When a student-athlete is actively being recruited, coaches, recruiting scouts reaches out to your coach. Why? Because they want to get to know you, the student and the student-athlete! One question always rises somewhere at the top (if not the top)… “is the student-athlete coachable?” And your coaches answer should be “yes!” Coachability can make or break your recruiting prospects! So… what is coachability?

Coachability refers to a student-athlete’s ability and willingness to receive feedback, guidance, and instruction from a coach, mentor, or authority figure, and to apply that feedback constructively to improve their performance or skills. A coachable individual is open-minded, receptive to new ideas, willing to learn and adapt, and able to take constructive criticism without becoming defensive, mad, or resistant. Being coachable is often considered a valuable trait in various contexts, including sports, education, professional development, and personal growth, as it fosters continuous improvement and growth throughout one’s life! As stated, there are certain qualities that a student-athlete must have to be coachable. Let’s take a closer look!

Open Minded:

Being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback without being overly defensive or resistant. If you want to be the best you can be at your sport, you must have an open mind to new ideas, new techniques, and new strategies.

Willingness to Learn:

Having a genuine desire and motivation to acquire new knowledge, skills, and insights.

Humility:

Being modest and acknowledging that there is always room for improvement, regardless of one’s current level of expertise.

Adaptability:

Being flexible and able to adjust one’s approach or mindset based on feedback and changing circumstances.

Self-Reflection:

Engaging in introspection to assess one’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, and being receptive to feedback that helps in this process.

Resilience:

Having the ability to bounce back from setbacks, failures, or criticism and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Accountability:

Taking ownership of one’s actions, performance, and outcomes, and being willing to take responsibility for making necessary changes.

Effective Communication:

Being able to express thoughts, concerns, and questions clearly and respectfully, and actively participating in constructive dialogue with coaches or mentors.

Commitment:

Demonstrating dedication and consistency in efforts to improve, even when faced with challenges or obstacles.

Trust:

Establishing and maintaining a trusting relationship with coaches or mentors, and being open to their guidance and support.

These coachable traits can vary in prominence and importance depending on the individual, the specific context, and the goals of the coaching or mentoring relationship. However, cultivating these qualities can greatly enhance an individual’s ability to benefit from coaching and achieve personal and professional growth. Next week, we look at how student-athletes and their parents can help nurture them towards coachability.