Being Transformational in a Transactional Era
How to develop athletes even when time is short
College athletics has become increasingly transactional. Players transfer quickly. NIL and revenue sharing dominate headlines. Coaches often feel like they’re managing a revolving door.
But here’s the truth: even in a transactional era, you can still be transformational.
Recently, someone asked me, “How can I develop athletes when they’re only here for a short period of time?” That question has been sitting with me, and my answer boils down to three focus areas. If you hit these three, even six months with an athlete can leave a lifelong impact.
1. Help Them Discover Who They Are as a Person
Most athletes have been defined by their sport for as long as they can remember. Football, basketball, or track has consumed their identity. They’re incredible individuals, but often they can’t see past the uniform.
Your job? Help them step outside that box.
Use personality assessments.
Facilitate reflection sessions.
Invite guest speakers who spark deeper conversations.
Ask powerful questions like: “Who are you beyond your sport?”
When you help an athlete uncover their identity, you give them a foundation that lasts beyond their playing career.
2. Show Them Who They Are as a Leader
Once identity is clarified, the next step is impact.
Every athlete has the opportunity to influence others, whether it’s teammates, classmates, or future communities they’ll step into. Even if they’re only in your program for a semester, they can still lead where they stand.
Equip them with:
Leadership assessments
Mentorship opportunities
Real conversations about influence and responsibility
Help them answer the question: “What impact do I want to make?” That clarity will shape not just their athletic experience, but their future roles in business, family, and community.
3. Explore Their Personal and Professional Interests
Finally, move beyond academics or majors. Ask:
What are you interested in personally?
What lights you up outside of sport?
What do you want to explore professionally?
Maybe they want to travel, start a business, create content, invest, or launch a nonprofit. These dreams matter. By taking time to explore their interests, you show them they’re more than athletes — they’re whole people with unlimited potential.
Why This Matters
Even if you only have six months with a player, helping them answer these three questions will leave an imprint they’ll never forget:
Who am I as a person?
Who am I as a leader?
What am I interested in personally and professionally?
You can design programs, initiatives, or even simple conversations around these areas. The key is to be intentional.
Because while college athletics may feel transactional, the role of player development is still transformational.
Next Steps
If this resonates, but you’re wondering how to build these ideas into your program, I created the Player Development Accelerator — a 4-week cohort where I help you:
Develop your player development plan
Communicate it with clarity
Prepare to implement it
Take your next steps with confidence
👉 Take the free Player Development Accelerator Readiness Assessment here.
Don’t settle for transactional. Create generational impact.