I’ve heard this a ton from D1 coaches over the past year. It’s really becoming clear that the Portal is good for filling in gaps, but if it’s how you’re building your program - it’s probably not going to work out.
It’s hard to get buy-in and build program culture when you’re turning over your roster every 9 months!
Curt Cignetti on his program's philosophy on how not to be average:
🎭 Average is a decision disguised as a default. Make standards visible, measurable, and non-negotiable. Because what you tolerate becomes your identity.
🤝 Most people negotiate with the work; elite teams eliminate the negotiation. The gap isn’t talent, it’s the daily refusal to accept “good enough” in reps, details, and accountability.
🧱 You don’t rise above average in big moments, you escape it in small ones. Every meeting, drill, and conversation is either reinforcing the standard, or quietly lowering it.
COACHES: It might not be "your fault" but it's 100% "your responsibility" to do all you can to make things better, find solutions, and maximize the potential of all your team members.
I am truly blessed and excited to announce my commitment to the University of Oregon. First and foremost I want to thank God, all glory to him for without his blessings this would not be possible. I want to thank Coach Wasikowski, Coach Florer and the entire staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Thank you to my parents for all their hard work and sacrifices and never giving up on my dreams. Thank you to my coaches you have all had a part making me into the player and man I am. I look forward to carrying on a winning culture and making a lasting beneficial impact in Eugene, Oregon. I am grateful to be apart of Duck Nation. Go ducks! @CoachWazUO@MattFlorer@OregonBaseball@CoachKunk
‘27 OF Kinon Bastian (@TFABaseball_) puts an exclamation point on a loud weekend with this no doubt 💣. No. 3 2027 in the country finished hitting .417 over 4 games. #PGShowdown
Game 4 with @TFABaseball_. Lost a tough one to Spruce Creek 4-2 with a good lefty on the mound. Ended with 3 QABs and pitched the last inning with 2 Ks, 0 Hs, 0 BBs @CoachKunk@SitoBarrels@orig_flpokers
Game 2 with @TFABaseball_ a 6-1 win over Harmony. Caught a couple barrels and scored to help my team. Back at it Thursday vs. a good Winter Park squad. @CoachKunk@SitoBarrels