Kaleigh Badecki: What Separates Coachable Athletes from Others

In this episode, Coachable Players welcomes Coach Kaleigh Badecki, a women's basketball coach at Gettysburg College for the past ten years. 

Coach Badecki sets the stage by first defining coachability as embracing constructive criticism, having a growth mindset and understanding that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than failures. She explained that coachable athletes demonstrate humility, actively seek feedback and show body language that indicates they are receiving and processing coaching points. During the discussion, they covered how to identify coachable players through their relationships, interactions with teammates and how they handle feedback and criticism. 

Coach Badecki emphasized the importance of fail-forward thinking, where players aren't afraid to make mistakes as long as they are putting in effort and learning from experience. She shares how the most coachable athletes take ownership of their development, hold teammates accountable and maintain a grateful perspective that sees challenges as opportunities rather than threats. 

The conversation concludes with Coach giving practical advice for parents and young athletes about developing coachability, including allowing children to be coached, embracing failures as learning opportunities and maintaining an open mindset to receive feedback from coaches and peers.  

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:05

Welcome to the Coachable Players Podcast, the show where we explore the traits, habits, and mindsets that help people succeed in sports, business, and life. Today we're joined by Coach Callie Bedecki, hopefully, a women's basketball coach at Gettysburg College. She's been there 10 seasons, and during those 10 seasons, there's been lots of winning. I think they have uh eight, 20 win seasons in that time. Prior to Gettysburg, she was uh coach at Eastern, where she played basketball and I believe golf as well. Um, so coach, welcome to the show. We're excited to have you today.

SPEAKER_00 0:46

Yeah, thank you. Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_01 0:49

You bet. You bet, yeah. One of the themes you know we hear over and over from successful athletes, coaches, professionals, uh, is the importance of being coachable. Today I'd like to spend some time and explore what it really means, what that really means, and uh what separates coachable athletes from those that struggle to reach their potential. How's that sound? You excited about this? I know I am.

SPEAKER_00 1:15

Um I love this topic. This is fun.

SPEAKER_01 1:18

Very cool. Okay, let's let's just dive right in. Let's let's define coachability. Uh, when you hear the term coachable athlete, what immediately comes to your mind and and how do you define it?

SPEAKER_00 1:30

Yeah, you know, one of the first things I think about when I think about coachability, um, I think of this term that you know that Coach Davis and I talk a lot about um growth mindset. Um, I think being able to embrace constructive criticism, but also understanding that mistakes are gonna happen and you've got to just continue to learn from them. We talk about, you know, you're gonna fail, but let's fail forward. Like let's learn from our mistakes. Let's just continue to reflect and grow and get better. Um, I think, you know, those who are willing to get the feedback to learn from it, to continue to grow through those challenges, through those failures, who aren't afraid to fail, those are the ones that see the most amount of growth and and really are able to continue to reach new heights. It's intimidating because nobody wants to fail. Um, but if you're so fear-filled of failure, then you don't even try, then man, sometimes it just keeps us from putting us ourselves out there. So um, that's the first thing that I think about when I think about coachability.

SPEAKER_01 2:37

Yeah. And and do you think it's do you think coachability is more about attitude or skill?

SPEAKER_00 2:43

I think it's definitely about an attitude. I think being able to walk into any situation and um having humility. Humility is a word that sticks out to me too. Um, we I think, you know, we've all been blessed when we have passions to be able to have some wisdom, but just reminding yourself that um, man, we all have so much to learn from each other and and to be able to grow to from one another. Um, but I think the biggest thing, you know, with the athletes that I coach that are the most coachable, just come in with a humble attitude of like, hey, I just want to receive. I want to be able to hear everything, you know, that my teammates have to teach me, that my coaches have to teach me, um, and then really just try to apply it and continue to get better because, you know, the skill can be there, but if you're not willing to put down those boundaries or to be able to receive feedback or maybe hear different perspectives, then you don't really allow for that growth to happen. So um, you know, being able to allow those the things that you can control, um, like attitude to just put you in a different perspective, um, I think can make all the difference.

SPEAKER_01 3:48

Absolutely. I love it. We're off to a great start. I love it. We're on the same mindset. It's awesome.

SPEAKER_00 3:52

Yeah, that's great.

SPEAKER_01 3:53

Yeah, we have a way to set the stage here. Um so we're talking coachability here. When you're when you're recruiting players and when you're meeting a freshman for the first time, are are there signs that that you think a player is going to be coachable?

