As a coach for 28 years and as a player from youth to MiLB for over 16 years, I have learned is this: the “heart” of an athlete is the most neglected and under-trained aspect of a player’s development. I’ve seen athletes with below average athletic skills and a great heart achieve phenomenal things, while elevating the play of their teammates. I’ve also seen players with elite skills underachieve and many times facilitate helping their teammates miss the mark. Looking back, I see that the “heart” is the most vital tool in the athlete’s toolbox and coaches should spend much more time developing it. The closer that coaches and athletes can get to God, the better chance they have in developing a great heart!
The Lord said this in Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Keith Madison
SCORE International
