Travis L Wright – What Coaching Young Athletes Has Taught Me
Travis L WrightOver the years, I’ve spent a lot of time on the field. Not as a player chasing personal accolades, but as a coach helping young athletes find their rhythm, their strength, and most importantly, their character. Coaching football in Salt Lake City has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life, and it's taught me just as much about life as it has about the sport.
When I first got into coaching, I thought it would be about teaching plays, running drills, and helping kids win games. And yes, that’s a part of it. But what I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn from the athletes themselves. These kids show up with different backgrounds, different levels of skill, and different reasons for playing. Some want to go pro, some are trying to stay out of trouble, and others just want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Meeting them where they are has been a masterclass in leadership and patience.
The first lesson coaching taught me? Everyone learns differently. You can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach with young athletes. One player might need firm direction, another might need encouragement, and a third might just need someone to listen. Learning to communicate in ways that actually reach each player has made me a better coach, and honestly, a better person.
Another big takeaway has been the importance of consistency over hype. A lot of youth sports today are built around highlight reels and social media attention. But what matters more is who shows up on time, who puts in the work when no one is watching, and who bounces back after a tough game. I always tell my players that talent might get you on the field, but discipline keeps you there. That message has stuck with me too.
Coaching has also reminded me of the power of second chances. I’ve had players who started the season with an attitude, poor grades, or no sense of teamwork. But with the right structure and support, I’ve watched those same kids transform. Not just into better athletes, but into better sons, students, and citizens. It’s proof that people can change when someone believes in them, sets clear expectations, and holds them accountable.
One of the most important things I’ve learned? Wins and losses fade, but impact lasts. Years after the season ends, I still get texts and calls from former players telling me how something we talked about or worked through helped them in a job interview, a relationship, or a personal challenge. That’s when you realize coaching is about so much more than football.
Finally, coaching has helped me reflect on my own values. It’s made me more patient, more empathetic, and more focused on leading by example. It’s easy to give a pep talk about discipline and integrity. It’s harder to live it every day. My players have held me to that standard, and I’m grateful for it.
So what has coaching young athletes taught me? It’s taught me that the most meaningful leadership doesn’t come from titles or whistles — it comes from showing up, listening deeply, setting the tone, and genuinely caring. And that lesson sticks with you far beyond the field.
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