Let’s talk about summer:

not the relaxing-by-the-pool kind, but the kind where you’re showing up, putting in the work, and getting noticed.

If you’re hoping to move up to varsity, earn more playing time, or finally crack that starting lineup, this off-season is your golden window. And not just because you’re working out. It’s because coaches are watching… and not just for skill.

I’m Coach Bre. I’m a mental performance coach for girl athletes and a high school volleyball coach. I’ve been coaching for 14 years and have four state championships under my belt. So, I’ve seen a lot of players come through, and I’ve made tough decisions when it comes to picking a team.

Let me give you the inside scoop: the stuff coaches are actually looking for during the summer. Let’s get started!

Show Up and Stay Consistent

It sounds basic, but it matters more than you think: show up.

If your coach schedules summer workouts, open gyms, or camps – be there. If it’s on the calendar, do your best to attend. Consistency says more than talent sometimes. You don’t need to be the most skilled athlete on the team to earn a coach’s attention, but you do need to be reliable. Coaches are always watching to see who they can count on.

Even if you’re doing your own training on the side (which is great), make the effort to be at team events too. Why? Because summer is not just about getting physically stronger, it’s about getting familiar with your team and your coach. They’ll get to see how you work, how you treat others, and how you handle yourself.

And yes, coaches understand that you might have a family trip planned or a summer job. That’s okay. But outside of those things, being present speaks volumes.

Be a Leader (No Matter Your Personality)

You don’t have to be the loudest, flashiest, or most popular player to be a leader. Some of the best leaders I’ve coached were the quiet ones who showed up early, helped set up, and stayed late to clean up.

Here’s how you can lead in simple ways:

✅ Introduce yourself to new players.

✅ Help a teammate who’s struggling.

✅ Encourage others during drills.

✅ Ask how you can help.

✅ Offer to set up or clean up equipment.

✅ High-five, cheer, and be positive.

These are small things, but they make a big difference. Coaches notice when athletes step out of their comfort zones and take initiative. And remember, leadership isn’t about giving speeches. It’s about showing your team that you care: about them, the program, and doing your best.

If you’re more on the quiet side, let your work ethic speak for you. Show up ready to go. Give full effort. Be consistent. That alone is a form of leadership that coaches really value.

Have That “Hustle Factor”

Let me tell you something honest: Coaches notice the little things.

Are you jogging to water breaks? Are you giving full effort in every drill? Do you run back onto the court like you’re excited to be there?

That’s the kind of urgency that tells a coach, “I’m here to work. I’m serious about this.”

It’s not always about being the most talented, it’s about being the most dependable. Skill can be taught. Hustle can’t.

So, ask yourself: Would a coach say you bring energy to the gym? Or that you’re just kind of… there?

Bring that energy. Every time.

Build Mental Toughness

Now for the part that most athletes overlook: your mental game.

Every athlete trains their body. That’s a given. But the ones who really stand out also train their mind. And that’s where you can rise above the competition, even if you’re physically matched with others.

So, what does mental toughness actually look like?

✅ You bounce back quickly from mistakes.

✅ You don’t spiral when things go wrong.

✅ You play with confidence, even under pressure.

✅ You know how to calm your nerves before big games.

Most coaches aren’t teaching these things directly. They just expect you to know how to handle pressure. So, if you don’t, that’s okay, but it’s your job to learn.

In my program, The Elite Mental Game, I teach girl athletes a really simple routine called the Snapback Routine. It’s made up of a quick breath, a reset word, and a short physical cue that gets you refocused after a mistake. It only takes two seconds to do, but it keeps you from getting stuck in your head and making more errors.

And here’s the truth: coaches don’t mind mistakes. They happen. What matters is how you respond. Are you the athlete who stays down and checks out? Or are you the one who resets quickly and keeps playing hard?

You can’t always control how you perform, but you can control your attitude, effort, and mental response. That’s what coaches want to see.

This is the part most athletes miss.

Coaches don’t care if you mess up. They care about how you respond.

Fuel Like an Athlete

Summer’s a blast – vacations, late nights, and fun plans – but don’t let that throw off how you treat your body. You don’t need to eat perfectly, but you do need to eat consistently and fuel like an athlete.

