Derrick Catlett

I’ve noticed a clear shift in young athletes over the past few years. This may ruffle some feathers, but I’ve always been a straightforward professional who has dedicated my career to helping athletes, families, and individuals become leaner, stronger, faster, and healthier. I’m getting older, and with that comes perspective. I’ve been coaching people of all ages through behavioral change for over 15 years. Patterns repeat. Results follow habits. And effort always shows. Many athletes set goals. They say they want change. They talk about becoming the best version of themselves. We provide a customized system, continue to refine it, and tailor it to meet each athlete’s needs yet too often, the follow-through is missing. As dietitians, coaches, leaders, health professionals, and educators, we care deeply. We want to see you win. But we cannot force effort, discipline, or consistency. And it’s difficult when someone goes through the motions, then becomes frustrated when held accountable for the very standards they asked us to uphold. Accountability is not punishment. It is an investment you chose because it aligned with what you said you wanted. So where do we go from here? If you’re upset about not achieving a certain result, it’s time for an honest assessment of your actions, habits, and attitude. Progress requires commitment. Growth demands consistency. Results are built through daily choices not intentions. You cannot blame others if you didn’t show up to practice, didn’t prioritize improving your nutrition, didn’t help your parents with meal prep, or chose scrolling social media over getting the sleep your body needs. Support is available. Guidance is offered. But commitment and change has to come from you.

Early specialization is overrated. Generalists excel over time. Data on >34k stars in sports, music, science, and chess: Focusing on a single field predicts a faster rise, but cross-training foreshadows a higher peak. The most successful adults start off as well-rounded kids.

Right now, only 15% of elementary students and 9% of middle schoolers are required to have P.E. at least 3 times a week. In many schools, P.E. class sizes balloon to 60+ kids per teacher. This isn’t physical education. It’s crowd control. We’re setting kids up to disengage from movement early. And then we wonder why they struggle later.

The bulldogs are off to a 🔥 start. These individuals have set the bar high for themselves & their peers for the summer 😤 “Believe you can and you’re halfway there“ S/O to our ⭐️’s of the week HI: Eli, Joseph FEM: Charisma, Zoe DEV: Tate, Antonio, Bryce