"Always Protect the Team"

Pete Carroll shares the 3 team rules he uses to build culture.

Not 10 values. Not a 100-page manual. 3 rules.

Simple, repeatable, and powerful.

1: Always protect the team - "This isn't just about behavior. It's about conscience."

Protecting the team means being mindful of… https://t.co/4X8fA8jnmw pic.twitter.com/xpZ3mbJNva

— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) December 31, 2025

Whether you like it or not, as a student-athlete you represent your community, school, team, family, and especially yourself.  

1. Be professional. Don't disrespect opponents or communities on social media, electronic media, or print media. 

2. Represent the team academically. If you can learn the nuances of sport, then you can do well in school. 

3. Do nothing to hurt your character in the community...violating team rules, violating the Chemical Health Policy, or violating the law (e.g. reckless driving).

  

 

Checking Boxes as a Winner*

*Adapted from my basketball blog.  

Checklists help in many domains - construction, air travel, healthcare, finance, restaurants, and more. 

What do you have on your checklist for "Lead without a Title?" I wrote a blog post with bullet points and asked Chat GPT Plus to convert it to a checklist. 

Use this daily. Leadership is not occasional. It’s habitual.

Team & Teammates

☐ I encouraged at least one teammate today
☐ I communicated clearly and positively
☐ I brought energy to practice or matches
☐ I celebrated teammates’ success
☐ I helped a teammate without being asked

Effort & Competitiveness

☐ I gave my best effort on every drill
☐ I sprinted in transitions (on and off the court)
☐ I competed without complaining
☐ I stayed engaged, even when I wasn’t in the spotlight

Coachability & Growth

☐ I listened fully when coached
☐ I responded to feedback with action, not excuses
☐ I asked at least one thoughtful question
☐ I focused on improvement, not comparison

Culture & Standards

☐ I was on time and prepared
☐ I was never a distraction
☐ I modeled positive body language
☐ I upheld team values when no one was watching

Service & Ownership

☐ I did a “dirty job” (balls, cleanup, help)
☐ I asked, “How can I help?”
☐ I put the team’s needs ahead of my own
☐ I left the gym better than I found it

Off the Court

☐ I represented the program with class
☐ I handled academics responsibly
☐ I took care of my body (sleep, nutrition, recovery)

What Will Become Your Favorite Quotes?

"Free will is a golfer's greatest source of strength and power. Choosing how to think is a crucial decision." - Dr. Bob Rotella in "Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect" 

What lessons have sports taught you over your young careers? Think about them. In your 'formative years' you craft habits, beliefs, attitudes, and values that define your future. 

• Adopt a philosophy that works for you. Make it uniquely yours.
• "Look for the helpers." - Mr. Rogers   Find mentors and learn to network to advance yourself and your teams. The "self-made" person is a myth. Every successful person got help. 
• Find ways to lead. Keep a "leadership scorecard." It might be a small action, cleaning your room or shoveling the walk. 
• Be a great teammate. How can you be a better teammate today? Work out with a friend. Tell a teammate what you like about their play. "Make teammates feel valued." Being a great teammate is a choice.
• "Leave the jersey in a better place." - James Kerr in Legacy
• "Always do your best." - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Lagniappe. Seek excellence. How you do anything is how you do everything.