What Swimmers need to Hear

During the middle of the season and during hard training, athletes can be a little fragile.  Make sure you are letting your athletes hear what they need to hear.

1.  I think that the athlete needs to hear that their contributions are valuable to the team.  I am not talking about performance.  I complimented two of my swimmers this past weekend, one for her enthusiasm which was contagious, and one for her leadership among the freshmen.  I could tell they appreciated the words and it sent a message that they were contributing to the overall success of the team

2.  I think that the athlete needs to hear that their hard work is going to pay off.  Make sure your athletes understand the practices, and the process.  Teach them the value of being a student-athlete and also try to tie it to more than just athletic success.  Right now, my team is in the middle of a very busy part of the semester and each practice they make, and each test they pass, is another step in learning how to succeed in a busy world.

3.  I think the athlete needs to hear that the coach cares.  Show enthusiasm on a daily basis on deck, stand during practice, walk around and talk to the whole team.  Athletes work hard for a coach that cares and has the fire. 


At Calvin we also listen to the Word of God and we read Psalm 100 to start our week.  Reading from Psalms is a great way to go into November and prepare for Thanksgiving.  Enjoy

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.