What Makes A Good Mentor?

ByGeorge P

3 min read

What Makes A Good Mentor?

Ask any successful person and they'll tell you that having strong mentorship was key to their success. It could be a teacher, a parent, or a coach that showed them the way and opened their eyes to new possibilities.

So what makes for good mentorship?

A good mentor opens up their wisdom and knowledge to a young person, builds their confidence, gives them direction, and shows them how to make their dreams come true. They are someone who believes in you and encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, to push yourself, to be the best that you can be. The person who will take the time to help you learn and grow, and will not give up on you while you're learning. They will be there when you need them most, when you're having a bad day. A mentor will be someone who nurtures you and lets you know that they are there for you. They will encourage you to go out and take risks, to set goals, and not to give up.

A good mentor teaches the importance of discipline, respect, teamwork, sportsmanship, and how to deal with adversity and disappointment. They show them that in the end it's not about winning or losing but about overcoming challenges and gaining experience, working as a team and helping each other succeed. A good mentor tells the young person that failure is a part of growing up, not something to be ashamed of. A good mentor is someone who believes in you and supports you. It's someone who encourages you to work hard for what you want because anything is possible with hard work and determination. A good mentor is not just about sports or business or any one particular field. They're mentors with life skills that can teach the younger generation the importance of working hard, being responsible, and setting goals.

A good mentor is someone who will take the time to listen to the young person, ask questions and encourage them to develop their own answers. It's important for a mentor to be able to speak positively and give positive feedback along with constructive criticism, but also to be able to accept criticism as well, and not to take things personally. A good mentor needs to be honest with themselves and the mentee about what they're doing well, and what they need some work on. They need to be able to offer them guidance, support and encouragement while still allowing them to find their own path.

A good mentor needs to be someone who has a lot of patience, someone who won't give up on you or your dreams. Someone who will push you beyond your limits, teach you how to deal with adversity, how to overcome mistakes, how to deal with disappointment, how to set goals and follow through with them. Someone who doesn't just tell you what you want to hear but is honest and straightforward with you because they know what it takes to get where you want to go. A good mentor is someone who believes in you and supports you.

It's important to seek out a mentor because they can help you to grow, to develop, and to reach your fullest potential.

Having a mentor not only helps you on the field or the court, but off the field as well. Having a mentor can make life easier both in school and at home. They can help you feel better about yourself and give positive encouragement. They will be confident in your ability just like they were with themselves when they were younger. This is why it's important to have a mentor because it can help us succeed in life.

Here's a challenge for you. Make a list of 3 people in your life who could be considered a great mentor. Why do you think these people are good mentors? What characteristics of theirs do you think you could benefit from the most?

Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
Dribbling Mastery: Unlocking Essential Skills for Athletes

Dribbling Mastery: Unlocking Essential Skills for Athletes

Mastering the art of dribbling is like having a secret weapon on the basketball court. It's the...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Dec 04 2023
Elevating Your Game: Advanced Volleyball Drills for Elite Athletes

Elevating Your Game: Advanced Volleyball Drills for Elite Athletes

The sport of volleyball has seen remarkable growth and success in Canada, on both national and...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Oct 05 2023
Ace Your Game: A Youth Volleyball Training Guide for Success

Ace Your Game: A Youth Volleyball Training Guide for Success

Are you looking to become a future volleyball superstar? If you're passionate about spiking,...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Oct 04 2023
Soccer Drills for Kids: Building a Strong Foundation

Soccer Drills for Kids: Building a Strong Foundation

Soccer drills are a fundamental part of any young player's development. Not only do they improve...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Jul 17 2023
5 Essential Defensive Drills in Basketball

5 Essential Defensive Drills in Basketball

Defense is a crucial part of basketball, and mastering defensive drills can make all the difference...

ByTiffany Allen | Tue Jun 13 2023
How Rowing Can Help You Train For These Popular Sports

How Rowing Can Help You Train For These Popular Sports

Rowing is more than a sport. It's a world-renowned form of exercise that can help keep you in shape...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Apr 20 2023
College Basketball: Four Coaches Who Could Switch Jobs After March Madness

College Basketball: Four Coaches Who Could Switch Jobs After March Madness

While the games from November through February certainly count in the standings, the tilts that...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Mar 15 2023
'Is It Like Baseball?': Comparing Cricket to America's Pasttime

'Is It Like Baseball?': Comparing Cricket to America's Pasttime

Sports have a unique way of bringing people together through their differences and similarities....

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Mar 06 2023
USA Triathlon Coach Helps Find An Alternative Workout To Running And Cycling This Winter

USA Triathlon Coach Helps Find An Alternative Workout To Running And Cycling This Winter

As the winter weather settles in, many outdoor athletes are faced with a decision: either tread...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Feb 22 2023
Why The Transfer Portal Is So Important For College Basketball Coaches

Why The Transfer Portal Is So Important For College Basketball Coaches

2019 was a transformative year in NCAA athletics. The NCAA Transfer Portal, a database which allows...

