MVP 032 - Edward Jones, Player Development Expert
In this episode, Courtney Stephen interviews Edward Jones, a player development professional, about the importance of player development in sports.
Episode Summary
What is Player Development?
Player development is a fast-growing pillar of athletic organizations at the college and professional level. Player development helps athletes navigate the challenges faced outside of their sport including housing, personal branding, study skills, professional development, social strategies, transitioning out of sports, and athlete identity.
In this conversation, Edward shares his journey into player development and the pitfalls that athletes often encounter. He also explains the role of player development in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus and how the best approach is usually the most simple approach.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the different roles and salaries in player development. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of making connections and building relationships in player development. We break down the skills needed in player development, including being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and maintaining the ability to be adaptable.
Ed shares advice for breaking into player development and encourages us to focus on “being great where you are” and making memorable interactions with people one-by-one.
Highlights
Athletes often struggle with their identity when transitioning out of sports because they have been identified as athletes their entire lives.
The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) has both positive and negative impacts on player development, as it can help athletes become business-minded but also distract them from their development.
Player development professionals play a crucial role in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus, providing them with the necessary information and resources to navigate their college experience.
There are various roles in player development, ranging from student interns to senior associate athletic directors, with salaries increasing as individuals progress in their careers. Building relationships and making connections are crucial in player development.
The skills needed in player development include being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable.
To break into player development, be great where you are, make memorable interactions, and be strategic in networking.
Connect with Edward on LinkedIn