SPEAKER_00 4:08

Um, yeah, you know, I hope so. I I think that some of the things that we look for, um, you know, relationships I think are really important in the recruiting process, just to be able to, you know, you always want to connect um with players. And one of the things that's really important for coach and I and our staff is we we want to be able to have that great relationship off the court because I think, you know, having played for a coach, I reflect on my time as a player. And some of my biggest moments where I was able to push through and really find out what I was capable of. Um, I didn't always know why I was doing what I was doing, but I was able to go back to say, okay, well, coach believes in me. I trust him, even though I don't get it, I'm just gonna do it. And being able to push through those moments, I mean, uh there was a lot of really cool things that I discovered about myself. So going back to that process for recruiting, being able to build that relationship, um, I think is just the foundational piece to be able to be a great coach for players and for players to trust us so that when they do face those challenging moments, they can say, okay, I don't get it, but let's let's just do this thing, let's let's figure it out. Um, but I think you can watch players on the court and how they interact with their teammates, um, how they receive feedback from coaches. I think all of those things are are really important. And I look for when I go watch games, I think body language is something that is huge. Being able to look somebody in the eyes, to nod the head, to say, okay, yes. And you know, games can be intense and there's passionate moments as as a coach and from players. Um, but being able to just receive feedback in the moment and continue to have conversations um in the appropriate times, I think is is really important. So those are things that I try to observe when I watch games, um, when I watch players interact with their teammates and their coaching staff, but then also through the process of recruiting, um, you know, getting to know players and um what makes them tick, but then also uh their eagerness to want to learn from those people around them.

SPEAKER_01 6:21

Yeah, absolutely. And and you kind of got my next question.

SPEAKER_00 6:24

I was gonna ask about behaviors or the way that they interact with other players and yeah, I I think touches, like touches are something that we talk about, and that's important. Like um, you know, being able to see players interact with each other, um, even from the sense of like, you know, just giving each other high fives, like rooting for each other, um, being able to uh get after it. Like one thing that we talk about in practice um in our practice is that we want our players to really compete and push each other. Um, but I think there's a difference between being really competitive and and making each other better and understanding like, hey, I'm competing for the betterment of my team to make myself and everybody else better around me, as opposed to, you know, I just I want to do my own thing and make somebody look bad. Um, so I think that's one thing that we always try to encourage is like after a set or segment, like being able to give high fives, being able to huddle up, have have those conversations with your teammates, but then getting back to even who you're guarding. Um, you know, we have two players that come to mind on our team in this past year. They always seem to be on the opposite team and they always seem to guard each other. Um and they would talk, you know, a little bit of smack to each other, but they were the best of friends. And that was the coolest thing to be able to see them push and challenge each other and and and and have those interactions, but then also smile and and get after it. So to me, man, when you can embrace that, um, I think that's really special because you know that even if you're not at your best, your teammate is making you better by giving you their best. Um, and that's always a great thing.

SPEAKER_01 7:59

That is awesome. Yes, absolutely. Pushing each other. I love it. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 8:03

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 8:04

Yeah. Um when the topic of coachability comes up, we always hear feedback and how people hand handle feedback. And and in sports, just like in business and in life, you know, feedback isn't always easy to to digest and to and to hear. How do coachable athletes, in your opinion, differently, how do they respond differently to the criticism when it comes to the negative feedback?

SPEAKER_00 8:30

Yeah, I think just being willing um to know that, like, hey, I'm I'm not perfect. Um, they're able to hear where they're not meeting the mark because as coaches, that's our job is to tell them when they're not. Um, I mean, a huge part is to be able to encourage them and um continue to lift them up, but uh we have to be able to show them where they're falling short. And so the players who can really hear that um and receive that in a way that's like, okay, like that doesn't define me, but it's an area that I need to grow in and I need to be self-aware that like, hey, I'm not where I need to be yet. Um, and and taking that and saying, you know, in in the actual conversation, being able to receive that is one thing. But then what you do with it and the action that comes is completely different. Um, and so you know, if we're talking to a player about, hey, like, you know, your shooting percentage is it's just not where it needs to be. Um, you know, we we need to get that higher. One thing to be able to hear that and say, yeah, okay, like I, you know, I I agree, I need to be better. Um, but then also another thing to say, so now what do I do about it? Um, and I think that's where I love seeing players who, if they don't know and they say, what do I do about it? We can have those conversations, we can build in those disciplines, um, but who aren't afraid to put in the work and again aren't afraid of failing and saying, Oh, that's scary. If I really put myself out there and I try and I fail, what does that mean? Um, as opposed to a player who's like, you know what, let's let's try to do this thing, let's try to figure it out. Um, and so I think work ethic is is a huge part in being coachable and being able to build good habits and disciplines. Um, because if you want to be great at anything, it requires a lot of work. And so, you know, I work with the guards on our team and being able to really focus on the habits that we have every day, the time that we're putting into our craft. Um, and one thing that we always talk about too is, you know, I mentioned having goals or um really having statistical things that we're striving for, but it can't be our sole focus. We shoot for that because we want to be our best. But when it comes time to the actual workout, um, we always talk with our players about like, hey, this is this is what we're striving for today. Let's make sure that that's our focus for the day. And then at the end of the workout, if we didn't accomplish it, have we failed today? No, absolutely not. Like we didn't meet the mark again, but we came in, we got in a good workout, and now we refocus tomorrow and we strive for it again. So it's it's making sure that we're process-oriented and we're focused on the results, but um more so the disciplines and the habits that we're forming so that we can lean in, glean confidence from the work that we put in.