That means three meals a day plus two or three snacks if you’re practicing or training. Make sure you’re getting a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat. Hydrate. Add electrolytes. And please, don’t show up to workouts on an empty stomach because your performance will suffer.

Think of your body like a car. You wouldn’t drive it on an empty tank. And you wouldn’t pour in dirty water and expect it to go. Your body needs high-quality fuel to perform, recover, and compete at your best.

Also: if your parents are still waking you up, telling you to eat, or reminding you to hydrate, it’s time to step up. High school athletes: take ownership. Ask for help with meals and snacks, get in the kitchen, and start planning. You can’t compete like an athlete if you don’t eat and prepare like one.

This is part of becoming the athlete you say you want to be.

Practice Visualization (Seriously, It Works)

One of my athletes, Cindy, shared that she had a great showing at a softball clinic. She said she visualized herself doing well – and then she actually did.

After the clinic, the high school coaches personally invited her to join open gyms. That’s the power of mental training.

Visualization is simple:

✅ Close your eyes.

✅ Picture yourself doing the skill the right way.

✅ Feel the confidence.

✅ Repeat for 30 seconds to a minute.

That’s it.

Do this every day, and you’re actually training your brain and body to work together, even when the pressure is high.

Play With Purpose

Everything you do this summer, from workouts to practices to games, should have purpose. Don’t just go through the motions.

✅ Ask your coach what you can improve.

✅ Set small goals for each session.

✅ Track your progress (mentally or on paper).

Even if you’re not the best player yet, showing that you’re coachable, hardworking, and focused makes a huge difference.

Don’t Wait Until Tryouts

Here’s the thing: Coaches aren’t just watching during tryouts. They’re watching all summer. They notice who’s showing up. Who’s working hard. Who’s stepping up without being asked. And even if they’re not saying it out loud, they’re already forming opinions about who might be a good fit for the team.

So, don’t wait until the week of tryouts to start caring. Use this summer to build trust, show commitment, and grow as a teammate and leader. Every time you walk into a gym or a practice, you’re telling a story about who you are. Make it a good one.

Bonus Tip: Build Connections

Talk to your coaches. Ask for feedback. Let them know you’re serious about improving.

And don’t ignore your teammates, they matter too. Coaches notice how players interact with each other. Are you a good teammate? Do you lift others up or bring them down?

Being a team player is huge. No one wants drama. Coaches especially don’t.

To Wrap It Up

If you want to stand out to coaches this summer, you don’t have to be the flashiest player or the most naturally gifted. You just have to do the simple things that many athletes overlook. Show up consistently. Lead by example. Work on your mental toughness. And be the kind of teammate and player that coaches can rely on, day in and day out.

Whether you’re hoping to move up a level, get more playing time, or just feel more confident going into next season, these steps will help you make a lasting impression.

If you want more help with building your mental game, check out our program The Elite Mental Game. It’s made for girl athletes who want to be more confident, bounce back faster, and play at their full potential. You can learn more (or share with your parents) at trainhergame.com.

Summer won’t last forever. So, use it well. Good luck!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] A fresh start. Summer’s here, and if you’re hoping to make varsity or move up next season, this is your shot. These tips come from a high school volleyball coach who’s led her team to four state titles.

[00:01:27] Quick shoutout. Shoutout to Cindy, a softball player in our program who started mental training and quickly got noticed by coaches. Confidence really changes the game.

[00:02:39] Tip 1: Show up. If you want to stand out, start with consistency. Be at workouts, practices, and camps. Coaches notice who’s all in.

[00:03:38] Tip 2: Lead your way. Leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about setting the tone—working hard, helping teammates, and showing up with good energy.

[00:05:39] Tip 3: Train your mind. Want to bounce back fast and handle pressure? That starts with mental training: routines, breathwork, and mindset work.

[00:07:41] Tip 4: Fuel like an athlete. Take care of your body with consistent meals, hydration, and good sleep. And if your parents are still waking you up or reminding you to eat… it’s time to step up.

[00:10:23] Quick recap. Be consistent. Lead by example. Train your mindset. Take care of your body.

[00:10:58] Want to go deeper? Take the competitor quiz at elitecompetitor.com/athlete to learn your style and how to train smarter.

[00:11:52] You got this. Use the summer to get better, stand out, and become the athlete you want to be.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms – How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter’s Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

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