Hey Reader!
I was in the drive-thru at Sheetz the other day, craving an MTO turkey sub and trying to sneak in a win before another long night of practices. I pull up to the speaker, and the guy says, “Welcome to Sheetz, would you like to try our fall pumpkin milkshake today?” I pause. It’s March. I don’t even like pumpkin anything, but now I’m confused. Did I miss a whole season? Am I that tired? Did we fast-forward through summer and volleyball camp?
I ask him, “Wait... pumpkin?”
He chuckles and says, “Oh crap, wrong button. That’s from last October.”
And just like that, my brain, already running on caffeine and chaos, was off and spiraling. Because that’s exactly what I see happening all around me right now.
It’s still the regular season for a lot of our athletes. They’re smack in the middle of games, practices, tournaments, homework, and trying to stay sane. Yet here come the whispers and emails and Instagram posts. “Tryouts for next season start in four weeks.” “Are you returning next year?” “We’re forming our team now, spots are limited.” The athletes haven’t even taken off this season’s jersey, and already someone is handing them a new one to try on.
...and that got me thinking.
When did we start playing for the next team before we’re done playing for the one we’re on? Seriously. We’ve built this anxiety machine where kids are being asked to look ahead before they’re even finished with what’s right in front of them. It’s like telling someone to start thinking about Thanksgiving while they’re still chewing on their Easter candy. Chill. Let the chocolate bunny melt before we start talking turkey.
I get it. Coaches want to plan ahead. Clubs need to lock things in early. Parents want to make sure their kid has a spot. But the cost of that urgency is often overlooked. Instead of helping athletes stay focused and present, we’re pushing them into a state of doubt. If they’re not sure they’re wanted next season, how are they supposed to give everything to the rest of this one? If their brain is already juggling tryout drills, new coaches, and pressure from teammates or parents, what happens to their performance this weekend?
We can do better.
And that starts by slowing down and realizing what we’re doing. Coaches: don’t let tryout season steal your athlete’s joy in the current season. Reinforce that you see them now. You’re coaching the player they are today, not the player you might keep next year. Give feedback that helps them grow now, not just impress later.
Parents: resist the urge to whisper about next year in the car ride home. If your athlete brings it up, be there. Listen. But if they don’t, let them be in the moment. Let them play without the shadow of next season following them around like a clipboard with bad handwriting.
And athletes: I know it’s hard not to peek around the corner. You’re hearing chatter about tryouts and new teams and who’s going where. That’s normal. But don’t let it hijack what you’ve worked for all season. Trust that the best way to get to the next level is to crush the one you’re on right now. Show up. Be great today. The rest will sort itself out.
It’s easy to get caught up in the future, especially in a sports culture that never stops moving. But let’s be real, most of us barely know what we’re having for dinner tonight, let alone who’s playing libero next September. Be where your feet are. Teach your athletes to do the same.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go back and double-check that the Sheetz guy isn’t stuck in a time loop. Or maybe I’ll just lean into it and ask when the Thanksgiving hoagie is back. Either way, let’s keep our eyes on the game in front of us.
A few nights ago, I walked into the gym to watch a match and saw a kid on the bench scrolling through his phone. I’m thinking, “Maybe he’s checking the score of another game, or reviewing game film?” Nope. He was looking at a social post from a different club announcing their tryouts. During his own game.
Look, I’m not judging the kid. I’m not even surprised anymore. But that’s the problem, right? We’ve normalized this race to what’s next so much that we don’t even flinch when a player checks out of their current team’s match to check in on what’s next. Wild.
So here’s my challenge to everyone this week: check in. Coaches, check in with your players. Parents, check in with your kids. Athletes, check in with yourselves. Not about next season or the team after this one. Ask how they’re feeling right now. What are they proud of from this season? What’s been hard? What still matters before it’s all over?
And then...this part’s important...actually listen.
Because this season? It still counts.
Until next time...
#DontSuck and remember—play today like it’s not already tomorrow.