Kyle Shaffer

Coach Kyle Shaffer, Athletic Director at UME Preparatory Academy in Dallas

[UME Prep Football @the_Ufootball]

#squad

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

Athletes who want more out of their playing experience:

1) Put in work outside of practice
2) Eat with a purpose
3) Get eight hours of sleep
4) Value academics
5) Embrace the weight room
6) Study the game
7) Show up early and stay late for treatment/recovery

[Kevin DeShazo @KevinDeShazo]

Great teams challenge each other. They push each other to get to another level, to become their best, to live the standard. It works because they know they are for each other, not their own agenda. They call each other up, not out.

The key? Connection and trust.

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

A True Hero - The Coach’s Spouse.

Marrying the right person is so important for a coach. Your spouse needs to be supportive, understanding, loyal, independent, and willing to sacrifice.

If you go home from work each day and your spouse is unhappy, you either won’t be married long or you won’t be coaching anymore.

Just as important, meet your spouse’s needs and be all of the above for them. If your spouse works, support them professionally. If they stay home with the kids they work just as hard and they don’t get many breaks. Understand their stress, schedule, and how you can help them. Don’t build your team at work and neglect your team at home.

A few ways coaches can help their marriage while running an athletic program:

*Leave work and have lunch together. Invite your spouse to work to have lunch with you. Your spouse should know the people you work with around the athletic department and school.

*Communicate: Check in with each other throughout the busy work day. A text here and there or a three minute phone conversation is simple, quick, and beneficial.

*Make the program “our program,” not “your program.” A spouse with involvement with the team is one who is invested in student-athlete success. Helping with team events and meals, attending games and even a few practices, and talking about the happenings within the program are all ways to make the program a partnership instead of a sole proprietorship.

*Be fiercely loyal

*Go for walks together; exercise together

*Earn “coach credits” or “coach points.” Date nights scattered throughout the year and a well-planned vacation in the off-season help build up credit which you’ll need to use during extremely busy times of the season.

*If you’re going for be busy with work all afternoon and evening then take the morning to be with your spouse. If you’re going to be busy all morning and afternoon, then be at home during the evening. There are times of the year when you’ll work 15+ hour days and will be on the road constantly. Don’t fall into the counter-productive trap of thinking this should be your schedule 12 months a year.

*Be present when home. Do a “power hour” many times a week where you put your phone on the charger in another room and spend an hour solely focused on your spouse.

Ephesians 5:33

[Kevin DeShazo @KevinDeShazo]

Culture isn’t built in a day.
Success isn’t built in a day.
Mindset isn’t built in a day.
Habits aren’t built in a day.
Greatness isn’t built in a day.
The foundation isn’t built in a day.

It’s built one day at a time.

Keep showing up.
Keep doing the work.
🪵🪓

[Joshua Hardin @Coach_HardinJ]

This man, is the example. He has paved the way, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of his journey. Congrats Mark Anthony.

[UME Prep Football @the_Ufootball]

Proud of you Mark! Go get it!!

[✞ MarkAnthonyAnderson @markiooworld]

It’s go time !! 🐾

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

Coaching is more enjoyable when you get along with the other sport coaches at your school.

Support them, celebrate their success, share facilities cordially, be friendly, go to their games, and help them any way you can. Share athletes and encourage multi-sport participation in high school.

Ultimately, build a community within your community. If you have each other’s backs then everyone will be stronger because of it and the student-athletes will benefit.

[Jon Beck @CoachJonBeck]

Sometimes it’s not the player. It’s not the coach. It’s not their peers. The problem is the pressure they’re getting from parents. Don’t criticize. Don’t berate, belittle or embarrass them. What they need from you the most is support. Just be there. The rest takes care of itself.

[Jon Beck @CoachJonBeck]

You want to expand your team role?

Be early/stay late
Rep game actions
Communicate well
Know every drill/play
Be positive
Get in great shape
Watch more film
Do the little things
Keep great body language/attitude
Be enthusiastic
Be a great teammate
Compete/play hard
Keep learning

[Steve Collins @TeachHoopsBBall]

Success in basketball isn't just about talent or skill.

It's about ATTITUDE and EFFORT.

1. Discipline over laziness
2. Respect over entitlement
3. Humility over arrogance
4. Team first before self
5. Relentless work ethic

[Kevin DeShazo @KevinDeShazo]

Nobody can stop you from getting better and making progress this year but you.

Eliminate excuses.
Eliminate blame.

Take ownership of your mindset. Take ownership of your choices. Take ownership of your growth.

[Kevin DeShazo @KevinDeShazo]

Before it’s a habit, it’s uncomfortable.
Before it’s a habit, it’s inconvenient.
Before it’s a habit, you’re bad at it.
Before it’s a habit, it’s an obstacle.
Before it’s a habit, it’s frustrating.
Before it’s a habit, it’s difficult.

Keep showing up.
🪵🪓

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

8. Sports build excitement. They are the reason for a school mascot, school song, and pep rallies. Our youth need something to do, something to look forward to, something that teaches life-long lessons.. Athletics provide all of the above while building teamwork and enthusiasm.

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

7. Sports hold athletes accountable for academic success through eligibility requirements. This enhances the classroom for everyone and lifts the school GPA and test scores.

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

6. Sports create and enhance tradition. Alumni come back for homecoming games and more to support and feel connected with their past. This valuable engagement enhances school support and creates fundraising opportunities for the school district and community.

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

5. The student experience for non-athletes is enhanced because of sports. The student body comes together to cheer their team which creates school unity. The band, cheerleaders, dance team, choir, and others have increased opportunities to showcase their talents on game days.

[Craig Doty @CoachDoty]

4. Booster clubs raise money providing everything from meals and uniforms to facility enhancements and travel expenses. This enhances parent engagement within the school district and teaches students about being generous and committed to their local community.