New HC

I think when you see what they are doing you will know what you want to change.  Could be the drills, could be the attitudes, could be a whole bunch of things.  You have enough experience in baseball to look at a team practice and say "nope, that's not right".

Be confident. Use your knowledge. Experience has to start somewhere. My advice, connect with the players. But don't be their friend. Change the bad habits. You won't win if it's a country club atmosphere. You may get better players if you do a lot of advertising about the team. Make sure the baseball coach is sending failed walk ons down to you.

Who would you answer to?  If it's the players, that is a very difficult structure to work within.

My advice would be to do it.   Have confidence in yourself, you'll know what to do.  It will be great experience for you especially at your age.  Don't ever be fearful of taking on a new challenge because you think " I've never done that before".  Relish the challenge, have faith that you can figure it out, then when you do, seek the next challenge.

good luck!

NotVeryCreative posted:

Hi, everyone. 

I've just been offered a HC position for the club team I once played for at my university. I'm 24 years old with no one year of true experience as a student assistant at a Juco I played for. I've played three years of college baseball and had Tommy John twice. 

I'm very nervous about accepting the position because the team went 2-13 last season and I'm not sure if I can turn it around, or at least do things correctly as leader. 

Many of the ones who offered the job feel I can do well but I'm so lost. 

Where do I begin? What are some words of wisdom? Should I accept? If I do, how do I run a program "my way" and change out all of the bad habits the athletes are used to? 

The deadline to accept is July 1st  

I apprciate any advice given. 

First, you had many who offered the job express confidence that you can do well.  So there is obviously something about you that warrants that vote of confidence of the decision makers.  Recognize that.  Second, if they were 2-13 last year, there is relatively no pressure... no where to go but up.

Should you accept?  Well, be realistic.  Does it fit with where you are going with your life?  Is it something you really want to do?  Does it pay?  Enough?  Does it fit with your other job or schooling?  Will you be able to bring in some support (i.e. - if you had two TJ's, you may not be equipped to throw BP)?  Do you have a handle on all the responsibilites that come with the job (scheduling, travel arrangements, recruiting, field maint., etc., etc.)?  Do you have realistic expectations as to where it may lead (i.e. - I haven't heard of a scenario where being a college club coach leads to any significant position in a traditional college program, but may be wrong)?  Do you know any current players - are any problematic, are you too close to any as friends?  You were with the program recently - is it realistic to think that changes to "your way" are feasible?  Do you have a significant other and will you have their support?  

I would think a position like this really becomes a labor of love, availability and realistic expectations.  If that all fits, go for it!

MidAtlanticDad posted:

Who would you answer to?  If it's the players, that is a very difficult structure to work within.

I'm guessing it would be to the Director of Student Activities or someone similar. But the players could be providing feedback to him. It's a level of control he must establish early.

If coaching is a career goal, take it.  You need to gain experience.  You sound afraid of making mistakes....don't be.  You will make mistakes but you'll also learn on the job and make good decisions too.   Someone with your background, knows the ins and outs of college programs and is needed for a program turnaround.  You can have an immediate impact on this years season and improve on last year's 2-13 season.  Take that first step if this is something you've really wanted to do.  JMO. 

When I'm faced with a decision, I always like to ask myself "What't the worse thing that could happen?"

I would go for it!  Nothing ventured, nothing gained...