Blog

The Why

In the world of collegiate athletics, the difference between good and great often lies in the details—the intangibles that go beyond physical abilities and statistics. These intangibles are deeply rooted in an athlete’s hard-wiring, the unique qualities that define how they think, act, and perform under pressure. At Squad_U, we delve into these elements, offering athletes and coaches insights into what makes them tick, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the field.

Discovering Your Strengths

Our first step in working with a team is to explore where athletes are emotionally, mentally, and physically when they are at their best. By focusing on a strength-based approach to self-awareness and development, we aim to uncover and affirm the innate abilities that each athlete brings to the table. Understanding these strengths is not just about individual growth; it’s about recognizing how these unique attributes contribute to the overall success of the team.

The Power of Superpowers

Imagine being really good at a specific skill—whether it’s shooting a three-pointer, executing a perfect slide, or taking a crucial corner kick. Now, imagine if you could only use that skill once a week. How motivated would you be? How connected would you feel to your team’s success? Now flip that scenario: What if you could lean into that skill every day, becoming the go-to person your team relies on? That’s the difference between merely showing up and truly owning your superpowers. At Squad_U, we help athletes identify these key strengths and encourage them to harness their full potential, making their contributions not just valuable, but essential.

Balancing Stress with Renewal

In the high-stakes world of college sports, stress is a constant companion. The demands of competition, academics, and personal life can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, leading to heightened stress, fatigue, and a narrowed focus. But just as important as the moments of pressure are the moments of renewal. Experiencing positive emotions activates the parasympathetic nervous system, opening up cognitive and emotional flexibility, creativity, and a sense of hope. These moments of renewal are not just about rest; they are about unlocking the future by allowing athletes to reimagine possibilities, collaborate on new strategies, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

Uncovering Your Core Elements

When athletes take our assessment, they are taking a step towards understanding the 19 different elements that make them who they are. These elements fall into three zones: Fuel, Bond, and Mind. “Fuel” covers what drives them and how efficiently they operate; “Bond” relates to the connection pieces necessary for thriving and leading; and “Mind” encompasses how they think and learn.

By analyzing these elements, we help athletes and coaches pinpoint their top six core elements, offering a roadmap to understanding their hard-wiring. This knowledge is more than just self-awareness—it’s a strategic tool that can be used to enhance performance, build stronger team dynamics, and achieve success on and off the field.

In conclusion, the intangibles—the hard-wiring of an athlete—are what truly set great teams apart. At Squad_U, we are committed to helping athletes and coaches discover, embrace, and leverage these qualities to create a culture of excellence. Through a focus on strengths, renewal, and self-awareness, we guide teams to not just play the game, but to elevate it.