When you have coached in college long enough, it becomes apparent that talent is necessary, but character is a must.  We all have had teams full of talent and could not produce results.  Character is the key!  Having a team of gymnasts that have strong work ethic, passion and respect for teammates are just a few of the qualities that make the difference.  Some athletes come to college with a foundation of these traits, others learn these qualities and some unfortunately will possibly never possess them.  

As a team becomes unified, bonded and focused not on themselves as individuals but on the team first, they thrive when the pressure is on.  The more the intensity of “team” bond the better they perform.  

The late John Wooden, who was the highest winning percentage Division I basketball coach in the history of the NCAA said, “Be more concerned of your character then your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is what others merely think you are”.

About Jill Hicks:

Jill Hicks is a former elite gymnast, Division I college athlete, club coach and Division I college gymnastics coach (Cal State Fullerton, Oregon State) and the owner of Jill Hicks Consulting, where she provides recruiting services and choreography for prospective student-athletes and their families. For further information visit: www.jhicksconsulting.com

Editor's Note:  Publication of this article is not an endorsement of any recruiting service.  Always check with the NCAA or your school's compliance officer for any questions regarding recruiting rules, the latest timelines, or other issues.