It’s a Get To, Not a Got To
“Can you believe it? They only pay us $5,000 a year for all this work and sacrifice.”
A coach recently shared this frustration with me. I get it. The hours are long, the pressure is high, and the sacrifice is real. But I had to ask him: “Why did you choose this in the first place?”
It wasn't for the money. This isn’t his full-time job. He chose to be a coach because of the impact, the relationships, and the love of the game. He didn't sign up for a paycheck; he signed up for a purpose.
The Heart Posture: Get To vs. Got To
When we say, “I have to go to practice,” or “I should get paid more for this,” we are acting like victims of our own choices.
We need to remind ourselves that this is a “Get To.”
We get to impact the lives of athletes.
We get to be part of a community.
We get to pursue excellence alongside our friends.
The moment it becomes a “Got To,” no amount of money will ever be enough. I know this for a fact because I work with and know coaches making hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars. I can tell you firsthand: those at the top of the pay scale often struggle to find joy on the journey even more than the high school coach on a $5,000 stipend.
When it’s a “Get To,” the meaning and fulfillment of the work is the reward—not the money. Listen for those moments where you say, “I’ve got to.” When you hear it, check your heart posture. Ask yourself:
Why do I coach?
What is most important to me as a coach?
What am I grateful for in this work?
Purpose. Meaning. Gratitude.
What Coaches Actually Need
For the administrators and athletic directors reading this, here is the truth we often miss: When a coach complains about the pay, they usually aren't actually asking for more money. They are expressing a deficit in support, mastery, and relatedness. Most coaches don’t stay for the money; they stay for the environment. If you want to retain your best people, they need:
Investment in Development: Not just in their pocket, but in their growth. Are you giving them the tools, resources, and coaching to get better?
Systems, Not Just Vision: A vision is a dream; a system is a map. Does your department have clear standards and onboarding that make their job easier, or are they out there on an island?
A Coach-Centered Approach: Administrators need to put coaches first so coaches are equipped to put the athletes first.
Support & Accountability: Coaches need to know you have their back, but they also need the dignity of being held to a high standard.
Stop trying to pay your coaches more. Start investing in them more.
TOC Coach is the platform designed to help your athletic program or club do just that. [Learn more here] or simply reply to this email and we’ll reach out.
