Top 5 Things Athletes & Coaches Should Be Doing Before Heading Back to School

New season, new goals, same hustle. 🏆 Whether you're leading the team or lacing up for tryouts, these 5 back-to-school tips will help athletes and coaches crush the year ahead — with routines, goals, and a little journaling magic to level up your game. 💥📓 Let's go!

Top 5 Things Athletes & Coaches Should Be Doing Before Heading Back to School

Back-to-school season isn't just about new pencils and packed lunches — it's game time for athletes and coaches, too. Whether you're gearing up for tryouts, setting team goals, or just trying to find clean gear, here are the top 5 ways to make sure your squad hits the ground running this school year. Let’s goooo! 🚀💪


1. ✍️ Start Journaling (Yes, Seriously!)

Before you roll your eyes… hear us out. Journaling is like having a locker room in your brain — a space to plan, reflect, and grow. Whether you’re tracking goals, setting game-day intentions, or processing the ups and downs of the season, a good journal is your secret weapon.

👉 Athletes: Write out your preseason goals, affirmations, and daily focus.
👉 Coaches: Track team mindset, player progress, and those lightbulb moments from practice.

🧠 Bonus: Using a Champion Athlete Journal or Coach Journal (like the ones from Sports Hawgs 🐗) can boost consistency, confidence, and clarity all year long!


2. 🗓️ Build Your Routine Like a Pro

Let’s be honest — the snooze button is tempting. But champions are built through routines. Start adjusting your sleep, meals, workouts, and mindset now.

🔥 Try this:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time for a week.

  • Eat like you're already mid-season (put down the triple scoop sundae... or don’t, we’re not judging 🍦).

  • Practice packing your bag the night before (so you’re not sprinting around looking for cleats at 6:55 am).


3. 🧼 Clean Out Your Gear Bag (Yup, We Said It)

You know what’s lurking in there: crusty socks, old tape, that granola bar from March. Start fresh.

🧼 Gear Up Checklist:

  • Wash your uniform & pads (Febreze isn’t a solution, it’s a cry for help).

  • Restock essentials: tape, pre-wrap, water bottles.

  • Add something new to your bag — like a journal 😉 or a new lucky charm.


4. 🎯 Set Personal & Team Goals

Wanna level up this year? Set clear, trackable goals.

🎯 Try the “1-2-3” method:

  • 1 mindset goal: “I’ll stay positive even if I mess up.”

  • 2 performance goals: “I’ll average X stats per game.”

  • 3 habits: “I’ll hydrate, stretch, and journal every day.”

📓 Bonus Tip: Write these in your journal so you can check in weekly. Progress is 🔑.


5. 🫶 Build the Vibe — Not Just the Team

Wins are awesome, but chemistry is EVERYTHING. Before the first whistle blows, connect with your teammates or players.

💬 Things to do:

  • Organize a team breakfast or fun practice warm-up.

  • Create a group chat with good vibes only.

  • Coaches: write 1 sentence about each player that recognizes something beyond stats.

📣 Reminder: The stronger the bond, the stronger the team.


Final Whistle 🚨

This school year, don’t just go back — go forward. Prep your mind, body, and gear like the champ you are. And remember: your habits will define your season. 🏆

Grab a journal, build the vibe, and make this year your best yet. Let’s do this. 💥

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