Coaching is more than just teaching sports—it’s a powerful vehicle for developing leadership skills and character, something Soldiers To Sidelines (STS) deeply understands.
Last year, we talked to Coach Dustin Kerns, head men’s basketball coach at Appalachian State University, to share his wisdom on coaching and leadership. His insights resonate strongly with our mission to educate, develop, and certify members of the military community to become expert coaches and exemplary role models.
Here are some key takeaways that apply both on and off the court:
Understand what loses before you can win.
One of Coach Kerns’ most impactful strategies when taking over a struggling program is having players identify losing behaviors. This aligns perfectly with the STS approach of leveraging military experience to build winning teams. As Coach Kerns put it, “You’ve got to really understand what loses before you can go out there and win.” This mindset is crucial for our Soldier Coaches as they transition their leadership skills from the battlefield to the playing field.
Create alignment through shared standards.
Rather than imposing a long list of rules, Coach Kerns has his players collaboratively develop team standards. This builds buy-in and accountability, mirroring the way military units operate. He emphasizes that “how you get people to believe in them and get aligned” is crucial for success. Our certification seminars teach Soldier Coaches how to establish these shared standards in their teams.
Foster authentic connections.
Coach Kerns uses an exercise called “Highlight, Hero, Heartache and Hope” to help players bond on a deeper level. By sharing personal stories, teammates develop empathy and unity that translates to on-court performance. This approach resonates with our mission to create strong community connections through coaching.
Communicate with clarity and repetition.
When addressing young athletes, Coach Kerns stresses the importance of “speaking in soundbites”—precise, memorable phrases that reinforce key messages. This echoes the communication skills honed in military service, which we help our Soldier Coaches adapt to their coaching roles.
Stay humble and authentic.
“There’s two kinds of coaches—humble and about to be humbled,” Coach Kerns quipped. Admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability as a leader can actually strengthen your credibility and rapport with players. This aligns with our focus on developing Soldier Coaches who lead by example and continue to grow.
Trust the process.
Building a winning program takes time. Coach Kerns reminds us that “good days will add up” if you stay consistent in your approach and keep believing in what you’re doing. This mirrors the dedication and perseverance instilled through military service, which our Soldier Coaches bring to their teams.
These insights remind us that great coaching involves much more than just the game. By focusing on culture, communication, and character development, Soldier Coaches can profoundly impact young athletes’ lives while achieving success on the scoreboard.
Whether you’re a certified Soldier Coach, considering our program, or a leader in any field, Coach Kerns’ approach to building teams and developing people through sports offers valuable lessons we can all apply. At Soldiers To Sidelines, we’re committed to equipping you with these skills and more through our comprehensive certification program.
Ready to transform your leadership experience into coaching excellence?
Learn more about our upcoming workshops and clinics and join the ranks of Soldier Coaches, making a difference in communities nationwide.
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