RandolphStrong

As an AD, one of the hardest parts of your job is making difficult decisions that will always generate mixed emotions. No matter how thoughtful or fair your decision is, someone will likely be disappointed. Leadership often requires choosing what is right over what is popular. Those decisions can also reveal the true nature of relationships. Because of your position, some people will naturally want to be close to you. But titles come and go. Make sure the people in your circle value you not because of the authority you have or the decisions you can make, but because of your character, your integrity, and the values you live by. Your title may open doors, but your character is what earns lasting respect. Surround yourself with people who would still choose your friendship if the title were gone tomorrow.

As an AD, one of the hardest things I witness our coaches deal with is a parent wanting it more than their child. Coaches use offseason work ethic, skill, athleticism, and what is most valuable to the team when determining playing time. Parents often hear from their child that the coach does not like them, that it is unfair, or that favorites are being played. In many situations, the harder truth is that the child simply does not love the sport as much as the parent does. That can lead to parents fighting battles with coaches that their child should be learning to handle themselves. One of the most important lessons sports can teach young people is how to communicate, compete, handle adversity, and advocate for themselves. Playing time is rarely about one conversation or one moment. It is usually about consistency, effort, preparation, attitude, and trust built over time. This has become an ongoing trend in sports today. The athletes who grow the most are usually the ones who learn to accept coaching, respond to challenges, and take ownership of their role instead of relying on others to fight their battles for them.