I’ve had college players refuse to go in for a few final minutes “I’m not a scrub player” The player told me Later I explained that 1 good minute can turn into 2 2 can turn into 5 5 good minutes can turn into 10 Etc Coaches play players they trust When a player gets a shot, they get a shot at earning coaches trust

Athlete: Coach… I think I want to quit. Coach: Okay. Then let’s talk about why. Athlete: I’m tired. All the early mornings, the pain, the pressure. Sometimes I wake up and wonder what I’m even doing this for. Coach: That’s not quitting. That’s being human. Doubt shows up when you’re close to something that matters. Athlete: But I’m not even sure I’m good enough. I look around and see people stronger, faster… happier. Coach: Comparison is a liar. It shows you everyone’s surface but hides their struggle. You don’t need to be better than them. You need to be better than yesterday. Athlete: What if I never win? What if I give everything and still fall short? Coach: Then you’ll walk away with something most never touch—truth. The kind you only find when you’ve emptied yourself for something bigger than comfort. Athlete: So… you think I should keep going? Coach: I think you already know the answer. You wouldn’t be having this conversation if you truly wanted to stop. You just want someone to remind you that it’s worth it. Athlete: It hurts, Coach. Some days, it really hurts. Coach: Good. That means you care. And nothing worth having comes without pain. Now breathe. You’ve made it through every hard day so far. Most quit before the breakthrough! Don’t be like most!