SPEAKER_01 11:22

Absolutely, yeah. And then and then also you kind of touched on it a little bit. I just wanted to hear your your thoughts a little further when it comes to feedback. Are there any sort of reactions that concern you? And and on the flip side, are there reactions that you think this player really gets it and and this player is going to grow a lot, you know?

SPEAKER_00 11:42

Yeah, I think again, body language is really important. And uh when I see head nods, when I have eye contact, when I hear, you know, okay's affirmations of, you know, I got you, coach, like obviously that's one thing, and those things are really important. Um, you know, on the flip side of that, I would say, you know, if there's not the acknowledgement, if there's virals, that that body language, you know, is is poor and then I don't think that it's being received. But I think there's another piece um beyond the body language of just being able to apply it. And I think, you know, one of the things that I look for, especially, you know, as we're going throughout practice, is if if we're because we do a lot of coaching through repetition, and so we're playing the game, you know, let's say we're in some half-court segments and and we're actually playing five-on-five live and we're, you know, throwing coaching points at different players after, you know, every stoppage, but we're not stopping to talk for a long time. But if I'm saying, you know, consistent um phrases to somebody of things that they need to change or they need to do better, and they're giving me the body language, they're saying yes, they're saying okay, but then I don't see the action behind that. You can't see the the change, then you wonder, okay, do they understand what I'm saying and they don't trust me to apply it? Or it's just we're not there yet from a habit standpoint. And so honestly, even having those great conversations with players where you know they're like, hey coach, can I can I get a sub? And I they come out and they're like, what do you mean? I I hear you, but I don't know what you mean. Like those are equally as important because if you're acting like you receive it, but then I'm not seeing the change, then I'm left to wonder, do you really believe in what I'm saying and you trust your own thing? Um so I have always really appreciated those kinds of conversations and just honesty from players because it allows me to know where they're at. Um, but I think even if it's not perfect and players are really making the effort to try to apply something, even if it's uncomfortable and they haven't been asked to do it before, but I can see them trying to make the change, we can work with that because I can see the effort. And so obviously things aren't going to change overnight. And these are habits that need to be built and formed, especially in a game of basketball where there are so many ways to play the game. And for a lot of these players, um, you know, there have maybe been different beliefs or ways that they've played from all the way from elementary school to high school. And now when they're coming into our program, it's totally different. Um, and so I absolutely understand that things aren't going to happen or change overnight, but being able to just see, you know, the effort, whether that be in practice or even having players say, hey, coach, like can we work on this outside of practice? Um, I think that to me, being able to see players take ownership is huge. And that's one thing that I think really separates coachable athletes because our job is to communicate, but it's up to the player to implement. And how they do that is on them. Um, so I always that's what I love most, I think, about what I get to do is is really helping guide and be a part of those journeys with players who who really want it, who really want to make the changes, who want to be the best that they can be and are willing to take the feedback from coaches and say, okay, like I'm gonna, I'm gonna get this and I'm gonna do this on my own and take responsibility for it.

SPEAKER_01 15:07

Absolutely. It's so cool to see that play out. You know, I I coach at the at the youth level, and one of the guys I coach with, he runs a large uh contracting company, and and you see the coachable players, and you're like, oh, that girl there, she could be a great superintendent for a construction company, or you know, that that kid there, he could he could run a construction company. It's so cool to play out in life, you know.

SPEAKER_00 15:31

Um yeah, for sure. Those those skills are really transferable.

SPEAKER_01 15:34

Absolutely, for sure, yes. Um, and then when it comes to coachable athletes and coachable people, uh humble comes up a lot, you humility comes up a lot. You mentioned it in the first couple minutes, you know, you mentioned the word humility. Um since humility seems, you know, it is a major part of being coachable. How important is humility in an athlete's uh development and their growth?

SPEAKER_00 15:59

I I think it's huge. I think um, you know, again, that's the piece that I think it really helps separate players um who just continue to learn and grow um as opposed to players who maybe hit their ceiling a little bit earlier. Because, like I said, the especially in the game of basketball, there are so many different ways to play the game. Um, and so it's not like there's one right way. It's just as a coach, you're trying to make decisions and you have philosophies and um ways of doing things. And so that's what you're gonna go with. And you're trying to now unify a group of people around those things. And so um when players have the humility to be able to say, hey, you know, this is the way I've done it and it's worked for me, and now you're asking me to do it a different way, um, and they're willing to lay that down for the betterment of the the larger picture and those around them. I think that's what you know is is so incredible. But vice versa too, as as coaches, um, you know, we don't always have the right answer. We have ways that we've done it before and maybe proven an experience in um how we've done things. But I think it's just as important for us to be able to share that, obviously, because as coaches, we're always trying to learn and grow and get better. And I think our players absolutely do that for us in sharing different ways that they've done things. So we don't want to be stuck in any one way. Um, because if I'm asking, you know, our players to be coachable, well, I want to be coachable as a coach as well. And so I think it's a two-way street. Um, but I just think uh their willingness to be um their best for the people around them to be part of something bigger than yourself. Um, I think some of the programs that are at the top have that going both ways. And again, I think it goes back to ultimately to trust because being able to walk alongside that together, um to have those great conversations, to uh be willing to lay down um the pride of I know better, I know best, and being willing to hear different perspectives, have different thoughts, um, have great conversations. Um, I love talking X's and O's with our players, or maybe different ways that they've their coaches have taught them things. And okay, let's let's have that conversation, let's learn from each other. At the end of the day, coaches have to make the decisions that they think is best for the team and we need to move forward under that. Um, but the I think the ability to just be able to not just listen, but hear one another and say, you know what, it's not just about me, it's about everybody involved. Um, we talk about that in accountability. Um, that phrase, just being part of something bigger than yourself. I think that is like one of the most foundational things um that we try to really embody in our program. Um, because I think that's when we can all all be our best. Um, but it goes back to, like you said, having the humility to be able to walk in that and know it's about the we over the me.

