In Part 1, I shared some challenging moments from my basketball career. Now, let’s dive into the positive decisions that shaped my post-playing life, particularly my transition from player to coach.
Planning for Life After Basketball
I always knew I wanted to coach, so I prepared well in advance. In Germany, coaching requires various licenses, from D (basic) to A (top level). Thanks to my Bundesliga experience, I was allowed to bypass the D level, quickly progressed through C and B, and was granted special permission to pursue the A license sooner.
My preparation paid off. I was initially set to join the coaching staff as an assistant after what should have been my last season, but, I unexpectedly found myself as the head coach in the Bundesliga (1st league). This was not how I planned, and it was extremely difficult, but I did the best I could. It helped that I prepared myself before the unexpected took place.
Staying True to Yourself
The final lesson from my journey is to stay true to yourself. Initially, I convinced myself that I preferred the role of an assistant coach, avoiding the responsibilities of a head coach. I thought I would be a life long assistant. However, when I became a Bundesliga head coach, I realized I had been denying my true nature. One of my mantras in life is to be a leader and never a follower.
While there’s nothing wrong with being an assistant coach—everyone should pay their dues—I recognized that my path was to lead. This self-realization has been invaluable and shaped my coaching philosophy and career outside of basketball.
Embracing my natural leadership qualities allowed me to succeed and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
I hope my journey, with its highs and lows, offers valuable lessons for your own paths. Remember to listen to your body, trust the right people, prepare for the future, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Keep striving, stay strong, and always be ready for the next opportunity.