The Corner, featuring Jordan Hawkins (Player Spotlight)

Player Spotlight – Jordan Hawkins

Sophomore | Varsity Basketball | Gaithersburg MD

As a freshman starter on Varsity, he helped lead his Gaithersburg Trojans to a Regional Championship and to the State Semifinals at University of Maryland.

What has helped you develop the leadership mindset you have today?

Knowing that my team looks at me and how I respond to things has made me have more of a leadership mindset. Also, my coaches are looking to me to have leadership mindset because they look at me as a player that’s a coach on the court.

How do you think improving as a leader has helped you become a better athlete/player?

Improving as a leader has made me a better athlete because I can make the people around me better and I always have to make sure I’m at my best so I can keep improving everyday.

How do you think improving as a leader has helped your team?

My leadership is helping the team by making everyone better on the court and making sure we have the same goal. I’m working much harder and more aware of making sure we’re all becoming one.

Was there a moment where you recall “turning the corner” and realizing you had to take the next step as a leader?

After last year, losing the state semifinals. I knew if we wanted to get back next year I would have to be the leader on the team and make everyone better. I had to step up.

What do you different now that you may not have done in the past as a leader?

I learn how to get people on my side, and criticizing my teammates without them getting upset, but if they do I speak to them and tell them what they did wrong; so I say I matured a lot. Coach Holda on Jordan Hawkins Jordan has always led by example but we’ve asked him to do more for us. He sits in the front row during meetings and film study, he asks questions and when practice isn’t going well, he asks for the ball. He puts guys where they be on the court. He’s taking over the responsibilities of the coaching staff, which is exactly what we want.

Coach Bradley on Jordan Hawkins: I’ve had a chance to work with Jordan for the last year through the season as well as the recent Lead ‘Em Up Training Camp. Oftentimes the growth I see in players comes in the little things and that’s what I’ve seen with Jordan. I can feel a growth around Jordan simply in conversation, how he carries himself, his body language and his eye contact; he feels like a completely different person. I recognize the little things like him congratulating me on my recent baby and hearing that after I had my baby he was the one who shared the news with the rest of the coaching staff. He now offers to volunteer in each of our Lead ‘Em Up exercises, is getting others locked-in and re-focused. I see a greater enthusiasm and passion for the game from him and he’s become so much more intentional in trying to build up his teammates.

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Podcasts

Athlete’s Path to Leadership Mastery – Teach It Until It Sticks

We’ve all shared this idea, “What am I going to do next year? I taught that already?” Teaching the same concept more than once and wondering if it’s even landing is a valid thought. But here’s the truth: many coaches suffer from the leadership theory of going shallow on many, and deep on a few, as a result, athletes may never experience the depths of leadership mastery. In this episode, we examine the develop vs. introduce dynamic while exploring the process of evolution through one’s ability to focus on a single concept. We’ll break down the 5 levels of proficiency that will help you ignite your athlete’s path to becoming an elite player-led team. The need to keep going deeper into the Lead ‘Em Up teachings isn’t just necessary, it’s a huge part of leadership proficiency. If you’ve ever been in doubt about repeating a concept, this episode will remind you why it matters and how to make every repetition count.

Bruised But Still in Charge: How to Approach Leadership When You Are Injured – The Green Room Episode 2

What happens when the leader gets hurt physically? In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of leading while injured. From maintaining credibility and presence to adapting your leadership style, we’ll unpack the secret strategies for staying effective, authentic, and resilient in the face of personal setbacks. Whether you’re sidelined temporarily or navigating a long recovery, this conversation offers real talk and practical insights for showing up as a leader, even when you’re bruised, you’re still in charge!

Watch the full video here