Building Your Team Identity
Onboarding
Audience:
Coaches
Topics:
Age Group
Last Updated
Sep 12, 2025
Coaches, let’s be real: the type of team you want to lead doesn’t magically appear—it starts with early, intentional decisions. Whether you ’re building a National Powerhouse or a strong regional contender, your choices around tournaments, roster moves, and player acquisitions set the trajectory of your program.
Reality Check
12U tournaments matter. Competing in top National events (PGF California, Sparkler/IDT) opens doors for players aiming at D1 Power 4 schools. Skipping national-level tournaments? That’s fine if your goal is regional dominance—but don’t expect your team to magically appear in Power Pools or Top 25 rankings later.
Winning regional tournaments can build credibility and experience—but if your goal is elite recruiting exposure, national events are where college coaches are watching.
Early planning and clarity on your goals are essential, no matter your level of ambition.
Timeline to Guide Decisions
12U: Take control. Decide if your team is heading National or staying Regional, and plan tournaments and recruiting exposure accordingly.
14U: Make strategic choices about your roster and schedule. Early decisions now impact future recruiting visibility and tournament placement.
16U/18U: Maximize your current roster’s potential. Play to your level—regional or national—but keep developing players for the next stage.
Managing Your Own Players
Coaches with children on the team, listen up: your child’s skill level sets the standard for your roster.
She doesn’t have to be the best, but she cannot be the weakest link.
“Daddy Ball” perception is real—it can scare off talented players and limit your recruiting potential.
Hard Truths About Building Any Competitive Team
Some players will leave, and some current players may need to go. Tough, but necessary.
Every roster decision should align with your team goals, whether that’s national exposure or regional dominance.
Remember: your tournament schedule, recruiting visibility, and player development plan must support the type of team you want to be.
Bottom Line:Whether you’re aiming to compete nationally or dominate regionally, early decisions define your team’s future. Clarify your goals, make tough choices, and execute with purpose—your team’s identity and success depend on it.