As you take the practice field this football season, remember you are coaching someone’s son. And he’s showing up with a bunch of life crammed in his backpack. It’s a heavy load. Broken relationships, hurt, anger, abuse, addiction, confusion, frustration, and so much more. He’s hiding behind a mask. Funny, outgoing, athletic, tough. He needs you to coach him, set standards of excellence and to push him BUT he needs to know you care about him, you see him, you are in his corner, you have his back. Be a transformational coach. That’s what your athletes need.