SPEAKER_01 19:02

Yep, absolutely, yeah. But but also along those lines, can can confidence and humility coexist in a player?

SPEAKER_00 19:09

Absolutely. I think so. Yeah, I think there's there's confidence in you know who you are as a person and the things that you've done, but also the humility um to be able to hear um and have those conversations. And so um I think they absolutely can go hand in hand, but I think it's about the approach, I think it's about the conversations that are had um because you can be confident in who you are and what you've done, and you can be passionate about having that conversation and sharing that in conversation. But I think the humility piece is the first step to being open to having the conversation, to be able to hear from one another and discuss. I mean, one of the things that I love most is being able to watch film with our players when we're in season. Um, and so I love I love that being able to have, we always talk about forever watching team film. It's just a discussion. Like we want to hear what you're seeing, what you're processing. Um, and we're gonna share what we see and what we're processing. And let's let's have a conversation around that. I think that's the humility piece. You can be confident that, hey, I made this decision because of this. Um, but then at the same time, being able to hear um and and lay that down, you know, to be able to receive from your coaching staff or your peers, um, and vice versa, I think is is everything. So absolutely they can coexist together.

SPEAKER_01 20:27

Absolutely, yes. Yeah. Let's let's spend a little time talking about growth mindset, and you kind of briefly brought it up a little bit at the beginning. Um, as some some athletes see mistakes as failures, and then talking to you and Coach Nate, you know, failures can be a good part of the process and fail forward, I love that. I'm gonna I'm gonna steal that quote and use that one with my with my teams, you know. Yeah. So others see others see failures as opportunities to improve, as it sounds like like your your team and your approach. How does mindset influence coachability?

SPEAKER_00 21:03

Um, I think that the mindset of coachability and just how how you approach in the the perspective that you have um is everything. And if if you really, you know, think and evaluate of you know, I talk with players about going into a game. Um, one of the things that we hear a lot is, you know, when I go in, I'm scared to mess up, right? The fear of of failing or fear of letting people down. Um, and when you have that mindset, um, I think sometimes it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. And so one of the things that we really try to get our players to think about is hey, okay, what is your role? What's your responsibility? Let's enter the mindset of like, what do I need to do? What do I need to focus on? Because oftentimes where your focus is, there your outcome lies. Um, and so, you know, approaching every opportunity, um, I think with a grateful heart can really shift. The way that you see things. And that's one thing that we really tried to talk about a lot this past year. When you have a grateful heart, you see things as opportunities and areas that you can grow and take advantage of. Where when you're operating maybe out of fear, it's almost like, okay, I have something and I can't lose it. And so the perspective that you have, the mindset that you have when you enter into those situations can really be determined by those mindsets and how you approach those situations. And then ultimately the outcomes that come with that. So, you know, for us, I really just think we want to make sure that we're helping our players focus on having the perspective of opportunity and making the most of every situation. And at the end of the day, we really don't control the results like we think we do. We only control our actions. And so again, going back to having a grateful heart and seeing things as okay, this is an opportunity that I can make the most of. And I'm going to focus on that. And then let's let the chips fall where they may. And however it ends up, we're going to take that and we're going to learn from it and we're going to grow from it. Um, but again, when you try to control so much of the results, um, I think that's where you let fear creep in. That's where you feel like, man, something can be taken away from me. And then it can either lead to inaction or poor performance. Um, so that's really try trying for us to, you know, have the mindset of getting our players in that space so they can operate at their maximum capacity. But I even think about that when, you know, as coaches for our team and for our program, when you're trying to lead them and you have high, lofty goals, at the end of the day, you don't control the results, but you control the process. And that's something that I've talked about. So really just keeping that mindset of controlling the things that we can control and then learning and growing from the results is ultimately where I think that we need to the lane that we need to stay in.

SPEAKER_01 24:06

Yep. Obviously, you know, failure is not not what you want, but it's part of life and you grow from it. How do you how do you teach and and embrace mistakes and embrace failures within your program?

