Advice for Athletes from Coach Courtney Foote

DAP sat down with Coach Courtney Foote, author of Invisible Obstacles: Overcoming the Mental Hurdles of Cheerleading, to discuss what student athletes and parents need to know as the new school year and athletic seasons approach.

DAP: What are some of the pressures/adversities student-athletes face today?

Coach Courtney: Student- Athletes must always remember they are a student first and an athlete second. Today, that requires young athletes to maintain good grades, excel at extracurricular activities, complete family chores, maintain a picture ready appearance, and grow your social media following with interesting content. If those burdens become too heavy, mental obstacles can occur.

DAP: What's your experience as a coach?

Coach Courtney: For as long as I was a competitive athlete, I've been coaching simultaneously.  Before my late night practices, I would help instruct lower level classes for the gym.  Throughout college I coached gymnastics and cheerleading at numerous gyms across the country.  After graduating from the University of Houston, I relocated to Southern California.  In Los Angeles, I became the cheer coach to the stars on camera and behind the scenes for Emmy award winning productions. 

DAP: How do you coach an athlete who is struggling to improve? How do you keep athletes motivated?

Coach Courtney: I would first recommend the family get my book 'Invisible Obstacles' to learn positive daily habits to collectively beat mental obstacles. Every athlete is unique with unique struggles so it takes a unique coaching plan to be tailor made for each athlete. The best coaching plans mean nothing unless the athlete is self motivated to be better than they were yesterday.

DAP: What are some undervalued strengths you've seen in athletes who are working through challenges? What should athletes remember about themselves and their abilities?

Coach Courtney: Have Fun! Let's get back to finding the fun in sports. If you can find the fun, you'll find success.

DAP: What encouragement do you give to athletes who are just entering sports or making a comeback from time off? What advice do you have for parents as they guide their children through the athletic scene this year? What advice do you have for students that are entering the athletic scene for the first time?

Coach Courtney: Parents and athletes must always remember to treat everyday like it's their first and last day in that sport. It will always be your first day as long as you are passionately chasing the feeling that initially made you fall in love with the sport. However, you're only as good as your last showing. If you treat each showing as your last day, then your goal should be to give your all every time.

Invisible Obstacles releases Thursday, August 11. Click here to order a copy.