Put Me in, Coach: Why Athletes Make Outstanding SLPs

There’s a reason why Tim Alberts asks candidates, “So, did you ever play a sport?” during interviews.

A single, simple ‘yes’ tells Tim quite a few things about the speech language pathologist (SLP) in front of him. 

 

Tim, a hiring manager at Little Lukes Preschool and Childcare for 3 years, has been in the business long enough to know athletes have a special edge over other candidates. Being part of a team establishes and enhances core characteristics that can help athletes off of the court, rink and field for years to come.

To athletes, accountability is everything

Athletes use a self-critical eye to examine if they have executed the intended goal of a task. They aren’t afraid to look in the mirror and grade their own performance.

They understand how to effectively communicate

From moving the ball up the field to defending a fast break into the circle, athletes already have experience talking through ideas and problems to pull the best out of their teammates. Listening to direction is also their strength.

They get that losing is only a failure if a lesson isn’t learned

Athletes turn constructive criticism into instruction without hurt feelings because they comprehend their coach or boss is coming from a caring place to provide support and tips.  

They have heaps of practice with time management  

Athletes are able to multitask with ease from their previous experience of going to practice, getting to class, doing homework and all of the other special events that happen during school.

 

Working in a team environment motivates them

Seeing the person to the right and left of them give it their all inspires athletes to tap into their full potential too. Working hard comes naturally.

Share this article with your favorite sport-minded speech language pathologists to let them know their next level hustle is not only appreciated but also sought-after.

Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center is a leading Syracuse therapy provider serving five centers in eight counties, and we’re hiring talented speech language pathologists. Apply today!