What Coaches Want: Top 3 Traits of Great Athletes

Athletes often wonder what it takes to stand out—not just on the field, but in the eyes of their coaches. While talent is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Coaches are building more than just a team—they’re building a culture, a standard, and a legacy. That’s why they look for athletes who bring more than just skill.

Let’s explore the top three traits coaches look for, why they matter on the team, and how they translate into career and business success.

1. Work Ethic and Coachability

What It Really Means:

Work ethic is the drive to consistently give your best effort, even when no one is watching. Coachability is the ability to receive feedback, apply it, and grow from it.

Why Coaches Look for This:

• Coaches know that effort is contagious. One hard-working athlete can raise the intensity of an entire practice.
• Coachable athletes make a coach’s job easier—they listen, adjust, and improve.
• These athletes are reliable under pressure and don’t fold when things get tough.
• They help create a growth-focused team culture, where improvement is the norm.

Why It Matters as an Employee:

• Employers want people who take initiative, meet deadlines, and go the extra mile.
• Coachable employees are easier to train and grow into leadership roles.
• These traits show you're a lifelong learner, which is essential in any profession.

Why It Matters as a Business Owner:

• Entrepreneurs need relentless self-discipline to build something from the ground up.
• Coachability helps business owners adapt to feedback, learn from mentors, and pivot when needed.
• A strong work ethic is the engine behind long hours, tough decisions, and sustained growth.

2. Team Attitude and Leadership

What It Really Means:

This is about being a positive, supportive teammate and someone who leads by example. Leadership isn’t just about being vocal—it’s about being dependable, selfless, and focused on the team’s success.

Why Coaches Look for This:

• Coaches want athletes who build others up, not tear them down.
• A strong team attitude helps maintain chemistry, trust, and unity—especially during adversity.
• Leaders on the team help hold others accountable, reducing the burden on the coach.
• These athletes often become captains, mentors, and culture-setters.

Why It Matters as an Employee:

• Most jobs require teamwork, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
• Leadership skills are essential for career advancement, even in entry-level roles.
• Employers value people who can motivate others, resolve conflict, and lead by example.

Why It Matters as a Business Owner:

• Entrepreneurs must build and lead teams, often from scratch.
• A strong team attitude helps create a positive company culture that attracts talent and customers.
• Leadership is essential for vision-setting, decision-making, and inspiring others to follow your mission.

3. Athletic Ability and Skill

What It Really Means:

This includes physical talent, technical skills, and game intelligence. It’s about being able to execute under pressure and perform at a high level consistently.

Why Coaches Look for This:

• Coaches need athletes who can compete and contribute at the level required.
• Skill and athleticism help teams win games and execute strategies effectively.
• Talented athletes can inspire others and raise the overall level of play.
• However, coaches know that talent without effort is wasted potential.

Why It Matters as an Employee:

• Mastering a skill in sports shows you can master complex tasks in any field.
• Performing under pressure builds resilience and composure—key traits in high-stakes jobs.
• It demonstrates discipline, focus, and the ability to follow through.

Why It Matters as a Business Owner:

• Entrepreneurs need to develop and refine skills in marketing, finance, communication, and leadership.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure is critical when facing setbacks or making big decisions.
• Just like in sports, success in business often comes down to execution and consistency.

Final Thoughts: From Athlete to Leader

The traits that make you a great athlete—work ethic, attitude, and skill—are the same ones that will make you a great employee, leader, or entrepreneur. Coaches aren’t just building teams—they’re building future professionals, business owners, and community leaders.

So whether you're chasing a championship or preparing to launch your own business, remember:
How you train today shapes who you become tomorrow.