This era of Kentucky football will be different than any other. For the first time in a long time, Kentucky is poised to be in a great spot with recruiting, developing, and NIL. Will Stein is trying to wake a sleeping giant; he is trying to bring national prominence to Lexington for football. And how does he plan on doing it?
"Connection."
Kentucky football using 'get reals' to build a connection that will endure
Right after Spring practice concluded, Will Stein met with the media for the first time as a head coach who had just watched his team play. And one of the most important things he had to say was how he plans on building his program his way.
"I mean, connection is our number one DNA trait. So, we've done multiple different events with our guys so far. We do Wednesday night get reals where guys are coming up here in small groups, and we're talking about purpose, why, telling their story, talking about growth mindset versus fixed mindset."
But that is just one small part of a larger plan for Stein and his staff.
Kentucky has a football curriculum
We all know college athletes have a school curriculum but in Lexington, there is a football one, too.
"We have a curriculum there to really build that chemistry within the team. We stress eating with different players at lunch or dinner. And yeah, now it's like them getting out on the grass together and experiencing this type of connection. So, it's definitely something that you think about, and you want to make sure you're hitting every single day. Some sort of connection piece. I think we've done a pretty good job so far with it."
Why is that so important?
Because when you are down 3 points in the 4th quarter of a long and miserable day where nothing has gone your way, you need to be able to look in the other guys' eyes and know they have your back. And you know you have theirs. That kind of desire and sacrifice is where champions are made.
That is what Will Stein is trying to build in Lexington, and that should make you very excited.