Choose, and rechoose, your Inner Circle carefully (you are the company you keep).

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Now that I'm no longer coaching under Texas UIL, my take on high school athletes who transfer. 👀👀 This isn’t about calling out individual coaches, schools, or administrators, and it’s not about specific eligibility rulings. It’s a broader reflection on how the system feels from an athlete development and coaching standpoint. Why does it sometimes feel like student-athletes get caught in situations where movement and eligibility become complicated, and, in some cases, inconsistent depending on circumstance? Make a way, find a way with who’s in front of you. Develop the athletes you have the best you can. That’s all you can do. Don’t wish ill will on kids. Many of the decisions impacting them aren’t even their own. Parents make choices they believe are best for their children, whether we agree with them or not. Sometimes those decisions are influenced by real-life factors, jobs, finances, relocation, or family circumstances. Things happen. Athletes move. Families make decisions. Opportunities change. Yes, college programs deal with this constantly, rosters change, sometimes significantly, year to year through the transfer portal. Different level, different rules, but the reality of constant roster movement is part of today’s athletic landscape. The point isn’t to compare systems directly, but to highlight this: control is limited to who is in front of you. The best coaches aren’t focused on trying to hold onto kids at all costs or block movement, they’re focused on developing the athletes who are there and welcoming the new ones who arrive. At the end of the day, the goal should always be to impact young people, develop them, and prepare them for what’s next, not make them feel trapped or like they’re being used for an agenda. The goal is to help them reach the next level, whether that’s through one program or somewhere else.

Cast your vote for the absolute best in the world of NIL, @Lauren_Cherry1

I know who I’m voting for…👀💚💚💚💚 Go Lauren!

We got better today! Welcome @CoachTaylor_J to the StangGang!

Athletes‼️‼️ Don't go into college thinking things will be handed to you because of what you accomplished in high school. Every year, college programs bring in talented athletes who were stars on their high school teams, and now more than ever, transfer athletes as well. Once they arrive on campus, everyone was the best player somewhere. The playing field is reset, and everything is earned. If you show up with the same mindset, work ethic, and habits you had in high school, you're likely going to struggle. College coaches expect more. You're leveling up by competing at the next level, so expect your coaches to challenge you to level up in all areas, effort, discipline, accountability, academics, preparation, and attitude. Talent may have helped get you recruited, but your commitment to growth will determine how far you go.

Please join us in welcoming Jenny Womack as N4A's 2026-27 President! 🎉 Under the theme "Thrive & Advance: Championing Student-Athletes and Each Other," we look forward to a year of growth, collaboration, and impact. #N4A2027

I love this group! Let’s go! 👏🏾💙 Can’t wait to learn and grow under their direction.

Athletes‼️‼️ WATCH WHAT YOU POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Just a friendly reminder, especially with a lot of controversial social media activity happening right now, don’t forget: coaches are paying attention to your social media. Your social media is a reflection of you. Yes, you have a voice and an opinion, but be mindful and remember not everything has to be posted. What you post can impact how others see your character, your opportunities, and your future. And this isn’t just about right now, this is a lifelong lesson, way beyond when sports end, as employers will check your social media too.

Athletes‼️‼️ YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. Don’t ever get so caught up in performance, peer pressure, social media, NIL deals, rankings, scholarships, playing time, or the expectations of others that you compromise your health and well-being. Sports are something you do, they are not who you are. Your value is not determined by a scoreboard, a stat sheet, a roster spot, or the opinion of others. Make time for the things that bring joy and peace to your life. Spend time with loved ones. Pursue hobbies outside of your sport. Get rest. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Laugh, make memories, and allow yourself to enjoy life beyond athletics. Take care of YOU.❤️

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God does not simply ask you to follow your passion. He calls you to discover the passion He placed within you. When you listen to His direction, you step into purpose and that is where real impact happens.

Go be great! @madi_crawford2 💙

Incoming Freshmen College Athletes‼️‼️ This summer, spend time reflecting, preparing, and setting goals for the journey ahead. Use this time to develop strong habits, establish routines, and prepare yourself mentally, physically, and academically for the next level. Stay close to your tribe and lean on the people who have helped you get to this point, your family, mentors, coaches, and friends. The transition to college can be exciting and challenging, and having a strong support system matters. Most importantly, remember that nothing is given, everything is earned. Every opportunity, every rep, every minute of playing time, and every accomplishment will require consistent effort, discipline, and accountability. Talent may open the door, but your work ethic, attitude, and commitment will determine how far you go. Embrace the process, stay humble, and attack each day with purpose. Your next chapter is waiting. Make the most of it!

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What we preach to our athletes, we have to live out ourselves as well, it is so important to go where you are wanted, where you are supported, and where you are able to grow and are valued. We encourage our student-athletes to choose environments that help them develop, thrive, and feel supported, and the same principle applies to all of us, growth happens in spaces where you are valued, challenged, and given the opportunity to become better every day.

Had a Zoom meeting yesterday with one of our incoming transferring student-athletes, and something she said really stuck with me. She told me, “You’re so good. I could never do what you do. You are appreciated.” 🥹🫶🏾 Moments like that mean a lot. Supporting incoming transferring student-athletes, helping them adjust, and guiding them through the transition process is something I take seriously.