Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Welcome a New Player to My Team?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Prepare before the newcomer arrives: learn about them, tell the team in advance and pair them with teammates. Check in privately after practice without singling them out. Watch for exclusion and act early. Give space, because not making friends straight away does not mean they are not fitting in.
The answer
- Talk with the newcomer before the season or first practice to learn about them.
- Tailor the first meeting. Pair a shy athlete with one or two buddies. Invite an outgoing athlete to lead a simple drill.
- Tell the team in advance that someone is joining. Do not rely on the same teammate to help every time.
- Encourage teammates to take leadership roles and each pair up with the newcomer, so the newcomer does not have to start every conversation.
- Check in after practice with a brief one-on-one, without singling the athlete out. Ask how practice went, whether they need anything and whether they have questions.
- Watch for mistreatment. It can be subtle, so act early and hold athletes accountable.
- Give space. Do not assume an athlete is not fitting in because they are not making friends yet, and do not push.
- If one step is not working, find the exact leak and fix that first. Ask the team for help early.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 28 October 2026.