SPEAKER_00 24:20

Yeah, I think uh the way that you communicate to one another is really important when it comes to that. And I think setting the expectation that, like, hey, we're we're all gonna fail, like we're in this together. Um, we're not gonna be perfect. Do we want to continue to get better? Absolutely. But I think you have to understand and set the expectation that like this is going to happen. Now it's just what you do with it. Um, and so really just kind of um setting the tone when it comes to that. And um, you know, we we tell our players all the time too, like, I would rather you just go hard and do something wrong than not do anything because you're scared of making a mistake. I can coach you through the moments where you go hard and you do it wrong. I can tell you, hey, that you know, that wasn't the right way. Let's let's do it this way next time. Where when you don't do anything because you're frozen or there's inaction because you're scared to make a mistake, then we don't even get the opportunity to learn from it. Um, so I think again, just being able to set those expectations, um, but also letting players know what we value as as coaches and like it's okay to fail. We just want to see that the effort is there, the energy is there. Again, those are things that you can control and then we can learn and grow from. So um having conversations around that, um, making sure that I think that our upperclassmen and our leadership are setting the tone and embracing that. So our underclassmen can continue to learn and see that. Um, and even as coaches too, like we are surely gonna make mistakes. And I think being able to be vulnerable and share that as well, um, and identify hey, we didn't meet the mark here, we need to be better. And this is how we're we're gonna make sure that we learn from this and grow from this. So I think being an example as a coach, but then continuing to set those expectations and have those conversations around it.

SPEAKER_01 26:09

Absolutely. Yeah, I love it. Yeah. Um in in your time, you've you've seen a lot of players, a lot of coaches, you know, Eastern playing four years, two sports. You were coaching at Eastern after you played there, I believe. Was that yeah?

SPEAKER_00 26:24

I did, yeah, for a year, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 26:25

And then 10 years at Gettysburg. So so you've seen a lot. Is there any when it comes to growth mindset, any anything that kind of separates players from those who keep improving to those that just kind of plateau and and stay the same during their time?

SPEAKER_00 26:41

Um, yeah, definitely. I think uh when those players who had the growth mindset, um again, they don't let fear control them. Um and they are willing to continue to put themselves out there um to learn, to grow. Um they're not they're not afraid. I think I just I just keep going back to that word. They're not afraid. And and that that fear can come out in a lot of different ways. Um you know, maybe it's fear of of taking the shot because you don't want to let your team down. And um, you know, we talk about sometimes that can come across as like, oh, I want to be selfless, but maybe it's selfless to take the shot because you actually have put the work in and you are ready and you are prepared. Um but when you allow fear to take over in the moment, again, oftentimes it leads to an action. Um, and you don't get to go through those moments where failure or not, you know, if you have the success, you can continue to gain confidence. And if there is failure, then you can continue to learn and grow from it. Um, and so I think the times that I see players who really embrace the growth mindset are able to continue to put themselves out there, even when it's uncomfortable, um, even when you know there may be pressure. Um, but I think going back to just valuing every opportunity and being grateful and seeing each moment as an opportunity to just put it all out there, those are the players that I think are able to grow and reach their fullest potential. Um, and so that's always, you know, what I want to help our players, where I want them to be able to get to and being able to have those conversations because not everybody starts out that way. You know, some players come in with maybe more of a fixed mindset. And I think that's our job is to help players eliminate any limitation that they've put on themselves. And we all do that to ourselves. And so I think having people in our lives who can help us break down those barriers and kind of shift that mindset to be able to be willing to, you know, take the risk and put yourself out there and learn and grow. Um, I think you grow most when you're uncomfortable. Um, and those are the the best opportunities, but you have to put yourself in that situation. You have to be be willing to put yourself out there and to just go for it no matter what happens. Um, so I think, you know, that's the thing that I've been able to see. And a lot of our players who maybe come in that way, but then also um have seen players that are able to shift that perspective and that mindset and just be able to let go and then have been so um impressed with themselves when they do that. And that's again as a coach, those are some of the most rewarding moments that you get to be a part of.

SPEAKER_01 29:28

Absolutely. And let's let's stay in that space. Let's talk about players that come in with certain mindsets, certain certain behaviors. But then beyond sports, beyond basketball, you know, let's let's let's go go down that journey for a little bit here. Because one reason I love I love this podcast, it's uh you know, gives me a chance to talk to coaches and players, athletes, all that good stuff, you know, and and and coachability extends beyond sports.

SPEAKER_00 29:54

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 29:55

Just prepare them, help them. But what sort of lessons about coachability do you think carry into careers, into leadership in in their professions and just life in general after graduation?

