If you’re part of a team where the coach is honest, transparent, caring, and non-abusive, this story is for you!

In a world where instant results are just a click away, many young athletes and their families expect immediate success. It’s easy to think that because a child shows talent, success should follow right away. But the reality is, the journey to greatness is rarely a straight line. Along the way, there will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. It’s in these moments that athletes truly grow.

For players and parents, it can be tempting to give up when things aren’t going well or jump from team to team in search of a “better opportunity.” But it’s important to remember that part of becoming great at anything is experiencing adversity, learning from it, and developing the resilience to push through. Instead of quitting or assuming your child is “better” than their current situation, embrace the discomfort. The lessons learned in these tough times will prepare athletes for long-term success.

Take the example of Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest basketball player ever. While his championships, MVP awards, and iconic moments are well-known, fewer people know about the adversity he faced early on. In high school, Jordan was cut from his varsity basketball team. Imagine if his parents, seeing their son’s disappointment, had removed him from the team, believing he was too talented to face this setback. What if they pushed him into a new team or situation? They could have sheltered him from failure, but they didn’t. Instead, they let him experience the setback, which fueled his legendary work ethic and determination.

Had Michael Jordan or his parents chosen to give up, we might never have witnessed the incredible legacy he left behind. And countless future athletes, like me would never have been inspired by his story. Jordan’s journey teaches us the power of trusting the process, even when things don’t go as planned.

As an athlete, it’s crucial to recognize that setbacks aren’t failures, they’re opportunities for growth. The temptation to switch teams or paths may seem appealing in the moment, but real success is built over time through hard work, consistency, and perseverance. Just as Michael Jordan didn’t let being cut from his high school team define him, athletes shouldn’t let temporary setbacks stop them. Instead of thinking “I should be better” or “I’m not good enough,” remind yourself, “This is part of my journey, and I will learn from it.”

I faced a moment of adversity in my college career. There was a time when I wasn’t performing at the level, I knew I was capable of, and my coaches recognized it too. I lost my starting position and was placed on the scout team. I was devastated. I broke down, cried, and even told my coach I QUIET!! For a day, I walked away. I wanted validation from those around me, friends, family, and teammates to tell me quitting was okay. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t the answer.

It wasn’t until my girlfriend, who had faced her own challenges in volleyball, said something that changed my mindset. She said, “You want me to tell you to quit because it’s easier than facing adversity.” Those words hit me hard. She was right. She had become an outstanding collegiate volleyball player because she faced challenges head-on. Her words inspired me to return, trust the process, and keep working.

What followed was life changing. I earned my starting position back, earned the respect of my coaches and teammates, became the top cornerback in the Big Sky Conference, played in two major bowl games, and was invited to the NFL Combine. I was ranked as the 12th best cornerback in the country by USA Today and was drafted by the 5-time Super Bowl champions, the San Francisco 49ers. Reflecting on my journey, I see that embracing adversity and trusting the process were the key turning points in my life.

To all the parents and athletes out there: greatness doesn’t come from avoiding challenges or switching teams to find an easier path. It comes from trusting that the tough times are part of your story. Embrace the struggles, push through adversity, and know that hard work will eventually pay off.

Just like Michael Jordan’s parents trusted the process, and as I did in my own journey, you must have faith that success will follow with the right mindset, resilience, and effort. Keep moving forward, stay focused on your goals, and be prepared for the right moment when it comes. The process is everything, trust it, and you’ll become stronger and more capable than you ever imagined.

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