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How to Develop Athletes While Fostering a Winning Program

In a private-Christian high school setting, competing in the state association may present unique challenges for coaches and athletic directors. The expectation to compete with the best and achieve the highest accolades often clashes with the school’s mission and genuine care for each athlete. No doubt, your mission communicates both excellence and the development of Christ-like character and finding a balance between mission and expectation can be difficult. What are the ways we can develop athletes while fostering a winning program?

 
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Roster Philosophy 

Being mindful of both the school mission and athletic excellence, what are the best ways to communicate and execute on both ends of the spectrum? One way to develop this methodology is by having a well-rounded roster philosophy. This philosophy should strive to provide athletic opportunities to as many students as possible while also maintaining a high-quality experience for every athlete on the team.

If you have a healthy and vibrant athletic culture, student participation will continue to grow affirming the environment is well-structured. In today’s athletic climate, there are more students now coming from youth sports where they have seen and experienced some level of success. Due to club sports and youth recreational leagues having more extensive resources than typical middle school sports programs at public or private schools, student athletes may enter the school season expecting to take the next step in their athletic careers. Realistically, this desired growth and expectation can often exceed the normal middle school sport methods of limited practice times, smaller coaching staffs, and in some cases hand-me-down uniforms — particularly as the focus of the program leans more into supporting the older student-athlete. To make this transition more effective, the best schools are giving proper attention to younger athletes by ensuring that they have the best resources available and are provided the high level experience that will further grow them into stronger athletes.

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How to Determine Offerings, Teams, and Opportunities to Student Athletes

There are some proven examples of how to decide on the number of sports offerings, select teams, and still be able to afford opportunities to athletes of all levels. Particular sports may demand greater participation than capacity allows. When that happens, an athletic department should evaluate several options to meet the needs of their students while also preserving the quality of the program. When feasible, the department may choose to create an additional level of competition — such as a Freshman, JV, Middle School “A”, Middle School “B” or a developmental "C" team — to accommodate more athletes. However, due to space, scheduling, and staffing considerations, this may not always be possible.

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Schools should think of their lower-level teams as being the most inclusive. This is where the athletics program can strive to provide nearly every interested student the opportunity to wear their school’s uniform. MPC varsity volleyball coach, Selina Chancey, stated, "We started a volleyball ‘C’ team three years ago to offer the opportunity for beginner level fifth through seventh-graders to learn and develop fundamental skills to prepare them for our middle and high school level teams. Both our middle school ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams have won a Metro 10 Championship within the last two years, and each team has had players who started their volleyball journey on the ‘C’ team." As athletes mature and programs become more competitive, roster spots become more selective, reflecting the higher level of play and commitment required. Chancey added, "We look forward to seeing how the passion and skill progression built through this increased participation impacts our varsity program."

Athletic programs should give thoughtful consideration to offering at least one no-cut sport each season. These sports are often football, cross country, swim, track and field, wrestling, etc. This allows all students to find a participation opportunity where they can commit and train with the team and feel included. These programs are designed to foster teamwork, discipline, and growth for athletes of all skill levels.

 

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Playing Time Philosophy

At every level, decisions reordered slightly reflect both the mission of the school and the developmental goals appropriate for each stage of competition. While every athlete is valued and encouraged to contribute, the purpose and emphasis varies as students progress within the program.

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To clearly solidify your school's view about developing players at younger ages, and striving toward winning records as they get older, it's important to communicate clearly to parents and players about your approach. The below chart gives a great picture of what that can look like.

 

Level Paramount Primary Secondary Consideration

Varsity

 Mission Winning Development Participation
JV Mission Development Winning Participation
Freshman Mission Participation Development Winning
Eighth Grade Mission Development Winning Participation
Fifth-Seventh Grade Mission Participation Development Winning



At the varsity level, teams will compete to win while fielding the best players to represent the school with excellence. At the JV, freshman, and eighth-grade levels, every athlete will have the opportunity to play, though not necessarily in every game. Within the fifth-grade to seventh-grade teams, all athletes will participate, though playing time may not be equal. By maintaining this structure, every athlete, regardless of age or skill, has the chance to grow in skill, character, and team experience while preparing for the next stage of their athletic journey.

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The Power of Communication

In meeting the needs of all athletes in a high-functioning program, communication is the final piece. Too often, coaches and athletic directors assume that communication is only in written form. Yes, effective programs send out timely and effective communication via email, group messages, and social media. However, coaches and directors must also commit to in-person and personalized communication to specific athletes and families to meet the needs of all.

Even if a school gets the roster, the tryouts, and the playing time philosophy correct, it can still derail if members of the team are not clear on their role or ability. Coaches need to mine for athletes that are feeling frustrated or unappreciated and clearly communicate with them what their current situation is and also about what is possible. This should be done in a positive, inspirational manner as to affirm the athletes value to the team.  

Communication should flow both ways between athletes and coaches. Sometimes a player may be invited to “sit varsity” or move up a level for the experience, yet see little or no game time. In those moments, it is important for the athlete to take initiative and have an open conversation with the coach about opportunities to continue playing with the lower-level team to stay engaged and continue to grow through real-game experience. The goal for all sub-varsity athletes is to play and develop. It’s not beneficial for either the athlete nor the program when a player is good enough to make the higher-level roster but not yet ready to contribute meaningfully in competition.

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Recipe For Success

Meeting the needs of all athletes requires intentional planning, clear communication, and alignment with the school’s mission. These roster and play time philosophies work hand-in-hand to create an environment where every student can compete, improve, and honor God — whether through playing time, teamwork, or faithful effort in practice. Chancy concluded, "Building a robust State Championship program has taken time and care, but has paid dividends in how my players have developed both in character and the skills to take them to the next level."  

 

Mike Walker has served 25 years in athletics and is the Athletic Director at Mount Paran Chritsian School where he oversees 64 teams in 17 sports.

Selina Chancy has served more than 12 years as the varsity volleyball coach at Mount Paran Christian School where her teams have won more than 500 games and earned multiple Championship titles.
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