What Great Teammates Do Differently: A Coach’s Perspective

As a coach, I’ve seen all kinds of athletes. Talented athletes, hardworking athletes, quiet athletes, vocal athletes, beginners, veterans, and everything in between. But the ones who make the biggest impact on a team aren’t always the fastest, the strongest, or the most skilled.

The athletes who truly elevate a team are the ones who understand how to be great teammates.

Great teammates don’t just make themselves better, they make everyone around them better, too. And trust me, coaches notice it every single day.

Here’s what sets them apart.

1. Great Teammates Show Up With Intention

Great teammates don’t walk into practice wondering how they feel that day, they walk in ready to work. They understand that consistency builds trust.

 Whether they’re tired, sore, or stressed from school, they show up with the mindset of, “I’m here, I’m present, and I’m ready.”

This doesn’t mean they’re perfect. It means they bring purpose, focus, and effort because they know the team relies on them.

2. They Communicate - Even When It’s Hard

Communication isn’t just talking. It’s being honest. It’s asking questions. It’s checking in with teammates. It’s telling someone, “you’ve got this,” even when the day is tough.

Great teammates speak up:

• They ask for clarity instead of guessing.

• They give encouragement instead of criticism.

• They communicate frustrations respectfully rather than letting them build up.

Because they know a team can’t function if everyone is silent.

3. They Celebrate Others, Not Just Themselves

One of the biggest signs of a great teammate is how they react when someone else succeeds.

Do they cheer? Do they high-five? Do they support instead of compare?

Great teammates understand that someone else’s win doesn’t take away from their own. They know that when the team rises, they rise too. They bring energy, hype, and positivity because they want everyone to feel valued.

4. They Do the Little Things Without Being Asked

Great teammates notice what needs to be done.

• They pick up equipment.

• They help set up drills.

• They encourage the younger athletes.

• They jog between reps.

• They model body language that says, “I’m locked in.”

They do the small things not for praise but because they care about the standard of the team. And every coach knows: the little things are what build championship environments.

5. They Hold Themselves (and Each Other) Accountable

Accountability is the difference between a group and a team. Great teammates aren’t afraid to push each other.  Not with negativity, but with honesty.

• They don’t cut corners.

• They don’t quit early.

• They don’t let teammates settle for “good enough.”

They believe that everyone is capable of more, and they’re willing to be the person who says, “We’re better than that.”

6. They Stay Coachable

Talent might get you noticed, but coachability keeps you growing. Great teammates are willing to be corrected. They don’t get defensive or shut down when they’re coached. They take feedback, apply it, and come back better the next rep. They know feedback isn’t criticism, it’s investment.

7. They Create an Environment Where Everyone Can Be Their Best

This might be the most important quality of all.

Great teammates build culture. They make it safe to try, safe to fail, and safe to grow. They make practices fun. They build trust. They include everyone, older, younger, new, unsure.

They understand that a team is a family you build, not a group you join.

A great teammate is worth more than any stat line.

They’re the athletes who: Set the tone, lift the energy, build the culture, lead by example, and make everyone better.

And here’s the thing I want every athlete to know:

Being a great teammate is 100% within your control.

You don’t need to be the star. You don’t need to be the oldest. You don’t need the most experience. You just need the willingness to care, to show up, and to put people first.

Teams win because of talent, but they become great because of teammates.