Opinion: The playbook for success: How athletic principles drive career growth

Chuck Hepola

Recently, I bumped into one of my former football players. He shared updates about his life and career, including a recent promotion to a leadership position in his company. As I celebrated with him, he said something that made me pause and reflect: “Coach, I want to say thank you. I’ve been moving up in my organization because I attack my day the same way I did when I played football for you. I use football principles daily to frame my workday. Without those principles, I’m not sure I’d be where I am today.”

His words reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time – sports, and football in particular, teach principles that extend far beyond the field. The habits and mindset athletes develop through competition often translate seamlessly into career success.

Over the years, I’ve seen countless former athletes excel in their careers, not necessarily because of their technical knowledge or industry expertise, but because of the discipline, teamwork and resilience they cultivated in sports. These principles – rooted in athletics of all kinds – can lead to long-term success in the workforce when applied well.

Time management: Foundation of success
For student athletes, time management is essential. Between classes, team meetings, workouts, practices, games and personal time, how you manage your schedule often determines your success. Those who develop strong time management skills quickly learn that structure and discipline lead to greater productivity.

Time management is not just about getting things done; it’s about prioritizing what matters most, setting goals and eliminating distractions. In football, players are expected to show up on time, focus on the task at hand and execute efficiently. There is no room for wasted time.

The same is true in the workplace. Being punctual, efficient and able to prioritize tasks earns swift respect. It may seem simple, but consistently showing up on time and completing work promptly will immediately set you apart in any professional setting.

Teamwork: The key to collective growth
No matter the industry, teamwork is one of the most valuable skills an employee can possess. Effective teamwork increases productivity, improves morale and fosters creativity. A business, much like a football team, thrives when individuals commit to working together toward a common goal.

Football is the ultimate team sport. Each player depends on the others for success. If the offense struggles, the defense and special teams step up. Teamwork is built on trust, responsibility and a collective mindset: I have your back. No one wins or loses alone.

Student-athletes are well-trained in this area. They understand that individual sacrifice leads to collective success, making them valuable assets in any workplace. In an era where collaboration and communication are essential for business success, those who have honed teamwork through sports naturally bring an edge to their careers. They know how to lead, how to follow, and how to support others in a way that strengthens the whole organization.

Work ethic: The drive that sets you apart
Success on the field doesn’t happen without hard work. The same principle applies in the professional world. Work ethic is more than effort; it’s a mindset. It reflects reliability, responsibility and an internal drive to improve.

In football, success requires pushing past limits, showing up when it’s difficult and putting in extra work when no one is watching. Players with great work ethic don’t just meet expectations; they exceed them. They stay late, study film and condition their bodies to be at peak performance.

The same is true in the workplace. Employees who model a strong work ethic quickly become indispensable. Employers seek individuals who take ownership of their responsibilities, are willing to go the extra mile and consistently deliver high-quality results.

I’ve coached plenty of talented players, but talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. The ones who truly stood out were the ones who combined their abilities with an unwavering commitment to hard work. That principle holds true in any profession: Natural skill may open doors, but work ethic determines how far you go.

Beyond the game: Lifelong lessons
As my conversation with my former player came to a close, we both expressed mutual gratitude. He was thankful for what football had given him, and I was grateful for what coaching had given me. His success wasn’t just about learning X’s and O’s or winning games; it was about applying the discipline, teamwork and work ethic he gained from football to every area of his life.

Sports may be temporary, but the lessons they teach are lifelong. It’s incredible how a few core values, practiced daily, can define your future. Whether on the field, in the office or in life, those who embrace these principles will find themselves prepared for the challenges ahead.

Chuck Hepola is the athletics director and head football coach at Evangel University. He can be reached at hepolac@evangel.edu.