Is It Favoritism… or Something Else? How to Mentally Navigate Sports Politics with Power.

Ever felt like no matter how hard you worked, someone else kept getting the spotlight?

It’s frustrating. It stings. And it can make you question everything—your effort, your role, even your future.

But what if how you respond to that feeling could change everything?

Step 1: Rethink the Narrative

When your mind says, “The coach just doesn’t like me,” it creates a mental roadblock. You start seeing everything through that filter—and that can affect your energy, your attitude, and even your performance.

Instead, ask yourself:

“What else could be going on?”

Maybe the coach saw something in practice you didn’t realize. Maybe the other player fills a need right now. Or maybe… you just haven’t been loud enough with your impact—yet.

The goal isn’t to ignore the situation. It’s to step outside of the story your emotions are writing and consider more possibilities.

Step 2: Ask Yourself Better Questions

Here’s how to shift from reaction to reflection:

• What’s actually happening that’s making me feel this way?

• What specifically is bothering me the most?

• If nothing changes, how might that affect my confidence or motivation?

• If I doubled down on consistency and leadership, how might that change how I’m seen?

Asking better questions helps you move from blame to strategy—and that’s where growth lives.

Step 3: Focus on What You Can Control?

Favoritism might be real. But so is your ability to outwork, outlead, and outlast it.

You can:

• Lead warmups like a pro

• Bring contagious energy to every drill

• Be the most coachable player on the roster

• Control your attitude, your preparation, and your hustle

That’s how you become undeniable.

Game Plan Takeaway:

You don’t need to be the favorite. You need to be the one they can’t ignore.

Favoritism might exist. Politics might happen. But your power is in how you respond, how you grow, and how you lead—even when it’s hard.