The importance of the player/coach relationship cannot be understated. Many coaches often embody the role-model and father figure in the lives of student-athletes. I was fortunate enough to build a strong bond with my college defensive backs coach, Harlon Barnett, at Michigan State University. Initially, I could not tell if he even liked me because he pushed me so hard during my time at MSU.

Coach Barnett always encouraged us to go full speed. He put us through some gruesome practices to simulate game-like situations. As a result, we were conditioned to run with the best skill players in the B1G conference. Coach Barnett did a great job taking our secondary to new heights by instilling a sense of belief that we could cover anybody in the nation.

After my playing days at MSU came to an end, I found myself building a strong bond with Coach Barnett. We stay connected via text message throughout the season and we check on each other periodically by making time to stay connected. Coach Barnett has become my friend, as well as a mentor, and I never saw it coming.

(Michigan State defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett - Photo courtesy of Facebook/Harlon Barnett)

I am grateful for the bond I have developed with Coach Barnett and I look forward to the day when he earns his first head coaching job. Speaking from experience, I can say that he is a special coach. In fact, many coaches celebrate athletic accolades, but Coach Barnett would always encourage us to earn our degree and take advantage of everything the university had to offer. Coach Barnett takes academics seriously, he has a wall of fame in the defensive backs room, which displays all the guys who graduated during his time in East Lansing.

While I was in college, it was hard to understand why he was so tough on me, but now I see that he was preparing me for life after the game. I am truly grateful for Coach Barnett, who is one of the best mentors/coaches I have had the pleasure to get to know. One day, many of you will be lucky enough to share a similar bond with your coach.

Speaking from my experience, I can say that there is nothing better than a strong player/coach bond.

So work hard, be great and always be open to developing new relationships with people you respect and admire.

 

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as an honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com