The University of Evansville athletic department sponsors 17 sports – all of them will be competing at home this February and March. This is true for departments across the country, leading to a crossover season like we have never seen before. Take a moment to check out my 10 crossover season survival tips!
10. Plan Ahead: Don’t get thrown off your game by lack of planning. Make sure you look ahead to schedule game workers, scripts and social content. This will make game day go much more smoothly!
9. In This Together: We all find comfort in knowing that we are not in this alone. Departments across the country are all dealing with difficult times. Use this camaraderie to your advantage.
8. Dress for Success: This has 2 meanings for me: wear your best outfit on a Monday to kickstart your week (look good, feel good, play good) or if you are working an outdoor sport, make sure you have the proper gear to prevent the cold or rain from being a distraction. Invest in comfortable, functional shoes, clothing and outerwear!
7. Talk to Student-Athletes: Having a bad week? Strike up a conversation with one of your student-athletes. Their gratitude for your hard work may give you the boost needed to turn your week around.
6. Take a Break: Whether it’s a quick walk outside around your building or a personal day when your teams are on the road, taking some time to reset can do wonders for your level of production and motivation.
5. Treat Yo Self: You’ve been working hard and deserve a reward. Buy those Cole Haan shoes that have been stuck in your cart or grab some Starbucks on the way into the office.
4. Do Something Nice For Someone Else: Bring in donuts for everyone or treat someone to lunch. Nothing beats being the office hero!
3. Celebrate Little Victories: If your team notches a mid-week, non-conference victory or you have a post perform well on social, don’t look past it! Take some time to celebrate the good times with your team.
2. Take Care of Yourself: Our mental/physical health and relationships with love ones are often the first things to be put on the backburner. Exercise, a healthy diet and a scheduled weekly phone call to a friend are all ways to make sure that you come out of crossover season on top.
1. Remember Your Why: This may be a cliché tip to put a number 1, but it is very important. There are so many great reasons we all have for being in this industry and it is easy to lose sight of that during our busiest times. Throw a post-it note on your mirror or computer as a physical reminder to keep your focus.
It’s not realistic to follow all these all of the time. However, if you can focus on a few of them each week I believe you and your department will not only survive crossover season but thrive! I am always open to talk to anyone who may be struggling – you can find me on Twitter @Scott_Peace or email me at sp166@evansville.edu. Best of luck this spring!
- Scott Peace (@Scott_Peace)
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