coaching Change Can Be Stressful. Here's A Former D1 Swimmer's Advice on Navigating One (Part One)
Talk To Your AD
Your athletic director is the main person who oversees all the decisions that are made within the athletic department, so if there is some sort of change in your staff, they will be the ones to alert you and give you explanations as to why everything may be happening. There are many different situations as to why a coach may no longer stay with a team, but the athletic director will be there to take the next steps in finding a new coach who is qualified to take ofer. Reaching out about your individual situation and asking to meet with your athletic director is something you might want to consider if you are on any type of athletic scholarship or were promised certain things by your old coach. Players who have built a relationship with their athletic director, are able to confide in them for other problems or issues they may have down the road and use them as a helpful resource.
Stay Connected With Your Team and Supporting Staff
The relationships you form with your teammates and athletic staff are ones that will last you a lifetime, so it's important to remember to take care of your personal friendships and look out for one another during the difficult times. If there is a drastic change that you are all going through together, lean on each other and be supportive to one another. You all are on your own individual journeys, but being connected is something that will benefit you once a new coach arrives.
Transitioning between different coaches is definitely not always fun, but since the decision is out of your control you should remember to look back on these tips as a guide to helping you through the unique circumstance. If you truly want to continue and be a part of the program, be on top of your game and be a good athlete. Coaching changes are a learning experience and offer you an opportunity to grow on your own and together with your team.
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* Originally published on October 20, 2022, by Sarah Borer
