#WomenInSports: Beginning in Player Development - Lauren Hawkins
Written by Lauren Hawkins
Coming into college, I was certain I would be the next Holly Rowe, or Maria Taylor; it was my dream to pursue sports broadcast/journalism. I have always loved people and talking (ask anyone), a storyteller by nature, hearing what makes others tick brings me joy. As a correspondent for a newspaper during the start of my college career, I lived for sharing recaps of emotional victories and close games. Providing readers with an inside look of teams and athletes was an unforgettable experience, but I quickly learned that what I truly enjoyed was the relationships that I was building.
It wasn’t until my second year of undergrad that I realized what I loved more than sharing these athletes’ stories, was helping them articulate and tell their own story. Feeling as though I had no true purpose, I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for an internship that I wasn’t even sure if I was qualified enough for. Spoiler alert, I was.
I came into my player development internship role with very little experience and no true understanding of what player development was. As time in my role progressed, I realized that at the very core of player development was the ability to serve. Servant leadership has always been a staple in my leadership style but working in player development it has become something I rely on every single day. The player development department is crucial to the culture of a program. It is quite literally the heart of your program.
In the early stages of my internship, I convinced myself that inexperience equated to incompetence. With this mindset, I would shy away from sharing my ideas in the belief that there was nothing I could bring to the table that was not already there. This will forever be my greatest internship regret. So, if you are in a position where you’re doubting yourself, I am here to remind you, you were put into your position for a reason. Someone handpicked you to fulfill that role.
It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, that I was able to put my passion into words: I am irrationally passionate about intentionally building purposeful relationships that cultivate holistic success. Knowing this about myself helped me put value to the work I was doing.
"Clarify your purpose. What is the why behind everything you do? When we know this in life or design it is very empowering and the path is clear."
Through my internship a few important things have stood out to me:
Relationships are key
o As cliché as it sounds, networking is the secret sauce. Take advantage of all of the connections you are surrounded by. Horizontal networking will be your best friend, get to know those that are in the same position as you. You can learn from anyone – as long as you’re willing. Remember, every good conversation starts and ends with listening.
Be Present
o Every day is a new chance to learn; it is your decision to absorb all the information and opportunities that you’re presented with. If you don’t, someone else will. For me, being present looked like engaging with student-athletes, volunteering in different departments, or simply taking the time to go the extra mile.
“Bloom where you’re planted” be grateful for your present situation, make the most of where you are.
Impact over recognition
o Impact over recognition has been my everyday mantra since the start of my internship. For me, I am in this role to ultimately encourage student-athletes and pave a way for the next woman aspiring to be in my shoes. This role may not always be filled with thank you and applause, but know this, the impact you make is astronomical.
“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt
And most importantly, know that, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. So, here’s to you and those you serve!
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