Stop Copycatting: The #1 Mistake in Player Development

Why authentic foundations matter more than flashy imitations

The biggest mistake programs make when starting player development? They copycat.

They take what another school is doing—maybe it’s Clemson’s Paw Journey program—and try to carbon copy it. But here’s the truth: what works for them won’t always work for you.

1. Define Your Foundation
Every program has to answer: What impact do we want to make on athletes? Until you define that foundation, you’ll always be reacting instead of building.

2. Identify Your Resources
Look around. Your university, your city, your community—what industries, providers, and partners are already making an impact? Leverage what’s already there.

3. Decide How You’ll Execute
Who’s running the program? How often will you hold sessions? Will alumni or coaches be involved? This is where logistics become strategy.

4. Put It in Writing
A clear, strategic plan is your proof of seriousness. When an AD or head coach asks how this will work, you’ll have an answer backed by structure and intentionality.

The right program isn’t built by copying others. It’s built by aligning your location, your staff’s passion, your players’ needs, and your city’s opportunities. That’s how you make a genuine impact—whether or not your program has the “glitz and glam.”

Not sure if your program is ready? Take my Player Development Readiness Assessment. It’ll help you know where you stand and what’s needed to build something that lasts.

Player development isn’t about looking like someone else—it’s about creating generational impact for your athletes. Don’t wait. Build what’s true to you.

The Player Development Guide

📘 Ready to change the trajectory of athletes’ lives?

The Player Development Guide gives you the tools, strategies, and stories to build programming that transforms athletes beyond the field. Whether you’re new to the space or a seasoned professional, this book helps you create meaningful moments, measurable results, and lasting impact.

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