FSU Coach Herb Hand on Mentorship and Mental Health in Sports
Episode Overview
Coaching is about making a generational impact on young men. Trust and presence are critical in building relationships with athletes. The landscape of college sports is changing with NIL deals. Coaches serve as role models for athletes who may lack them. Young athletes face new pressures from social media.
Be where your feet are. Be present where you're at. That presence, like you're saying, that in itself is huge.
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode, George Wood sits down with Herb Hand, the offensive line coach at Florida State University, to explore the challenges and responsibilities that come with coaching young athletes. With a rich history of coaching at top schools, Herb shares how his role goes beyond just teaching football techniques.
It's about being a positive role model and making a lasting impact on the lives of young men who may not have any other male figures to look up to. Herb opens up about the importance of trust and presence in his relationships with players. He emphasizes that coaching is more than just about the game; it's about being a guiding light in the lives of student-athletes, many of whom face unprecedented pressures from social media and other modern-day challenges.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as Herb and George discuss the emotional and mental toll of events like school shootings, and how crucial it is for coaches to provide a supportive environment. Herb also tackles the topic of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges they present. He stresses the need for financial literacy among young athletes and the importance of building a culture of trust and accountability within teams.
Whether you're interested in sports, coaching, or the broader issues of mental health and mentorship, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the impact of positive role models in young people's lives. How can we all be better mentors and supporters for the youth in our communities?