SPEAKER_00 30:07

Yeah, I think that you know, one of the biggest things that um kind of translates in um just understanding what goes into um helping you reach your full potential. And, you know, oftentimes I see first years come in and they look at the upperclassmen and they think, oh, well, they've always been this way. How can I get there? And so through, you know, basketball and sport, being able to help them see like, you know, when you have that growth mindset, when you build discipline, when you have the work ethic, you know, you will get there too, you will grow and get better. Um, and you don't the people that you see that you look at, you look up to haven't always been that way. Um, and so I hope that's something that they carry in with them to their careers where, you know, they felt like, okay, I was able to build leadership traits, I was able to understand what it took from a work ethic standpoint, from a discipline. Um, you know, I don't just um I'm not given something. I have to go earn it. Um, we talk about for our athletes, athletes are problem solvers. Um, and so when there's a challenge that comes up, you've got to figure out how to figure it out. You've got to figure out what is the solution, what is the answer. And so that's my hope for our players when they go into their respective fields is that they can step into any job or career, one with humility and being able to ask or complete anything that they're asked, um, but then also that they can figure out, okay, you know, I want to make sure that I have all of the qualities that I embodied as an athlete, um, starting from the little things of making sure that I'm on time, um, that I'm organized, that um I have the disciplines and habits that when my boss asks me to do something, I'm not only gonna do it, but I'm gonna go above and beyond. And um I'm gonna make sure that I'm asking the questions. And if I don't understand, um, I'm gonna make sure I I figure out the answer and am able to make a decision or ask somebody so that I can be able to make the decision. Um but I think all of those things are something that I want our players to be able to really embrace and carry on, but especially with when it comes to just having the mindset that like I'm gonna continue to grow and get better and I'm not gonna be perfect when I'm when I start, but I know what to do and and how to get there. Um so again, focusing on the goals that I have in my career, but also the process in getting there. Um, and then understanding that, you know, when you're part of a team, you you have a role and responsibility, and you may want a greater role, um, but at first you have to fulfill the role that's asked of you before you can, you know, continue to grow and receive more and being the best at that. Um, and so it goes back to the we over the me, right? Um, and so being able to fulfill that and then show that, hey, like I can do this and I can be part of a team and I can make others better around me and I'm gonna compete in that. Um, and then continuing to grow um throughout their careers. But um, I think that all of those skills are transferable, but again, they have to go back to the growth mindset and not being afraid to fail and not being afraid to, hey, I know I made the wrong mistake, but when my boss has that conversation with me, I'm gonna receive the feedback, I'm gonna make the changes, and I'm gonna get better and grow.

SPEAKER_01 33:32

Awesome. Yeah, I'm jotting some good notes here. This is this is awesome. I love you know, fail forward, like I said, I love that. And then, and then athletes are problem solvers.

SPEAKER_00 33:41

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 33:41

Like I said, I I represent commercial builders, construction industry, and and there's you can't walk on a job site without coming across a couple, you know, college athletes, you know, that are now running construction companies or or running job sites. And yeah, there's a lot of problems to be solved on a on a construction job site, you know. So exactly coaches do, you guys help, you know, help the mindset, you know.

SPEAKER_00 34:04

Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 34:05

Yeah, very cool. Um, so I'm not looking for names here, so don't think you have to name anyone here, but let's talk about some of the the best athletes that that you've coached and that you've been around. You guys have coached a lot. Your team has a handful of all Americans over the years, so that's exciting. Like I said early on, 20 win seasons, I think eight in a row, or is it eight, eight out of ten.

SPEAKER_00 34:30

And it's nine now, nine after this year. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 34:33

Perfect, awesome. So again, I'm not looking for names without without naming names. Tell us about one of the most coachable athletes you've coached and what what made them different.

SPEAKER_00 34:45

Oh man, we've been blessed with so many. Um I I think to go back to maybe some of the things I talked before, and again, some of these concepts are are simple. And I think when we think coachability, um, sometimes I don't know, we can make it like, oh, you know, all of these different things, they were so great, but it really just comes down to a few good things. And when I think about some of the best players that I coached that were coachable, uh, we had a great relationship. Um, and I I start with that because it allowed for good conversation. Um, and I think some of the players that are the most coachable, um, you know, I mentioned before about being able to push through moments when you don't understand. And I don't mean not asking why and just blindly doing things. Um, but I think, you know, for a lot of the athletes that I've been able to see the most growth in, um, that were the most coachable, yes, in the moment they didn't understand it and they just did it because we had that trust, because we had that relationship. But then also we were able to, whether it was right after practice or um it was after a game, hey coach, can we meet? Can we watch home? Can we talk through this? We had the best of discussions. Um, and for both of us, there was going back to humility. Um, that piece played it played a huge part in it, being able to share those perspectives and um a player on the floor maybe sees different things than coaches on the floor. Um, but then being able to hear that um and for the player to trust us as coaches, um, that ultimately, okay, after having those conversations, you know, this is the way that we need to move forward um, you know, in that situation or this is what we would want to see from you. And then for those players to really say, okay, let's go. And they just embrace that wholeheartedly. Whether or not they agree with it, they may have a different opinion. And that's okay, that's allowed. We talk through that. But once a decision's made, they embrace that and they just continue to go with it. Um, but I think through those relationships, um, you know, we've been able to have great moments um outside of practice. And um, some of the most coachable players um take ownership and they take responsibility. Um, and so whether that's, you know, I made a small comment in practice about something that, hey, like let's get better here. And then I come in the gym or I'm walking through and I hear ball spouting and they're in there working on it on their own, or they're saying, Hey, coach, you said this. Can we get in and can we do this? That ownership is is so huge. Um, because when when players really take that responsibility on themselves, um, they really challenge themselves, they push themselves and they put the work in and they grow in confidence that way. And so um, especially at the division three level, I think, you know, when you're limited as a coach of when you can work out with your athletes, those who reach their full potential are just constantly putting in the work and they're so committed and they take the things that, you know, they're hearing the feedback and they're just working relentlessly at that. Um, and so I think, you know, those are some of the the things that I have seen the most coachable student athletes really embrace. Um, and I have been so fortunate to be a part of that, um, but also to to witness that and learn from them in those areas too.

