Fitness is key to your success at the Division I level. While it is pertinent to impose upon coach that you are devoted to this team, it is also important to show that same determination for success to your teammates. By being at your peak level of physical fitness at the start of preseason you will most certainly accomplish this goal.

We pride ourselves on having a rigorous pre-season schedule that will greatly test each individual, physically and mentally. The truth to this inevitability is that your level of fitness will determine how you fair during these tests. You will not be able to hide in practice. You need to put the time, energy, and devotion into your personal level of fitness prior to your arrival in August. You will not make the right impression on the coaching staff, your teammates, and the athletic department if you fail to pass our fitness tests. It is a simple and basic standard that we live by.

Some advice would be to utilize all the material given to you by Coach Taylor in our summer manual. Rob has fully committed himself to raising the bar for our level of physical fitness. These are the runs that we do in our fitness sessions, there are no secrets, and if you want to be successful I would highly recommend completing the material presented to you in this manual. IT WILL HELP YOU, but only if you take your personal fitness level seriously. So, from someone who has lived, and understands what Division I athletics is about, take my advice. Do the work, report to pre-season in peak physical condition, and show us that you are committed to our cause: a return to the NCAA Tournament and national recognition.

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?