A Conversation Review With an NCAA Head Coach - Northville, Michigan

Hi Everybody,

Coach Jerry here, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

I just wanted to share some insight from a phone conversation I had with an NCAA hockey coach.

The original purpose of the call was to discuss off-season training for one of our current athletes who is committed to play for the program next fall.  

After discussing our program, our conversation shifted with the coach asking about this player work ethic, personality, how do they carry themselves in the gym, are they attentive or do we have to grab their attention on a regular basis?  

I’ve mentioned this before to all our athletes who train with us, whether it’s in a small group or team training, that you never know who coaches know and talk to.

This is a prime example of a coach who was interested in gaining more insight on the type of player they’re bringing into their program.

It’s not always about who has the most skill, but coaches are interested in the character of the player off the ice.

Fortunately, in this situation I was able to give an excellent report about the player because truth be told, this player is exactly what a coach wants not just on the ice, but off the ice as well.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering about this player and what I told the coach? Here is what I have observed of this player:

  • They are on time!
  • They come prepared (mentally and physically)
  • Goes right into preparing for the workout by taking time to foam roll
  • They’re attentive and not talking while our coaches are instructing
  • Their head is up and making eye contact
  • Doesn’t distract others in the group or gym
  • 100% effort
  • Respectful and friendly to our coaches and others in the gym
  • Phone is put away the whole time
  • Helps put equipment away when finished
  • Doesn’t complain about being asked to help clean up
  • Doesn’t boast about their skill, points or teams  (Humble)
  • Shakes the hand of our coaches
  • Say’s thank you after every workout

This probably doesn’t look like much, but honestly these actions carry a long way and really speaks to the type of person this player is and higher level coaches are looking for these types of players.

I felt that I should share this information as tryouts and the spring season are underway. Decisions for next fall are also being made so I wanted to share some insight on the little things that coaches ask and want to know about when it comes to a player of their interest.

I hope you found this interesting and will share this with your son or daughter to help further their development.

As always if you have any questions feel free to email me vangilderperformance@gmail.com or visit us at coachjerryv.com 

To Your Success,

Jerry Vangilder, CFSC, FMSC
Owner, Strength and Conditioning Coach
Vangilder Performance and Fitness