Kensi Gounden - 5 Powerful Tips for Coaching Millennial Athletes

Nothing drives me more crazy than hearing adults despairingly utter the words, "kids have changed."

I sure hope they have! The world has undergone rapid change over the past decade and will continue to do so moving forward. Today's youth are different than the kids before them. But so were the kids before that, and the ones before that. If coaches want to connect with their kids and lead a competitive team, they must adapt as well. Change is scary but essential.

According to Kensi Gounden, Here are five ways coaches can better meet millennial athletes where they are and help elevate them into better athletes and better people.

1. Give Them Time to Switch Gears
2. Help Them Communicate
3. Follow the 'Commercial Break' Rule
4. Know Their Favorites
5. Admit Your Mistakes

If you don't do it yourself, how can you expect it from your athletes?

Through the social lens of today's athlete, not enough light is shown upon adults who handle their issues openly, honestly and productively.

The media provides more than enough examples of how not to do things. But as an athlete's coach, you can be an incredible role model in their life. Showing them how to step up and handle difficult situations is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.