What does it truly mean to build a winning team? Is it the final score, the championship trophy, or the banner hanging in the gym? While those are incredible achievements, they are often the byproduct of something much deeper: a culture built on character, resilience, and a shared vision. Desmond Gumbs, with years of experience as a Sports Coach and Athletic Director, has learned that the most successful teams are built long before the players ever step onto the field or court. For him, it’s about building exceptional individuals first.
For new coaches stepping into leadership roles, the task can seem daunting. A coach is not just a strategist; they are a mentor, a leader, and a culture-setter. The goal of this article is to share the core principles of Desmond Gumbs, the key steps he has taken to transform teams and build a thriving athletic program that fosters both athletic and personal growth. This is a roadmap for building a team that doesn’t just win games, but wins in life.
The Foundation: More Than Just X’s and O’s
Before a coach can even think about plays and strategies, they must lay a solid foundation. This foundation is the coaching philosophy, the unwavering principles that will guide every decision. Too many coaches focus solely on the technical aspects of the game: the X’s and O’s, without realizing that a team without a strong cultural foundation will crumble under pressure.
This is where the work of Desmond Gumbs as a life coach and motivational speaker intersects directly with his role as a Sports Coach. The principles that empower individuals to overcome personal barriers are the exact same ones that forge championship-caliber teams. His philosophy centers on holistic development. The mission isn’t just training athletes; it’s about shaping future leaders and teaching them the values of discipline, accountability, and teamwork that will serve them long after their athletic careers are over. A coach’s foundation must be built on the belief that they are in the business of developing better people, not just better players.
Step 1: Defining a Championship Culture
Culture isn’t something that just happens; it’s designed with intention. A championship culture is an environment where excellence is the standard, accountability is expected, and every member feels a deep sense of belonging and purpose. As an athletic director, Gumbs has observed that the most successful programs are those where the culture is clearly defined and consistently reinforced.
- Establishing Core Values
Core values are the non-negotiable pillars of a team. These could be words like “Integrity,” “Effort,” “Unity,” or “Resilience.” Coaches shouldn’t just pick words that sound good, but rather choose values they genuinely believe in and are prepared to model every single day.
- Define Them: Clearly articulate what each value means within the team’s context. What does “Integrity” look like during a tough practice? What does “Unity” mean when a teammate makes a mistake?
- Live Them: A coach’s actions speak louder than any poster on the wall. If a coach values punctuality, they must be the first one at practice. If they value respect, they must treat every player, official, and opponent with respect.
- Reward Them: Acknowledge and celebrate players who exemplify the team’s core values, not just those who are the top performers.
- Communication is Key
A winning culture thrives on open, honest, and consistent communication. As the leader of the Athletic Program, the Athletic Director is responsible for ensuring clear lines of communication exist between coaches, players, parents, and administration. For a coach, this means creating a safe space where players feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and respectfully challenging ideas. Regular team meetings, individual check-ins, and clear expectations for communication are vital.
- Setting High, Yet Realistic, Expectations
A team will rise to the level of the expectations set for them. Coaches should aim high and challenge their players to push beyond their perceived limits. However, it’s crucial that these expectations are grounded in a realistic understanding of the team’s capabilities and development stage. The key is to create a constant state of productive challenge; difficult enough to foster growth, but not so overwhelming that it leads to burnout or discouragement.
Step 2: Strategic Recruitment and Player Development
Once the culture is defined, a coach can focus on bringing in the right people and developing their potential. This is about more than just finding the most physically gifted athletes.
- Identifying Talent and Character
When recruiting, Desmond Gumbs always prioritizes character above all else. Skill can be taught, but attitude, work ethic, and coachability are much harder to instill. He advises looking for players who are resilient, who lift their teammates up, and who demonstrate a genuine passion for the sport. A team of highly talented individuals with poor character will ultimately implode. A team of dedicated, high-character individuals will always find a way to overachieve.
- Creating Individual Growth Plans
As a Sports Coach, he firmly believes that a one-size-fits-all approach to development doesn’t work. Every athlete has unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Coaches should take the time to sit down with each player to create an individual growth plan. This shows them that the coach is invested in their personal success, not just their contribution to the team’s record. This personalized approach fosters loyalty and maximizes the potential of the entire roster.
Step 3: The Coach’s Role as a Leader and Mentor
A coach’s title is “coach,” but their most important role is that of a mentor. This is a central theme in the work of a life coach and motivational speaker. An effective leader doesn’t just command; they inspire, guide, and empower. They understand that their influence extends far beyond the game.
Coaches are teaching their players how to handle adversity, work with others, and pursue a goal with relentless determination. They should celebrate their players’ successes outside of the sport, including their academic achievements and community involvement. Being a source of guidance and support for their challenges off the field is crucial. The trust built between a mentor and a player is the glue that holds a team together through the toughest moments. This approach is rooted in a principle often emphasized by Desmond Gumbs: leadership is a form of service.
Step 4: Building a Resilient Athletic Program
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and it is arguably the most important trait of any winning team or Athletic Program. Teams will face losses, injuries, and adversity. A resilient program doesn’t just survive these challenges; it uses them as fuel for growth.
- Handling Wins and Losses with Grace
Coaches must teach their teams to win with humility and lose with dignity. A loss is not a failure; it is a learning opportunity. Post-game analyses should be constructive and focused on improvement, not blame. Similarly, a win should be celebrated, but it should also be followed by a focused return to the process of getting better. This mindset prevents complacency and emotional highs and lows.
- Fostering a Growth Mindset
Promoting the idea that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work is key. Coaches should praise effort, strategy, and improvement, not just innate talent. When players believe they can grow, they are more likely to persevere through challenges and view difficult practices as opportunities for improvement.
Conclusion
Building a winning team is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to foundational principles. By focusing on culture, character, and mentorship, a coach can create an environment where athletes not only learn how to win games but also how to succeed in life. These steps are not just theories; they are the proven strategies Desmond Gumbs has used throughout his career to build teams that leave a lasting legacy.
Ready to take a team and its leadership to the next level? The journey starts now.
Desmond Gumbs: Head Football Coach at Lincoln University, California 