Workday Wednesday: The Work You Do That No One Sees

When we talk about hard work in sports, we picture the obvious: Sweat. Sprints. Reps. Grit.

We see players in the gym, in the weight room, running hills, making shots.

That’s what their work looks like.

But coaches? Our grind is different — and most of it happens where no one’s watching.

The Coach’s Work Is Internal

Players train their bodies. Coaches train their presence.

A good coach studies the playbook. A great coach studies themselves.

Here’s what coaching work really looks like:

• Setting a standard without becoming a dictator

• Regulating your energy so your team feels safe, not scattered

• Asking “What did I do to contribute to this outcome?” after a loss

• Choosing to teach instead of yell, even when you're tired

• Clarifying your leadership values so your players never question who you are

This work is silent. This work is unseen. This work is essential.

The Weight of Invisible Leadership

The athlete’s grind shows up in stats. The coach’s grind shows up in culture.

That’s the weight of leadership — carrying the responsibility to be solid even when no one thanks you for it. To set the tone before the locker room arrives. To fix the unspoken cracks before they become visible.

And the hardest part? You don’t get to check a box that says “done.”

Leadership is a daily practice.

Keep Showing Up

So if today feels heavy — good. That means you’re doing the right kind of work.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up with intention, doing the reps in reflection, and leading your team from the inside out.

Their work is external. Your work is internal. But both matter.

Keep leading.