What legacy are you building?

2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey of lessons learned, victories celebrated, and the challenges that shaped us. This moment of reflection also brings an opportunity to look forward, to realign our purpose, and to renew our commitment to the athletes and communities we serve in the coming year.

This year, I have learned that coaching is far more than teaching skills or preparing for competition. It is a humbling opportunity to guide others from where they are to where they need to be, just as the original definition of a coach suggests. In 2024, my own growth as a coach was influenced by the 3D Institute and Joe Ehrmann’s InSideOut Coaching, which challenge us to redefine success, competition, and ultimately, our purpose in coaching.

The words of Proverbs 16:9 ring true as I reflect on this past year: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” While we may plan practices, strategies, and even set goals, the real transformation happens when we allow God to guide our steps and use our coaching to build something greater than ourselves.

As we move into 2025, I am inspired by the fact that true impact of coaching goes beyond the scoreboard. Colossians 3:23 calls us to a higher standard: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” This is the heart of a coaching philosophy that prioritizes athletes’ holistic growth. That means us helping them develop their character, build meaningful relationships, and discover their God-given purpose.

The new year offers a fresh opportunity to embrace the original spirit of competition. Not as a battle against others but as a chance to come together and grow. The Latin root of competere, meaning "to strive together," mirrors the biblical principle of unity in Philippians 2:2: “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Imagine what our teams and communities could accomplish if we competed with this mindset in 2025!

As you consider your goals for the year ahead, I encourage you to reflect on why you coach. What legacy are you building? How will you define success in 2025? Remember the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” The seeds we sow in our athletes today will bear fruit in their lives and communities for years to come.

As we step into the new year, may our coaching reflect the servant leadership of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). Let’s commit to a coaching philosophy that inspires excellence, cultivates virtue, and honors God in all we do. Together, we can make 2025 a year of transformation, both on and off the court!