Being a standout athlete isn’t just about talent and athletic ability. According to college coaches, factors like work ethic and attitude play a crucial role when it comes to leaving a lasting impression on coaches and recruiters. Here are five ways to stand out that have nothing to do with athletic ability.
1. Train When No One is Watching
True growth as an athlete happens in the quiet, unglamorous hours when no one’s watching. It’s during those moments where real progress is made—when it’s just you and the work in front of you.
What truly separates athletes in these unseen hours is the time they commit to improving a specific skill that can only be mastered through hard work and repetition. Whether it’s perfecting a shot in basketball, refining footwork in soccer, or improving a throw in football, these abilities are shaped by consistent, focused practice. These aren’t skills developed in team drills alone—they’re forged in the extra work you put in by yourself. The more you invest in honing these areas, the more confident and capable you become when it matters most.
Take Steph Curry, for example. His incredible shooting ability wasn’t a product of talent alone. His success came from countless hours of repetition, practicing the same movements until they became second nature. His relentless dedication is what’s made him one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
How You Can Achieve This:
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Target your weaknesses by focusing on drills you struggled with during team practice. Repeating those specific drills on your own is a great way to improve and gain confidence in those areas.
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Take advantage of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where athletes and coaches post drills you can do at home. Many of these drills require minimal equipment, making it easy to practice and improve your skills on your own.
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If you’re unsure where to start, ask your coach for ideas on what you can work on by yourself. They’ll likely be more than happy to offer suggestions.
2. Be a Positive and Encouraging Teammate, Even When You’re Losing
Coaches expect more from athletes than just athletic ability. They value qualities that set players apart, such as resilience, leadership, and the ability to navigate difficult situations. How you handle tough moments speaks volumes about your character. Being a supportive and positive teammate, especially during challenges, are characteristics that will make you a standout athlete.
Head coach of Michigan State University’s women’s basketball team, Suzy Merchant, emphasized the importance of being a good teammate on a podcast. She shared that when she’s very interested in a recruit, she attends a game where she knows the recruits team will probably lose. She doesn’t go to see their talent and athletic ability; instead, she wants to observe how the recruit handles pressure, treats their teammates when the going gets tough, and interacts with their family after the game. This gives her insight into whether they’ll fit into her program's culture—a culture grounded in positivity, resilience, and support for one another. Coaches value players who embody these traits because they elevate the entire team and create a stronger, more cohesive unit.
How You Can Achieve This:
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Stay positive, even when things aren’t going your way. Your attitude during difficult moments speaks volumes.
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Make it a habit to encourage your teammates, especially when they’re struggling. Lift them up when the game is tough, and show that you’re all in it together.
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Remember, recruiters and coaches look for athletes who are good teammates. It’s not just about how you treat your team on the field but also how you carry yourself off the field.
3. Do the Little Things
Sometimes it’s the small, overlooked actions that can make the biggest difference in how you’re perceived. Coaches notice athletes who hustle from drill to drill, jog to and from water breaks, and are always the first ones back in the huddle. Being attentive, focused, and consistently giving your best effort in every situation—even when it’s not game time—shows your commitment.
Imagine a coach watching practice: one athlete is constantly moving, engaged, and helping pick up cones after practice, while another walks slowly between drills, chatting with friends. It’s not hard to see who’s making a better impression.
How You Can Achieve This:
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Always hustle. Whether it’s jogging to the next drill or being the first one to return from a water break, these small acts of effort add up.
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Pay attention when coaches are speaking—don’t be distracted or talk to your teammates. Respect for authority and focus are essential to making a good impression.
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Volunteer to help clean up after practice, whether it’s collecting cones or packing equipment. Coaches appreciate players who are proactive and willing to help.
4. Be Adaptable
A standout athlete isn’t just someone who excels in one position—they’re willing to do whatever is best for the team. Coaches value versatility and a team-first mentality. If you’re unwilling to play outside your comfort zone, you might be limiting your potential. On the flip side, being adaptable makes you a crucial asset, giving coaches flexibility in how they use you.
Being open to trying different positions, even if they’re unfamiliar, shows that you prioritize the team’s success over your own comfort. A coach will always remember the player who steps up when needed, even in an unfamiliar role.
How You Can Achieve This:
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Let your coach know you’re open to playing different positions and trying new roles in practice. Even if you’ve never played a particular spot, showing a willingness to adapt will help you stand out.
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Embrace the team-first mentality—what’s best for the team always comes first. Show that you’re a versatile, coachable player who can step in wherever needed.
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If you get a chance to play a new position, take it seriously and work hard to learn it. Your adaptability could lead to unexpected opportunities.
5. Be Consistent
Consistency is the mark of a great athlete. Coaches aren’t impressed by someone who shows up with energy one day and coasts the next. They want athletes who consistently give their best effort, maintain a positive attitude, and stay focused in every practice, game, and meeting. Being consistent builds trust and proves that you can be relied on in any situation.
The standout athletes are the ones who do the little things every day, not just when they feel like it. Consistency isn’t glamorous, but it’s what separates good players from great ones.
How You Can Achieve This:
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Develop habits that ensure you’re always putting in effort, whether in practice, training, or off the field. Consistency starts with routine.
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Approach each practice and game with the same level of commitment, regardless of the stakes. Coaches notice players who bring the same energy every day.
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Focus on long-term growth. Building a reputation as a consistent, reliable player will set you apart in the eyes of coaches and recruiters alike.
Final Thoughts
Being a standout athlete is about more than just talent—it’s about character, work ethic, and attitude. By training when no one is watching, being a positive teammate, doing the little things, staying adaptable, and consistently showing up with effort and focus, you can set yourself apart from the crowd. These are the qualities that will catch the eye of coaches and recruiters and pave the way for success in your athletic career and beyond.