ByKeiwaine Hicks | Sun Dec 11 2022
Important Beach Volleyball Terminology to Know Before You Watch

Important Beach Volleyball Terminology to Know Before You Watch

Beach volleyball [gmtm.com/articles/tag/beach-volleyball] is a fun and exciting sport for the...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Nov 04 2022
What are College Football’s New Overtime Rules?

What are College Football’s New Overtime Rules?

In the 21st century, major sports have had to walk an interesting tightrope. They’ve had to balance...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Oct 24 2022
How To Run Faster: Five Best Strength Training Workouts For Track Athletes

How To Run Faster: Five Best Strength Training Workouts For Track Athletes

In order to be successful in track, athletes should devote a considerable amount of time to lifting...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 05 2022
College Football's "Dead Money": Why Fired Coaches Keep Getting Paid

College Football's "Dead Money": Why Fired Coaches Keep Getting Paid

We’re at the point in the college football calendar where teams are assessing whether they’d like...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Sep 28 2022
Can Group NIL Deals Help Create Earning Potential Balance?

Can Group NIL Deals Help Create Earning Potential Balance?

The landmark decision to allow student athletes in college to profit off of their name, image and...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Aug 22 2022
Soccer Coaching: What is each position in soccer responsible for?

Soccer Coaching: What is each position in soccer responsible for?

A proper soccer team will function at an optimal level when players in the team's setup understand...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Jul 16 2022
Volleyball: Four Steps For Defensive Player To Improve Your Digging

Volleyball: Four Steps For Defensive Player To Improve Your Digging

Whether you live to hit the floor or find you find yourself feeling uneasy as a big hitter on the...

ByRebekah Morris | Sat Jul 16 2022
Field Hockey: What Is It And How To Start Playing

Field Hockey: What Is It And How To Start Playing

Field Hockey is a sport that combines ice hockey with soccer to create an exciting and intense...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sun Jun 26 2022
College Basketball: Why Experience Still Matters For Division-I Teams

College Basketball: Why Experience Still Matters For Division-I Teams

College basketball's history is filled with teams that had to overcome adversity on the road to a...

ByBryan Armetta | Mon Jun 13 2022
How Would Video Review Work In College Softball?

How Would Video Review Work In College Softball?

“Whatever it takes to get the call right”. That’s usually the initial sentiment about video replay...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed May 04 2022
How to Perform a Free Kick  Like The Pros: Step By Step Guide

How to Perform a Free Kick Like The Pros: Step By Step Guide

Scoring a free kick or utilizing it effectively can be the deciding factor in who wins a match. So...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Apr 19 2022
Are there Different Positions In College Beach Volleyball?

Are there Different Positions In College Beach Volleyball?

Beach volleyball is an enjoyable sport that offers amazing experiences for newbies and refreshing...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Mar 23 2022
Why Men's College Basketball Games Have Two Halves, Not Four Quarters

Why Men's College Basketball Games Have Two Halves, Not Four Quarters

The game of basketball was created in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. In his original rule book, he...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Mar 22 2022
Mike Krzyzewski: Looking back at the career of a legendary Duke Basketball coach

Mike Krzyzewski: Looking back at the career of a legendary Duke Basketball coach

Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is one of the most familiar, iconic figures...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Mar 08 2022
On Guard: Admiring Coach Nikki Franke’s Incredible Career

On Guard: Admiring Coach Nikki Franke’s Incredible Career

Temple University has had some incredible fortune with the longevity of its coaches. Men’s...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Feb 25 2022
Women’s Pro Sports Might Be Coming To Nashville

Women’s Pro Sports Might Be Coming To Nashville

Despite not being considered a major sports market in the United States, Nashville does have a...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Jan 19 2022
College Basketball: Equal Pay For Referees In Men and Women’s Hoops

College Basketball: Equal Pay For Referees In Men and Women’s Hoops

Gender equity review was a huge focus of the NCAA in 2021, and will remain a prominent topic of...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Jan 06 2022
College Football: Summarizing Trevor Moawad’s Impact On Athletes

College Football: Summarizing Trevor Moawad’s Impact On Athletes

When most people think about sports, and what it takes to get ready for a game, the physical part...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Jan 02 2022
College Basketball: One New Year's Resolution for Every Top Team

College Basketball: One New Year's Resolution for Every Top Team

Another calendar year has concluded, but the 2021-22 college basketball season has only just begun....

