Coaching for Success

Learn what to look for in an Olympic-level coach for your young athlete. 

With the Olympics approaching this summer — July 26 to be exact — fans will wonder who will win and why? So let’s talk about the people behind the scenes: the coaches. But what makes for a good coach? Better yet, what makes for a good coach who can win on an Olympic stage? 

Bob Bowman is one of the most successful Olympic coaches in history. Bowman helped guide Michael Phelps to victory 23 times. Bowman is best known for his book, “The Golden Rules: 10 Steps to World-Class Excellence in Your Life and Work.” The short end of his Golden Rules is about visualizing to achieve your goals and dedication to your training being paramount for your success. He is most known for his intense personality and dedication to his athletes. He not only taught goal-setting but the ways in which to become motivated to achieve those goals. Lastly, he talks about the need to take risks and how you can become more risk-tolerant. In the simplest forms, Bowman taught visualization, goal-setting and risk-taking. What he gave his athletes was dedication.

Another successful coach, but in the sport of soccer, is Jillian Ellis. Ellis’ overall record was 106-7-19 — she marks the “winningest” United States women’s national soccer team head coach in history. She stated that “The cornerstone for success for me has been struggle and hardship.” When Ellis stepped in as the USWNT coach, the American had won four world championships and four Olympic gold medals. Earlier in her career, Ellis met the legendary basketball coach John Wooden. She asked him how he dealt with pressure and he replied, “You embrace it.” And she did. 

As a former player of Ellis, I can tell you that I personally felt like understanding the game (tactically, technically and strategically), taking care of the foundational pieces (skill and discipline) and being true to your craft were at the center of how she coached individuals and the team as a whole to win. Her coaching strayed from teaching players to be robotic and to encourage them to think for themselves and be confident in their decisions. Ellis educated her players to identify the problems they experienced on the field and solve them via the scenarios they faced in training. Come game time, Ellis felt comfortable and confident that her players were well prepared. Despite facing regular criticism and being one of the only high-level female coaches of her time, Ellis showed unfailing commitment to her team and players. To summarize in the simplest forms, Ellis taught understanding of the game, problem-solving and individuality. 

Usain Bolt is the most successful male athlete of world champions. Bolt is considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time. He holds records in the 100 meter, 200 meters and the 4 x 100 meter and his coach Glen Mills had a large part in that. Mills not only coached Bolt, but also Yohan Blake and Warren Weir. That trio obtained five out of six medals at the London Olympics during their time with Mills. Bolt specifically pointed out that there were some times during his career he wanted to give up and Mills instilled faith in Bolt and his ability to teach him techniques needed to be successful. Mills’ runners won all of the individual sprints in London and finished with breaking the world record in the 4 x100m relay final. Mills taught faith and self-belief. 

So what recipe will make for a successful Olympic coach this summer? If we made a winning Olympic-coach soup, I’d say a pinch of dedication, a tablespoon of commitment and a dash of faith.

Here’s what to look for in an Olympic-level coach for your young athlete: 

Level of coaching credentials: Olympic-level coaches typically have gone through endless hours of advanced coaching courses and have the highest licensing credentials. 

Elite experience: Coaching a youth soccer team is much different from coaching a wide range of professionals. An Olympic-level coach has experience coaching high performers. 

Tactical awareness: Olympic coaches need to have highly strategic minds and work well under pressure. At the highest levels, the games and events can come down to one opportunity or one error. 

Technical mastery: Olympic coaches often coach high-level skills, which ultimately separates elite and average players. 

Positive relationships: Olympic-level coaches are able to motivate and challenge players in a positive way. Though these coaches are highly professional and understand the need to win at the highest level, the best ones have close relationships with their athletes. 

Lindsey Huie is a soccer five-time Hall of Famer and two-time Division 1 National Champion. She is the founder of GRITNESS. Huie was coached and mentored by soccer legends like Jill Ellis, Tony DiCicco and Clive Charles.