SPEAKER_01 38:07

Yeah. So I don't I don't know if you had one athlete or athletes in mind when you responded there when you talked about your your most coachable athlete. Um, but but when thinking of of that person or persons, um, you kind of touched on it a little bit with habits because I wanted to talk about habits. It seems like like there's a strong work ethic, you know, a strong drive to get better. That seems to be a habit I heard kind of from that response. But when it comes to habits, um how how are those coachable players impacting their teammates with with their habits?

SPEAKER_00 38:44

I think that um, you know, especially the you know, the one or two that are coming to my mind, um they're an example um to their teammates and um through the habits and the disciplines, whether that be um, you know, coming in the gym outside of practice and and working on their game or coming in to watch film, um, whatever that looks like, again, the the lifting piece, the uh just taking ownership over the summer. I think being an example in that and leading in that way is one thing, but then their extension to be able to make the most impact on their teammates is being able to hold people accountable. Um and that can be really scary because you know, having those conversations isn't always easy, um, especially when you're talking to uh your peers. And one of the things that you know I'll hear players say a lot is, well, you know, I'm not perfect, so how can I, you know, hold my teammates accountable to the standard? I think there's maybe a little bit of a fear when it comes to that. Um, but I think those who are really able to embrace the accountability and know that, like, hey, I'm I'm doing my best and I want to be credible in every sense of of the word. And so I'm doing my part and I'm I'm recognizing that I'm not perfect and I'm sharing that, but I'm also committed to the standard and I want to hold my teammates accountable to that same standard. And so I'm gonna share that with you when you're not meeting the mark, but I expect you to share that with me when I'm not meeting the mark. I think those are, you know, the athletes that make the most impact on their teammates, but then also are able to grow the most themselves. And again, going back to humility, if you don't have that, then you can't receive that from your teammates, even though you're asking that um of of others around you. So um I think that's been one of the biggest pieces, obviously being the example, but being not being afraid to have the conversations um with teammates. But again, going back to relationships, um, you know, if you want to be able to have those conversations with your teammates, you have to have great individual relationships with your teammates. Um, and so we talk about, I remember talking to one player about that. And again, she was so talented and she had a great work ethic. But I think one of the things that she wanted to do a better job of was have better accountability with her with her teammates and being able to better have some of those conversations. And so I really encouraged her, like be intentional about the time that you spend um with those around you. And even if it's just, hey, I'm gonna pick one person a week to just take out for coffee or go to lunch with one-on-one, so we can build that relationship so that they know that I have their best interests at heart. And then we're able to be able to maybe receive things um a little bit better as if the only time that you're hearing from me is when I'm telling you that you're not where you need to be. Um, so I think that's something that we've really talked about a lot, but that accountability piece goes goes a huge a long way.

SPEAKER_01 41:43

Agree, agree. So so the step before athletes get to you is is youth sports, you know, rec ball, AAU, high school. And there's actually a lot of parents and and young athletes that that listen to the show here. So so for the listeners, do you have any advice for for adults how they can help young athletes develop coachability or be more coachable?

SPEAKER_00 42:08

Yeah, I would say um one of the biggest things, uh, and this is really hard because I'm I'm a parent myself, um, and my kids are too young for for youth yet, but they'll get there. Um, is allowing your children to be coached and to be able to receive the feedback and encouraging them to have those conversations with coach. If even if you as a parent don't agree with the philosophy or the way that things are being done, hey, have that conversation with your child about advocating for themselves. Have them go talk to the coach. Hey, what can I be better at? How do I need to grow? Um, and even with the response from the coach, like ultimately they're the one leading the team. And so trying to align yourself as best you can as a parent with the coach and being able to say, hey, you, you know, they're the one that's coaching you. So that's who you need to learn from, that's who you need to listen to. And I, as a parent, you know, may want my child or have certain thoughts of things that they can do better, uh, but going into every conversation with humility and the ability to be able to hear and not just listen and to try to do what the coach is asking you to do to the best of your ability, um, I think that's like the pure foundation. Um, because when children feel like they're being pulled in a couple different directions, it's like, okay, well, now, now who do I listen to? And now what way, what direction do I go? Um, and so letting your your children um, I think go through that process is not easy. Um, but also being able to let them build that relationship and um those attributes and traits of okay, this is what I'm being asked to do, and I'm gonna do it to the best of my ability.

