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Tough Love: How My Dad’s Coaching Shaped My Approach to Mentorship

Writer's picture: Juwan BrescacinJuwan Brescacin


Growing up, my father coached me in basketball for years. He was often

harder on me than on the other players. After a particularly tough practice, I

asked him why he was so hard on me. He replied, "I'm hard on you because

one day I won't be your coach, and someone who doesn't love you as much

as I do will be even harder on you, and it won't come from the same place." I

didn't understand his message at the time, but throughout my career as a

division I football player and an eight-year professional football player, it

became clear.


“The best coaches were those who built

personal relationships with their players,

blending toughness and discipline with

empathy and humility.”


As I transition into a career in coaching and psychology, I often reflect on the

great coaches I had and the lessons I learned from those I didn't connect with.

Some coaches took the time to ask about my family or how my day was going,

while others only acknowledged me when they were yelling or giving a nod in

passing. Interestingly, the best coaches were those who built personal

relationships with their players, blending toughness and discipline with

empathy and humility.


Thinking about my coaching style, I aim to inspire my athletes to reach their full

potential and demand their best every day. They will know that they are more

than athletes and that I mentor them because their growth as individuals is

important to me.

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