Do you believe in your players?

Chris Watkins, long time Division I women's head coach, wants every youth sports coach in the country to really believe in the kids they coach.

Not the best player? Believe in them.

Not the fastest? Believe in them.

Not the best shooter? Believe in them.

30 years of top level coaching has taught Chris some tough lessons. Are you ready to learn?

SHOW NOTES

Special guest, Coach Chris Watkins, shares his journey transitioning from Gonzaga to Boston College and discusses his coaching philosophy centered around treating players as he would want his own son to be treated. He provides deep insights into the difficulties of making team cuts, the importance of perseverance, and building confidence in young athletes.

Chris emphasizes the significance of doing hard things and acquiring life skills through sports. Stories of influential coaches and lessons learned through personal experiences highlight the timeless impact coaches can have on their players. The episode wraps up with the essential message of believing in your players and the lasting legacy of great coaching.

00:00 Welcome to the Kid First Sports Podcast

00:20 Mixed Feelings About Alumni Games

00:55 A Special Alumni Game Experience

01:31 Introducing Coach Chris Watkins

01:52 Chris Watkins' Move to Boston College

02:46 Challenges and Opportunities at Boston College

04:04 The Importance of Treating Players Well

04:41 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Coaching

05:58 Handling the Difficult Task of Cutting Players

07:09 Building a Positive Team Culture

10:42 Reflecting on BYU Soccer Tryouts

13:03 The Role of Confidence and Effort in Player Selection

15:30 Challenges in Youth Sports Coaching

19:19 Embracing Feedback and Continuous Improvement

20:07 Character and Performance in Business

20:56 The Rarity of a Growth Mindset

21:36 Coaching Philosophy and Culture Building

22:34 Lessons from Working with Jen Rockwood

23:08 Reflections on Coaching at BYU

24:41 Overcoming Failures and Learning from Defeats

28:20 The Impact of Belief and Mentorship

33:31 Heart Lessons for Youth Coaches

39:08 Final Thoughts and Call to Action