SPEAKER_01 43:55

Yeah, awesome. And then let's talk about. Mistakes adults make. So I'm I'm a football guy. I played football, you know, and coached youth football. And my my youngest daughter, like I told you before the show, she loves basketball. And she always wants me to coach. So I coached rec ball. Because you know, that's that's not really organized. It's just kind of running around chasing the ball, whatever. But she all up until this year, like she's like, You're coaching again, aren't you, Dad? No, no, no. I haven't coached in a couple years. You need like real coaches. So I so I didn't make the mistake of forcing myself to coach. Like I let the coaches coach, you know, and I let her step away. I have to tell her every year, no, I'm not coaching. But but beyond that, beyond like um, you know, kind of coaches that don't have the the sport knowledge or whatever, but not not talking about that. But are there mistakes like adults make as far as as coaching and coachability?

SPEAKER_00 44:50

Um I would say maybe like the fear of letting your kid fail and go through those challenges. I think as parents, we want to be able to, you know, help our children. Um, or we don't ever want to see them go through struggles, right? We don't want to see them upset. We don't want to see them um where they're in a place where they're really struggling. But as a coach, like my job is to put those challenges and naturally let those challenges happen because that's where our student athletes grow the most. That's where you know children figure out what they're truly capable of. And so being able to support your children as a parent through that and not remove the challenge, not do it for them, um, but continue to encourage them to embrace your role, embrace what you can control and continue to push forward. I think that's the best way to help children. It's when, you know, maybe parents step in and become too hands-on or try to eliminate um those challenges that then our children miss out on opportunities to really grow. Um, so it's easier said than done. But I I think, you know, parents who let their children fail and go through the challenges, um, those are the children that end up being the most successful because they've learned to figure it out themselves.

SPEAKER_01 46:04

Agree. Yeah. So let's let's shift a little bit with with my last question here. So we talked about the parents and then and advice for parents. Let's let's end looking at the the young athlete, the the high school or the youth player. What what piece of advice would you would you give to young athletes when it comes to coachability?

SPEAKER_00 46:26

I would say um just continue to be open to hearing all perspectives and just want to be a sponge to learn and grow. Um, again, there are so many different um ways to play the game and ways to do things, but um being able to respect everybody who is trying to feed you information and it's your job to just listen and soak it all in, and then you can continue to really put place value on you know the people in your life that you really respect and you care about and continue to move in those directions. But I think um just being willing to learn from those around you, especially with those with experience and knowledge and just want to continue to learn and grow, and then having just letting your passion and drive continue to take over and not being afraid to put the work in. Um, because I think at the end of the day, that's what makes everything so much fun is being able to have a passion for something and doing hard things. I think sometimes it's a little bit scary to want to do hard things or again that feel of failure. But um, when you can really embrace that, um, I think that you know you just figure out things about yourself that you didn't think were possible. Um, so I would say soak it all in like a sponge, continue to learn and grow, um, and and just allow your passion for what you do um to not not rob you of the challenges that come, but drive you in a way that um just help you be better.

SPEAKER_01 47:58

Awesome. Awesome. Coach, this has been awesome. This has been really cool. I really enjoyed it. I uh got a lot of takeaways, got a lot of notes here. Um, some of the biggest takeaways were the fail forward, you know, learn from your mistakes and and and the growth mindset and continue to grow. That's that's the biggest one. Continue to learn and grow.

SPEAKER_00 48:19

That's yeah, that's awesome. I appreciate that. And if I could add one more thing in just from perspective space um or phrases, you know, I was just thinking about having that perspective of this isn't something that we have to do, this is something that we get to do. Um, and so going back to that grateful heart, um, man, being able to have that perspective is so important and really just kind of shifts our focus and how we approach every different situation. And so that's my, you know, my hope for these student athletes is that what they do is something that they get to do, not something that they have to do. But I appreciate you and having me on, and um, this has been an awesome discussion. I've I've really enjoyed it.

SPEAKER_01 48:55

Yeah, absolutely. I enjoyed it too. Look forward to meeting you someday. So this was awesome. We'll come to a Gettysburg game one of these days here.

SPEAKER_00 49:02

Yeah, you let me know where the chilies are playing, and I'll be there.

SPEAKER_01 49:06

I will, for sure. Yeah. Um again, thanks for coming on. I really enjoyed it, you know. Uh Coach Bedecki, Gettysburg, Gettysburg College, women's basketball coach, 10 years, nine years in a row with 20 win seasons. Did I get that right? Okay, good. Well, awesome. Awesome. Thank you so much for spending uh a little time with me and and sharing your insights. This was truly awesome. I really appreciate it. Uh, until next time, stay hungry, stay humble, and stay coachable. Thank you, coach.

SPEAKER_00 49:40

Thank you.