A couple of weeks ago I had a great conversation with a mum whose son was involved in the Volleyball program. The conversation was along the line of thank you for treating my son like a man.

I was not really sure how to take this comment, but I liked it. It also got me wondering what I was supposed to treat him like? If I treated him like a child I would be completely undervaluing his ability to act with forethought and maturity.

Athletes and young people in general, I believe, will become what you expect them to become. If you expect your athlete to make errors, blame other players, act like a idiot, they will do exactly that.

If you believe your athletes, students or children will trust their instincts, play aggressively and take responsibility for their actions they will do that.

Your athlete will become what you expect them to become.

Amen.