Building Connections with Athletes Through Care

In an equitable environment, we want to meet all athletes where they are to ensure they have the opportunity to learn, feel cared for, and feel included. Here are some strategies to build connections with all athletes.

Coaches Can:

• Warmly welcome all athletes by name
• Use moments before session for small conversations
• Move around space to connect equitably with all athletes
• Be curious, ask questions, seek multiple perspectives
• Be present and listen to understand
• Implement rituals that contribute to a positive environment
• Share your own humanity, laugh at yourself, have fun
• Reflect on your own attitude and beliefs to uncover biases
• Use body language and gestures to communicate that all athletes’ ideas are welcome and valued
• Praise effort, not outcome
• Set clear group expectations about how athletes treat themselves, each other, and the coach
• Manage conflicts using conversation instead of punishment
• Observe constantly and notice if athletes are being included/excluded
• Remember athletes’ lived experience impacts how they show up, take a moment so you respond effectively instead of reacting