The unveiling of the roster — one of the most anticipated (and nerve-wracking) moments for any athlete. It can be an incredible day… or one of the toughest. It all comes down to The List. What if you didn’t make the team?
I get it, it hurts. I’ve been there. When your name isn’t on that list, it’s devastating — like everything you’ve worked for suddenly doesn’t matter. But, the real question becomes: What do you do now?
Maybe you’ve been grinding since last season — lifting, training, shooting, conditioning. You show up to tryouts feeling confident, and then the list gets posted. You didn’t make the team. Or maybe you were placed on JV when you were aiming for varsity.
Either way, it feels like the work you’ve put in isn’t being recognized.
What happens next matters more than the moment itself.
You’re Not Alone — Even the Greats Have Been Here
Before we go any further, understand this: Not making the team does NOT define your future as an athlete.
Everyone knows the story of Michael Jordan, who didn’t make his varsity team as a sophomore. He only went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
I also knew a kid who hardly ever saw the field in high school football. He tried out for a Division III program in college — not only did he make the team, he eventually became their starting running back.
There are countless stories like these. Stories of athletes who faced setbacks, kept going, and found a way to succeed. Your story can be one of them.
Reset and Refocus After Not Making the Team
If you didn’t make the team, the first step is not training — it’s mental. Your next actions will shape your future. If you’re looking for help to develop the mental side, check out our resources here.
Reset
Resetting is emotional and mental. Ask yourself:
- What do I really want?
- Why do I want it?
- Is this goal truly mine, or someone else’s?
If your heart isn’t in it, your effort will never reach its full potential. But if you truly want this, you can move forward with clarity and purpose.
Refocus
Refocusing is strategic. It’s where you turn disappointment into direction.
You may feel like you’re working hard… but something isn’t translating to the field or court. Refocusing helps you understand what actually matters and what needs to change.
Steps to Refocus When You Don’t Make the Team
1. Seek feedback from your coaches
This is one of the most important steps.
Have a respectful conversation with the people who evaluated you. Ask:
- What held me back this year?
- What specific areas should I improve?
- What role were you looking for on the team?
Coaches can give you insight that you simply can’t get on your own.
2. Find the right people to help you improve
Once you know what to work on, seek support.
That might be:
- A trainer
- A parent or mentor
- A club or local program
- Online training resources
- A teammate skilled in the areas you’re developing
Working hard is good. Working with direction is better.
3. Ask yourself honestly: “Have I really been working, or just showing up?”
A lot of athletes confuse time with effort. Showing up every day doesn’t guarantee improvement. You can spend hours in the gym and not get better — or make major progress in sessions of just 20-minutes of focused work.
Be honest:
- Are you practicing with purpose?
- Are you pushing yourself?
- Are you building habits that translate to games?
Self-awareness is key to leveling up.
4. Be willing to change your approach
If what you’ve been doing didn’t get you where you wanted to be…Something has to change.
That may mean:
- Developing a new role
- Improving conditioning
- Becoming more vocal
- Showing consistent energy
- Strengthening fundamentals
- Improving body language
- Building mental toughness
Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
If you’re looking for help setting goals and tracking your progress, Click Here.
The Reality of Not Making the Team
Most of the time, the reason you didn’t make the team is something within your control — and that’s good news. Sometimes it’s skill. Perhaps it’s consistency. Sometimes it’s energy, attitude, communication, coachability, or role fit.
Maybe your game mirrors another player’s and they edged you out.
Maybe your mindset needs sharpening.
Maybe the coaches were looking for something different.
This is why feedback matters.
Understanding what coaches saw — and didn’t see — gives you the roadmap to improvement.
Don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Gather information. Assess your situation.
Make a plan and attack it!
You Have to Want It in Your Heart
To get back up, ask for feedback, accept honest truth, and change what needs changing — you must truly love the game.
Not for your parents.
Not for your friends.
For you.
This moment might shake your confidence, but it doesn’t have to break you. If you love it, go after it with everything you have. Give all you can give — and when you’ve done that, you’ll be able to live with the results, no matter where you end up.
Because then you’ll know:
You didn’t quit.
You didn’t back down.
You didn’t let one moment define your story.
BtL
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