Cippy here again.  Hope all of you had a safe and fun Halloween!  I feel that by this time of the year student-athletes are getting closer to their teammates. Halloween parties, team socials, or even team dinners…they all are fantastic ways to get to know your teammates.  It is very important to a captain and the coaches that their team is “tight”, or very close. The family factor is a huge factor not only to having a successful, hardworking team on the field, but also in the classroom. Part of the way that we help build this camaraderie is by conducting team agilities and lifting. We tell the student-athletes that agilities and lifting will not only benefit them for the season they play in, but in their overall life as well. Although lifting and agilities are not mandatory at our school, we (as a coaching staff) really suggest if a player wants to get better physically, as well as create the social connections that can help them succeed in other areas, they will complete these tasks.  Agilities and lifting are great ways for our team members to get to know each other and push each other to become better.

I know that as a freshman it can be very intimidating to go up and ask the older players if you need advice. The captains or veteran players should take the younger players under their wing and help them out, but don’t leave it to them to approach you if you do not feel that you are getting the help and advice that you need – or want.  One way that our staff has tried to help facilitate the bonding process is through a social/dinner with other teams. Having these helps not only the team get closer but gives them an opportunity to meet new people who are also student-athletes.  We also complete team-focused challenges such as climbing a nearby mountain.  It not only challenges us, but also gets the team to come together and overcome this large challenge. (For other ideas to help create a great team environment that does not include the typical Trust Fall type exercises, click here ). If any of you current student-athletes are finding it hard to meet your teammates, talk with your coach right away as it’s hard for a coach to know everything that is happening.   As a coaching staff, we want our players to get the best experience out of playing baseball and being a student. Having a great experience includes making friendships with your teammates.  And that doesn’t only apply to student-athletes in college.  Find yourself a mentor on your high school team; someone to motivate you and push you to succeed in all facets of your life (and also be that person for someone else).  Let’s face it, being a student-athlete is hard work and not for the faint of heart; help each other succeed and reach your goals.

I hope all of you have a great week.  Cippy OUT!