Read This Before You Try to Get Hired in Player Development
Your roadmap to understanding the role, defining your impact, and getting started in this purpose-driven profession.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re serious about working in player development.
Maybe you’ve heard the title thrown around.
Maybe you follow people on LinkedIn with “Player Development” in their bio.
Maybe you’ve even applied for a role and didn’t hear back.
Before you go any further, here’s something I want you to understand:
This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
It requires vision, humility, creativity, and a relentless commitment to athletes beyond the field.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to pivot into this space, here are five key areas you must understand before stepping into the role:
🔑 1. Understand How the Role is Defined
Every athletic department defines player development differently. Some focus on career, others on life skills, leadership, or wellness. Your first job? Study how different programs describe the position. Read job descriptions. Listen to those who’ve lived it.
If you can’t clearly explain what the role is, you won’t be trusted to lead it.
🔨 2. Learn What the Role Actually Does
This role is hands-on. You’re planning workshops, mentoring athletes, coordinating community events, organizing internships, and being the bridge between coaches and players. You’re the glue that holds the off-the-field experience together.
⚠️ 3. Study the Real-World Challenges
Burnout is real. Lack of resources, limited buy-in, blurred responsibilities, and job security concerns can test your resolve. Be honest about the challenges—and prepare yourself to rise above them.
📈 4. Examine Career Paths
Talk to people in the role. Study their journeys. Some started as coaches, others in academics or ops. Understanding the multiple entry points and growth opportunities will give you direction.
Want to see what’s possible? Look at how many leaders in sports today came through the player development pipeline.
💥 5. Create Impact—Before You’re Hired
Don’t wait for the title to start making a difference. Mentor an athlete. Volunteer in your community. Start a program. Share insights. Build relationships. When your name is mentioned, make sure it's tied to impact, not just ambition.
If you want to work in player development, don’t just chase the job—become the solution. Start where you are, with what you have, and serve athletes right now.
This episode will show you how.
🎧 Listen to the full episode
📘 Grab The Player Development Guide