by: Hugh Breland
As a former NCAA Division 1 Athlete, I have parents ask me quite often what their son or daughter needs to do in order to make it to the highest level of college athletics.
First, mom and dad need to know where they fit in the equation to success. Parents cannot be the primary motivator. If a kid is not self-motivated to be on the field or in the gym early and often, I would say he does not have what it takes. No matter how hard a parent pushes, kids will ultimately change only if their heart is committed. A parent must be the primary encourager, not a micro-managing know-it-all. Too many parents try to implement their own agendas in their child’s lives as opposed to providing guidelines, guardrails, and “good-jobs” along the way.
Second, if you are a “borderline athlete” – not one of the top players in the nation being recruited by the top schools – then you must focus on nutrition and training to engrain. High sugar & high fat diets are not going to help you get that extra burst of quickness that you need to beat your competition. Do not be fooled by the professional athlete on a McDonalds commercial, even professional athletes follow a strictly regimented diet. Oddly enough, you will see some college athletes with horrible diets. Again don’t be deceived; these individuals and their teams do not compete for championships. Eating right is followed by training right. Training to engrain is simply training the brain. By performing the correct sport-specific moves, positions, and exercises day in and day out, your brain will automatically react & execute in game situations. Too many athletes waste their training time doing the wrong exercises the wrong way.
Lastly, you must give your all (but not your life). In order to truly “make it” in life, you must put NCAA Division 1 in its proper place. Remember that you are in control and that it is not appropriate for sport to control you. Keep in mind, productive relationships, education, and having a positive impact on your community are top priorities. Do not let being an athlete define you, rather focus on being yourself, learn from your mistakes, and execute as best you can. Timing and teams-needs will play a major role in where you end up, so control what’s in your court and don’t stress over the rest.