As a new season approaches, expectations are high, and leadership is vital. Every coach hopes their senior leaders will step up and take ownership of the team’s culture. Here is a guide on what every senior athlete should embrace to lead their program to success.
1. Leave a Lasting Legacy
This is your year and your team. Make a commitment to leave the program in a better place than you found it. Set a standard of excellence by showing up on time and being ready to go. Don’t talk about your coaches or teammates negatively.
2. Drive the Work Ethic Positively
You will drive the work ethic of the team. You get to decide if it’s positive or negative. Younger players naturally feed off your energy and standards. While coaches design the schedules and practices, seniors bring the enthusiasm. Set the tone for full effort every day—encourage everyone around you and hold underclassmen accountable so no one cuts corners. Make it feel out of place for anyone to skip reps or give less than 100%.
3. Remember Your Freshman Year
Think back to when you first joined the program. While younger players need to earn their place and build humility, they also need guidance and support. Be ready to offer constructive advice whenever they are humble enough to listen and learn. Treat them the way you wished someone would’ve treated you when you were in their cleats.
4. Embrace the Role of a Mentor
- As a senior, you are an advisor demonstrating what it takes to succeed. Lean into that responsibility rather than avoiding it, and become the role model younger teammates look up to throughout the season.
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