Designing The Life You Want as a College Coach Doesn’t Just Happen — You Create It

As we approach 2025, remember: It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what truly matters. 

What lights your passion for coaching, helps your team thrive, and creates the kind of memories and milestones you’ll cherish for years to come? 

As you know, the success you envision — one filled with intentional growth, meaningful achievements, and balanced priorities — doesn’t just magically happen. It’s shaped daily, through every choice, action, and strategy you put into motion. 

This is your opportunity to design the year ahead — not with a rushed checklist of goals, but with thoughtful intention. By crafting your schedule, approach, and vision with confidence, you can set the tone for the kind of year that shapes everything. 

Grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine depending on when you are reading this, pull out your planner, and let’s dive in. 

Start With The Feeling You Want to Create 

Before you dive into goals and metrics, start with your why. 

What’s the energy you want to carry into 2025? 

Confidence?  Momentum? Fulfillment? Devotion to excellence? 

To ground yourself, write down 3-5 words that embody how you want this year to feel, both on and off the field. Use these words as a guide for every decision you make — from designing practice schedules to building meaningful traditions with your team and loved ones. 

These aren’t just words; they’re a compass. They’ll help you say yes to the opportunities that align with your vision and no to distractions that pull you off track. 

Clarify What Matters Most 

As someone who’s already juggling a lot, you don’t need another generic list of resolutions. What you need is clarity: 

• What brought you the most joy this past year?
  Think about the wins — not just on the scoreboard but in the moments that made you stop and say, “This is why I do what I do.” These are your guideposts. 
• What drained your energy?
  Look at the things you said yes to that didn’t feel aligned. What do you need to say no to in 2025? 
• Where do you want to be a year from now?
  Not just in terms of accomplishments, but in how you feel, the memories you’ve created, and the balance you’ve cultivated. 

This clarity is the foundation for every decision you make moving forward. 

The Architecture of Your Ideal Year 

Now, let’s move from reflection to action. 

Define Your Non-Negotiables 

What moments or experiences are non-negotiable for you this year? 

Block these into your calendar first. Whether it’s time for family dinners, weekly date nights, quarterly strategy sessions with your staff, or personal recharge days, protect these with the same level of priority just as you would the big games on your schedule. 

Redesign Your Coaching Rhythms 

What’s one shift you can make in your workday to create more alignment? 

For example, could you restructure your schedule to eliminate unnecessary meetings? Delegate tasks that drain you? Batch your work into focused blocks so you’re not constantly switching gears? 

Build Team and Legacy Traditions 

What traditions do you want to build and prioritize with your family this year? Maybe it’s Sunday pancake breakfasts before you head out to practice, an annual holiday trip, or teaching your kids about something that matters deeply to you. These are the moments that create your family’s story. 

Or what traditions can you create to strengthen the bond with your team and leave a lasting impact?  Maybe it’s establishing a weekly “Gratitude Huddle,” hosting an annual preseason retreat, or celebrating milestones in unique ways that resonate with your players. These are the moments that will stick with them long after the season ends. 

Anchor in Rest 

Rest isn’t optional — it’s essential to your success as a coach.
Schedule intentional downtime to recharge, whether that’s taking time for quiet reflection, going for a run, or simply disconnecting from work for a weekend. Remember, rest is the fuel that powers everything else you do and impacts your ability to lead and perform at your best. 

Step Into 2025 With Purpose 

This is your time to set the tone for a year that aligns with your deepest values and goals as a college coach. By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll not only elevate your team’s success but also build a life and career that feel deeply fulfilling. 

So here’s to designing a year full of intention, impact, and meaningful progress. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet. 

I am here to help you succeed in 2025, 

Mandy Green

Here are some ways I can help you this year. 

To leverage your time:  High Performance Coach and Recruiter

 To leverage your staff: Assistant Coach Accelerator, 

 To leverage your recruiting resources: Recruiting Made Simple

How to stay consistent with social media for recruiting purposes: Social Story Recruiting