Pause, Reflect, and Push Forward: A Guide for Athletes—The Pipeline Way

Written By Brennan Coe

At Pipeline Sports Performance, we believe in more than just athletic achievement—we believe in growth, gratitude, and the power of reflection. It’s not just about the wins and losses; it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come, learning from every experience, and embracing the journey. This is what we call The Pipeline Way.

The Power of Reflection: Removing the Blinders

Athletes are often compared to racehorses, laser-focused on the finish line with “blinders” on. At Pipeline, we embrace this metaphor while adding an important twist: once the game or training session ends, it’s time to remove those blinders. This shift allows us to see the bigger picture—our growth, our challenges, and our achievements. 

When was the last time you paused to reflect on your progress? Think about the goals you set at the beginning of the year or season. Have you celebrated the victories, big and small, or only focused on the obstacles ahead? Reflection helps us appreciate the journey and ensures we learn from every moment, good or bad.

Why Gratitude is Essential to Growth

In the pursuit of greatness, it’s easy to lose sight of what we have. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good sentiment—it’s a game-changing mindset. At Pipeline, we encourage our athletes to take a moment to be thankful for the people and opportunities that fuel their growth.

  • Coaches who challenge you: At Pipeline, we coach with purpose, providing tough love because we care deeply about your success. If we’re pushing you, it’s because we see your potential.

  • Teammates who support you: Your teammates are more than just players—they’re your family. They’ve got your back, win or lose, and your growth impacts theirs. Remember, “Don’t do it for you; do it for the person beside you.”

  • Opportunities to compete and grow: Every healthy day is a blessing. Don’t take it for granted. Each practice, game, and moment to learn is a chance to become better.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s possible. It’s a reminder of why you started and a source of renewed passion for what lies ahead.


A Lesson in Perspective: Freddie Freeman’s Story

This mindset is exemplified by MLB star Freddie Freeman. Battling personal challenges off the field during the 2024 season, Freeman found strength in gratitude and reflection. His journey culminated in an unforgettable performance in the World Series, including a walk-off grand slam and record-breaking stats. But it wasn’t the accolades that mattered most—it was the moment he celebrated his victory by embracing his father. Freeman’s story is a powerful reminder to cherish what truly matters as an athlete: growth, gratitude, and the people who support you.


A Call to Reflect and Give Thanks

At Pipeline, we encourage all our athletes to take time to reflect. Ask yourself:

  • What’s one goal I’ve achieved this year that I’m proud of?

  • Who has been a constant source of support on this journey?

  • What’s one thing I’m grateful for that I’ve overlooked?


Write these down. Share your appreciation with those who’ve impacted you—whether it’s a coach, a teammate, or a family member. The act of giving thanks strengthens relationships and fuels your motivation.


Closing Thoughts and a Holiday Break

As we approach the holiday season, Pipeline Sports Performance wants to express our heartfelt gratitude to our student-athletes and their families. Your trust, dedication, and commitment inspire us every day. You are the reason we strive to deliver personalized, transformative coaching—the Pipeline Way.

Take this season to reflect, give thanks, and recharge. We’ll be back with fresh insights and tips on December 2. Until then, remember: every setback, every success, and every moment in between is part of your journey. Stay focused, stay grateful, and keep pushing forward.

Happy holidays from all of us at Pipeline Sports Performance!

Brennan Coe

Coach Brennan Coe has been pouring his passion for baseball and knowledge of the game into young minds since 2011, when his playing career came to an end and his high-level coaching experience began. Since then, he has organized and led numerous coaching clinics throughout the Panhandle of Florida and has instructed thousands of hours of both private and group lessons.

After his playing career ended, Brennan bounced between jobs while finishing his degree — but he just couldn't get away from his love for the game. He worked for a few different academies, soaking up as much knowledge and experience as possible while working alongside several incredibly bright leaders. Unfortunately, in 2018, the academy he was employed at permanently closed its doors.

Across all of Brennan's time as a coach, he has always taken pride in studying and analyzing countless hours of different hitters, pitchers, and position players to constantly match the knowledge of the game. This passion, along with the extensive database of experience and knowledge he collected during the years before, fueled the development of Pipeline Sports Performance.

Brennan loves getting to know each kid who walks through doors at Pipeline and build positive relationships with them that will impact their lives forever.

Coach Brennan Coe graduated from the University of West Florida in the Summer of 2017 with his degree in Sport Management. He is a co-founder of multiple travel organizations and is the founder of the Pipeline Prime organization. He is also certified by USA baseball in 4 categories.

Brennan was a three-year varsity starter/closing pitcher at Navarre High School from 2005-09. He was awarded MVP his senior year and pitched a no-hitter in the '09 All-star game. After high school, Brennan received a full baseball scholarship to Wallace Community College. The following season he transferred to Delgado Community College, where his team won the Region XXIII Tournament. 

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