Fostering Respect & Trust in Coaching Relationships

“Respect is earned, not given.” I am sure many of you have heard this before but what does this really mean? What can I do, as a coach, to build the trust within our sports performance programs? How do I earn the respect and trust of my student-athletes and other coaches? I ask this because I know if I don’t address it, there will be no system in place for our development.

My student-athletes know how I operate so I wanted to get some of their feedback. “Why do you trust me in guiding your training process?” This was, essentially, what I asked. Hoping to keep the “coaching experience” out of their responses, I was able to receive great feedback on what I represent, what I may need to do, and what I need to continue to do moving forward.

• Setting high standards and expectations

  • As a coach, I always set high standards and expectations for my student-athletes. My main goal is for you to be available to compete in your sport. We are not here to break records in the weight room, my goal is to make you the best ‘X’ athlete you can be. I always make sure everyone is aware of what we are doing and why we are doing it. Not only does this establish a culture of excellence, but it provides a platform for quality communication. Constructive communication allows for honest conversations, especially when the student-athletes know I have their journey in mind.

• Cultivating a humble mindset

  • I am a coach, a teacher, and a learner. I keep training my student-athletes in ways that lead to positive adaptations, but I also explore other options as they present possibilities for greater adaptations. I’ve done my job to learn specific training methods for any athlete, in any sport, to be put in the best position possible to succeed. But, I don’t know everything. I take feedback from not only other coaches but the student-athletes as well. Their perspective is valuable as they may see or feel something I am not. Their development depends on my growth mindset.

• Showing genuine care and support

  • I want to develop meaningful connections with my student-athletes by showing genuine care and support for their well-being, both as athletes and individuals. The time to get to know them on a personal level, listen, and provide guidance when needed is necessary. I want their training to coincide with their goals and what they want to accomplish. When my athletes feel that I truly care about their success in and out of sport, they develop a deeper respect and trust in my coaching.

Understand, I don't care about being liked. I know my purpose, and that is helping student-athletes excel in every way possible. Respect is not something that I can demand or expect, but rather something I earn through consistent actions and genuine intentions. As I strive to create an environment where my student-athletes feel supported, challenged, and valued, I understand that trust is at the core of our coach-athlete relationship.