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š Chatter Don't Matter
Everyone has an opinion. Parents. Fans. Friends. Social media. Even strangers online. How do you overcome the chatter?
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Letās dive in.
š ONE THOUGHT
Chatter Donāt Matter

Everyone has an opinion.
Parents. Fans. Friends. Social media. Even strangers online.
They question your lineup.
Second-guess your decisions.
Critique your style.
And sometimes, they question your character.
If you're not careful, that noise can creep in.
Into your locker room.
Into your playersā heads.
And eventually, into your culture.
Hereās what Iāve learned:
The best teams donāt feed the noise. They tune it out.
They donāt play for approval.
They donāt chase likes or praise.
They stay connected. They stay focused.
They stay true to the work.
Thatās what āChatter donāt matterā is all about.
Why It Matters
Athletes today are surrounded by constant noise, most of it unhelpful.
One missed shot? Someoneās posting about it.
One tough loss? Everyone has an opinion.
One bad quarter? The critics show up fast.
Thatās why Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard made āChatter donāt matterā the theme of his team last season. Not because it sounded clever, but because it created clarity.

It reminded his players to ignore the outside noise and focus on what they could control:
ā Their preparation
ā Their mindset
ā Their connection to each other
Itās a mindset your team can adopt too.
One phrase. One filter. One culture.
3 Ways to Help Your Team Block Out the Noise
1. Define the Voices That Matter
Help your players build a filter.
āIf theyāre not in the gym or in the huddle, their opinion doesnāt carry weight.ā
āListen to your coaches, your teammates, and people who know the mission.ā
Build a culture that values truth over noise.
2. Create Reset Language
Give your team phrases they can lean on when things get loud:
āChatter donāt matter.ā
āEyes forward.ā
āLet the work speak.ā
āControl what you can.ā
Say it in practice. Say it after tough games. Say it when things are going great, too.
Repetition builds mental armor.
3. Model It as a Coach
If you want your team to tune out the noise, you have to model it first.
Donāt get too high or too low based on what outsiders say.
Donāt overreact to wins or losses.
Keep the focus steady: growth, effort, consistency.
Players take their emotional cues from you.
If youāre grounded, theyāll be more likely to stay grounded too.
Team Challenge: Build a Noise Filter
Ask your team three quick questions:
What outside voices are affecting you right now?
What voices should you be listening to instead?
Whatās one phrase you can say to block out the noise?
Have them write their phrase on a notecard and keep it in their locker.
Closing Thought
You canāt control the noise.
But you can teach your team how to respond to it.
The best teams block it out, not because they donāt hear it, but because they know it doesnāt define them.
They donāt play for clicks.
They play for connection.
They play for the team.
āChatter donāt matter.ā Your mission does.
Good Luck!
Greg
P.S. Want to build a culture that stays focused, connected, and resilient, no matter the noise?
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š GREAT QUOTES
āA good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life".ā
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
š LINKS FOR LEADERS
š„ Video: Anson Dorrance: The Vision of a Champion [LINK]
š ICYMI: 7 Mistakes New Coaches Make [LINK]
š° Article: Dealing with Difficult Parents
š POSTS FROM OTHERS
Anyone who thinks curriculum is more important than culture is fooling themselves. Environment has far reaching consequences that mostly hide in the background. Create a judgement free atmosphere that promotes positivity, ownership & most importantly fun! Athletes will thrive!
ā Jon Beck (@CoachJonBeck)
5:46 PM ⢠Jun 29, 2025
The older I get, the more I realize knowing when to keep your mouth shut is the ultimate life hack.
ā Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom)
6:36 PM ⢠Jun 28, 2025
PLAYERS: If your coach holds you accountable in the little things be grateful because that can set you up to achieve the big things you desire most.
ā Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler)
2:09 PM ⢠Jun 28, 2025
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