06/05/2026
I saw a post recently about “how would you react if one of your top players was recruited by another team”.
We’ve had this happen a handful of times and my response has always been the same: “I’ll never stand between your kid and a great opportunity, so you need to do what’s best for your kid. I happen to think being here is best for your kid.” So far we haven’t lost anyone.
The reality is we as an organization and a group of coaches don’t own our players or their families. If we aren’t doing right by them, making them better every practice, and most importantly having fun while doing it, we should expect players to leave.
Another coach wrote it beautifully I think:
“Here’s the reality of youth sports:
Players will be recruited. Parents will hear promises. Kids will be tempted by shiny uniforms, bigger trophies, and talk of “better opportunities.”
But at this age, development isn’t about who can score the most touchdowns today.
It’s about learning:
✅ Discipline
✅ Accountability
✅ Teamwork
✅ Fundamentals
✅ How to handle adversity
✅ How to be a great teammate
If another program is truly the best fit for a young athlete and his family, I wish them nothing but success. No hard feelings. No burned bridges.
As coaches, we don’t own players.
Our job is to prepare them, encourage them, and help them become better athletes and better people.
I’ve never been afraid of losing a player.
What I fear is failing to create an environment where players are challenged, supported, and developed the right way.
So if a family decides to leave, we’ll shake hands, wish them luck, and keep building.
Because championships come and go.
Culture lasts.
And when your culture is strong, you don’t have to convince people to stay.
🏈 Build people. Build culture. Build leaders. The rest takes care of itself.”