It’s Day 2 of the 12 Days of Player Development.

In this episode, Ed Jones II speaks directly to coaches who do not have a Player Development Lead and explains why this role is no longer optional in today’s athletic programs.

Drawing from his experience in player development at the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, Ed breaks down what a Player Development Lead actually does and how this role supports coaches, strengthens culture, develops players beyond sport, and reconnects alumni to the program.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How a Player Development Lead gives coaches their time back

• Why culture strengthens when people feel seen

• How intentional and holistic programming helps players grow into the adults coaches say they want them to be

• Why alumni and former player engagement matters more than most programs realize

Ed also shares his definition of player development and explains why having one person singularly leading these efforts creates clarity, consistency, and long-term impact.

If you are a coach carrying parent communication, culture, alumni engagement, player issues, and everything else on your plate, this episode will help you understand why player development changes everything.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8 

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program