You're Up Next!

Your time is now. Are you ready?

If you’re new, this is a series of lessons I learned from coaching boys’ high school basketball. You can check out that here.

All of us are inspired by someone. But the truth is—when those individuals are gone, who’s going to step up?

Their time is over.

You’re up next.

Coaching the first year wasn’t too bad. We had all our players returning the following year, and I knew I had time to work with each of them and help them grow.

But then the following season came, and it was time to say goodbye to our first senior.

Who’s going to step up and be center?

Ryan was our tallest player. He could handle the big guys. And let’s be honest—if we needed a bucket, we were going to Ryan. But now… he’s gone.

“Who’s going to be center next year?” another kid asked.

I looked at him and said, “Looks like you’re up next.”

He looked at me puzzled. But I was serious.

The year after that, we lost our starting point guard, Conner.

“Who’s going to step up now?”

The questions came pouring in.

And again, the answer was the same:

You’re up next. Are you ready?

We all look up to people. And when they’re gone, it can feel like everything falls apart. But maybe… it’s your time to shine.

Keaton stepped up when we lost Ryan. He wasn’t the obvious choice—he was smaller and didn’t have the same presence. But what he had was heart. He made the decision to fill the gap. And he didn’t try to become Ryan—he brought his own style. He passed more, moved quicker, and created plays in ways we hadn’t seen.

Each person brings something different.

You’re not here to copy the players before you. You’re here to fill the gap with your own flavor. Maybe that’s how you communicate. Maybe it’s how you serve, lead, or show up in moments that matter.

Too often, we sit back and wait for someone else to fix it. To make the call. To change the culture.

But what if that someone… is you?

The boys I coached? They inspired me.

They didn’t wait for the perfect moment or for someone else to step in. They saw the gap—and they filled it.

With confidence. With commitment. With their own unique style.

What about you?

What are you up next for?

Is it a job? A role in your family? A hard conversation? A chance to speak up or step in?

Don’t be shy. Don’t wait.

Who’s going to step up?

You are.

You’re up next.