ByBryan Armetta | Sat Jan 01 2022
NCAA Testing New Coach To Player Communications In College Football

NCAA Testing New Coach To Player Communications In College Football

We know it well in the NFL game. Quarterbacks putting both hands on either side of the helmet in...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Dec 14 2021
Women’s Golf Championship Format Update

Women’s Golf Championship Format Update

When the very best female golfers tee off for the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship’s next...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Dec 03 2021
Checking In On NCAA Draft Constitution Developments

Checking In On NCAA Draft Constitution Developments

November has been a progressive month for the NCAA with regards to fleshing out its draft...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Dec 02 2021
Envisioning a 12 Team College Football Playoff, Ranked From Least to Most Likely

Envisioning a 12 Team College Football Playoff, Ranked From Least to Most Likely

College football has never been too concerned about parity. For years, the sport has seemed more...

ByBryan Armetta | Sat Nov 27 2021
NCAA Softball Has New Leader Calling Balls and Strikes

NCAA Softball Has New Leader Calling Balls and Strikes

After Craig Hyde retired from his post as the NCAA softball national coordinator of umpires, the...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Nov 18 2021
NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Welcomes A Familiar Face

NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Welcomes A Familiar Face

What’s old is new again, when it comes to leadership at the NCAA for women’s lacrosse. A new...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Nov 15 2021
Women's Squash: Unpacking the Dickinson College Controversy

Women's Squash: Unpacking the Dickinson College Controversy

There’s been quite a debate brewing in the last several weeks at a liberal arts school in central...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Nov 14 2021
Four Players Who Improved Their Game Under Coach K

Four Players Who Improved Their Game Under Coach K

College basketball's greatest coach is finally saying goodbye. Over 46 seasons as a Division I...

ByBryan Armetta | Wed Nov 03 2021
Could The Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Field Expand?

Could The Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Field Expand?

For many years, both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournament field was set at 64 teams. It...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Nov 02 2021
What An Athlete’s Death At Fort Scott Community College Means For College Football

What An Athlete’s Death At Fort Scott Community College Means For College Football

JUCO football has long been an incubator for some of the most recognizable talents in football....

ByLeland | Thu Oct 21 2021
New Rule Proposed for Softball 2022 Season

New Rule Proposed for Softball 2022 Season

The softball committee has met many times over the years to settle issues with rules or to best...

ByAlexis Peltzer-Harding | Fri Oct 15 2021
Women's Gymnastics: How The 2021-22 Division-I College Season Will Be Different

Women's Gymnastics: How The 2021-22 Division-I College Season Will Be Different

The 2021 National Championship for Gymnastics was exciting and fans saw some things that have never...

ByAlexis Peltzer-Harding | Wed Oct 13 2021
How Will Additional Days Affect Three Women’s NCAA Playoff Competitions?

How Will Additional Days Affect Three Women’s NCAA Playoff Competitions?

The NCAA Division I Competition Oversight Committee has been busy recently, as they’ve announced...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Oct 08 2021
St. Thomas Athletics Gets Its First Taste of Division I

St. Thomas Athletics Gets Its First Taste of Division I

The most publicized jumps in sports usually center around when high school athletes head directly...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Sep 30 2021
What the New Handball and Offside Rules Mean for College Soccer

What the New Handball and Offside Rules Mean for College Soccer

This summer, the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rules Committee decided to revamp the...

ByCoby Seaver | Tue Sep 28 2021
College Football: Presbyterian College Coach Who Doesn't Punt Faces Huge Loss

College Football: Presbyterian College Coach Who Doesn't Punt Faces Huge Loss

Kevin Kelley has gained national notoriety with his coaching style and outcomes in the first two...

ByJamison White | Wed Sep 22 2021
Who Will Be The Next Head Football Coach At UConn?

Who Will Be The Next Head Football Coach At UConn?

Although he didn’t have the success that Jim Calhoun experienced on the men’s basketball side,...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Sep 16 2021
Examining Division II’s Decision To Expand Coaches Connection Program

Examining Division II’s Decision To Expand Coaches Connection Program

Networking events for professionals across the same industry can only be a good thing. New ideas...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Sep 07 2021
Players, coaches divided over College Football Playoff expansion

Players, coaches divided over College Football Playoff expansion

Every year one College Football Program lifts the national championship trophy and subsequently...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Sat Jul 24 2021
How Does Coaching in College Football Players Differ From Coaching NFL Players?

How Does Coaching in College Football Players Differ From Coaching NFL Players?

We see it all the time in football—college coaches with innovative offensive minds or longstanding...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Feb 12 2021
Andrew Tiller: "Most NFL coaches are training a position they’ve never played before"

Andrew Tiller: "Most NFL coaches are training a position they’ve never played before"

They say timing is everything, and if you asked offensive line coach Torrian Wilson, many NFL teams...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Nov 27 2020