While skiing the back bowls at Copper Mountain in Colorado a couple of years ago, I called out to one of my sons but heard another voice from the opposite direction respond, “Coach Alercio?” It was a former player from ten years prior who said he recognized my voice instantly.
That moment served as a powerful reminder that a coach’s voice truly leaves an imprint. A thoughtful coach uses his or her voice to lead, guide, and direct a student-athlete’s development. We must be careful to remember that a coach’s voice is a tool, not a weapon. As coaches, our voices can inspire or tear down. What you say in ten seconds can build a legacy or break a spirit. The power lies not just in what you say, but in how you say it.
I tell all my players, “If I hold you to a high standard, it’s because I believe in your potential.” I sincerely want to convey my confidence in their ability on the field and the character in their heart. I would encourage other coaches—or those in coaching, teaching, or mentoring roles—to let your voice become the inner voice they hear when facing fear, doubt, or adversity. I hope mine echoes in their minds now, and if I do it right, for the rest of their lives.
If I could truly wish for a legacy, I would hope that in some small way, the echoes of my voice and my words of encouragement find a way to become part of their inner compass going forward. I hear the voices of those who inspired me daily. Even on those occasions when a coach voiced his displeasure with my performance quite emphatically, I knew the sentiments expressed really meant, “I believe in you, and I know you can be better.”
This time of year, when our student-athletes are on the track, in the weight room, and on the field for OTAs instead of at the beach, the lake, or the river, your voice needs to be welcoming and encouraging while still maintaining high standards. If you want them to come and keep coming throughout the dog days of summer, those two hours need to be the best two hours of their day. Your voice sets that tone.
Let it echo beyond the field.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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