C.O.A.C.H. Part 2: Outgoing

    So, we know that the letter “C” in C.O.A.C.H. stands for cardiovascular, simply put, one’s level of fitness.  So, what do you think the letter “O” stands for?

    The letter “O” stands for Outgoing – fitting in with your teammates right off the bat from day one of training camp.  This is one area where I don’t think a lot of freshmen understand how important this is in order to be successful right away.  Thus, many players isolate themselves and stay off by themselves, setting up a small barrier between them and the returning players that will need to be broken down during camp.  Why set up that barrier in the first place?  I always tell the freshmen to reach out to the returning players, to take the initiative to eat with them, talk with them, laugh and joke with them.  A college team is first and foremost a team, and as a new player, the onus is on you to make yourself part of that team.  The sooner you accomplish that feat, the sooner you will be accepted into the team and feel much more comfortable, and as a result, you will play much better. 

    Being outgoing and fitting in is even more important with girl’s teams or with teams that are already a very close and tight knit group.  Remember, returning players will almost always protect returning players before they protect or look after new players and the reasons are obvious;  the returning players are friends, they have lived and already played one, two or three years together, there is a built in trust factor that already exists.  

    As the “newbie,” it is your job to make it possible for the returning players to get to know who you are and what type of person you are.  If there are “team outings” during camp, don’t miss one of them.  If the captains tell everyone to go have lunch as a team, don’t miss it.  If the team arrives early and likes to play keep away or other group games make sure you are there early and participating every time.  It is during these non-training times together that a team builds trust and team chemistry and I have seen so many new players miss out on this very easy opportunity to fit in with the team.  It is during these times when players joke around, laugh, criticize, poke fun at one another and as the new kid in town, it is imperative that you are part of that.

    Being outgoing means that you are reaching out to your new teammates and this one single act will go a long way towards you fitting in with the team sooner and you experiencing a much more enjoyable first year in college.