It Takes a Village: Why Parents and Coaches Must Work Together

One of the greatest influences in the life of a young athlete is their parents. While coaches play an important role in developing athletes, we should never forget that parents are the primary influence in shaping who their children become. When parents and coaches understand their roles and work together, the athletic experience becomes something much greater than wins, losses, and individual accomplishments.

In this clip on the B3rd Podcast I had the opportunity to visit with Joey Cluley, Athletic Director at Mount Pleasant High School. One of the things Joey emphasized was the importance of building strong relationships between parents and coaches. His message was simple: It takes a village to raise young people, and we should all want to help each other.

Too often, parents and coaches find themselves on opposite sides. Parents want what is best for their child, while coaches are trying to do what is best for the team. But these two goals don't have to compete. In fact, when both parties communicate openly, trust one another, and recognize that they share a common purpose, everyone benefits.

Coaches should be willing to be transparent with parents about their expectations, their philosophy, and how they are working to develop young people. At the same time, parents should recognize that coaches have an opportunity to teach their children lessons that are difficult to learn anywhere else. Accountability, sacrifice, perseverance, humility, and learning to put others before ourselves are all valuable lessons that athletics can provide.

At B3rd Athletics, we believe sports are a classroom for life. The goal isn't simply to develop better athletes but to help young people become the best version of who God created them to be. That requires intentional effort from everyone involved.

Parents and coaches aren't competitors for influence. They are partners in the formation of young people.

When we begin to see one another this way, we create an environment where athletes can grow, struggle, fail, learn, and ultimately become better people.

God First. Others Second. Me Third.