The letter "A" in C.O.A.C.H. is a very simple word but involves so many different things.  "A" stands for ATTITUDE, a very important trait that coaches look for right at the beginning of each and every training camp.  Having a positive attitude is a must for every first year player.  Many times, recruited freshman seem to come into their new team with an "entitlement attitude" regarding their playing time, their position, and their status within the team.  This entitlement attitude will be the first thing that will get them into trouble with the Coach.  You must remember that the Coach looks for all first year players to bring energy, positional competition, and freshness into the team; that is a very important function of new players.  If a new player has the attitude that he "has already arrived" and does not bring the energy and positive attitude that the coach is desperately seeking, then there will be an immediate problem.

Listen, as a freshman, you will be told to move goals, pick up cones, gather balls, do the laundry, carry bags at the airports, film games; it goes with being a freshman.  How you handle those small tasks and your attitude when asked to do these tasks are important, both to the coach and your new teammates.  Trust me, your new teammates are watching you as well.  They did the same stuff as you are being asked to do, and they want to see how you handle your business.   Do it without whining, do it without being told for the 41st time, do it with a smile on your face, and let everyone know that you are happy to be a part of your new team and program.

Remember, coaches constantly read their players – their body language, their effort, their excitement or lack thereof – they are always sizing up their team at each and every training session and game.  Do yourself a huge favor and make sure every time he looks your way, he sees a player that is happy, eager for training, and is most definitely willing to bring the energy and positive attitude that is so vital to the long term success of every college team.