My 3 Biggest Takeaways from HCTC24

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Head Coach Training Center (HCTC24) in Orlando, FL. HCTC is the top annual event for current and aspiring college basketball head coaches that focuses on off-the-court personal and professional development. As a coach myself, being able to hear other coaches speak about their journey, failures, successes, and managing it all the further they got into their career was extremely valuable. Here are the 3 biggest things I learned at HCTC24, and how I will continue to apply those in all aspects of my life.

1. Have a Why

If someone were to ask you, “Why are you coaching?”, would you be able to answer them? While it may seem like a small question, knowing why you get up and do what you do every single day helps to give a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and joy. Which truly impacts the way you think about things, the way you do things, as well as the outcomes of those things - no matter your profession.

Every coach knows that there are good days and bad days. And for college basketball coaches especially, it’s hard not to focus on the bad days. However, without making an effort to stay positive, you can easily get more overwhelmed and burnout. So, how can coaches avoid getting caught up in the little things? Remember your why. And go back to your why! Because those who love what they do are more likely to succeed, and can more easily overcome obstacles. I love being able to help young girls find their confidence and show them that they can do whatever they put their mind to. And no matter the outcome of a game, or entire season, I will show up for them because that’s what matters the most.

Not sure what your “why” is? Think about what motivates you and what has driven your choice to be a coach. Also consider your professional, and personal goals for the future. Then take time to reflect on those answers. Once you find your why, it will serve as your personal guide and eventually help you be more positive and motivated.

2. Be Authentic

Another theme from HCTC24 was the importance of authenticity. Being true to yourself and your values is easier said than done. But whether you’re ready for the next chapter, in the process of interviewing for a new role, or already have your dream position, being authentic is what can make or break the future of your career. 

Say you’re interviewing for a new head coach position, would you rather start that process as yourself and be able to continue to be yourself in the rounds of interviews, meeting campus staff, and getting introduced to the team? Or would you rather try and go back to being who you are after landing the job and “reintroducing” yourself to your staff, campus staff, and your team? Choosing authenticity right from the jump is always your best move because it’s the foundation for building trust and meaningful relationships. And if you're authentic and vulnerable, the better chances that your staff and team will do the same. That team-wide trust creates a space for everyone, especially your players, to connect on a deeper level, grow, explore new things, and thrive. Which all leads to lasting change in the culture of your program.

I will continue to be authentic with the young girls that I coach because I know that building that trust right away will help them to open up, be more confident, and lead to being the best versions of themselves. It’s also more fun, and when your team is having fun, the chances of them succeeding goes up. And if they don’t see the outcome they were looking for, other players will step up as leaders because of your initial authenticity.

3. Don't be afraid of the hard things

My final takeaway from HCTC24 is around not being afraid of the hard things. Every person’s job has that one hard thing that they may, or may not have to do. For college basketball coaches, that could mean benching your star player or asking them to go into the portal all because they don’t fit the team and the culture you’re trying to create. It could also mean making a decision of where to coach next or accepting a position over another. The hard things could also be being honest with your staff or speaking with your school’s administrators. No matter what your situation may be, don’t be afraid of addressing those hard things. If it’s best for the growth of your entire team, if it’s best for your overall culture, if it’s best for you, then you’re doing the right thing. And if you’re still unsure? Follow your gut and go back to your why.

As a young coach, I will be sure to come back to this advice when I encounter those hard situations because making those tough decisions and staying true to what you believe in will be the difference between being an average coach and a great coach.

A huge thank you to our friends and partners at HCTC for continuing to put on such a great event these past 8 years. Dr. Dish is proud to support and be a part of it!