How Coaches Build Team Culture with Leadership and AI Support

Joseph Vachon
May 19
2 min read

Updated: Jul 13

By Coach Vachon

Team culture is built by leadership — and it starts at the top.It’s not just about what you say, it’s about what you model.

For me, it begins with communicating clear expectations to captains.Over the years, what’s evolved is including players in the solutions to team issues, especially what shows up on the court. It’s no longer just me directing — it’s players learning how to lead.

Basketball coach motivating players during a team talk, representing leadership and AI support in building team culture

How We Build It

We hold short leadership check-ins once or twice a week. Sometimes, it’s a serious tone. Other times, it’s something as simple as having players go around and share a fun fact about themselves. We do that early in the season to help them learn about each other beyond the game and we build traditions.

As a coach, I help organize team experiences:- We’ve seen shows like Blue Man Group- Took a trip to Boston and ran a team Amazing Race through the Freedom Trail- Gone to comedy shows, team dinners after games, even snow sledding

You fundraise to make it happen. You make it part of the program.

Over time, the culture sustains itself. Players start hosting dinners, sleepovers, outings — without it being mandated. They saw the leaders before them do it… and they keep it going.

That’s team culture for coaches, and it only works when the leadership lays the foundation.

Where AI Comes In Building Team Culture For Coaches

I don’t use AI to create culture, but I do use it as a coaching assistant — for messaging, tone, and reflection.

It helps me:- Draft talking points before a captain meeting- Phrase expectations in a way that lands without conflict- Reinforce what leadership should look like- Build bonding prompts when energy is down mid-season

Here’s the thing: AI isn’t the leader. You are.

But a great assistant helps you communicate more clearly, and stay grounded in the vision you’ve built.