Ethan Roe

You have to find ways to use AI in your workflow. It's too helpful to not. But knowing when/where to utilize it for your team is just as important. Breaking down data = good 'One-shotting' a graphic or website = not good It can help in every area, but some tasks may require more guidance and iterations than others.

Had a 'this is the future' moment today: Set up a number that coaches can text to update certain things on their website (scores, time changes, etc.) that get pushed live immediately. Not a HUGE thing, but if you can update your site without having to login, that's a win.

I don't post about this a ton, but the recruiting piece of our team websites has gotten better and better. If your off-season checklist includes giving your players more tools at their disposal, shoot me a message.

An expensive mistake I see a lot of coaches make is paying a big amount of money to build a standalone app when they redo their website. Many of the problems apps solved ten years ago, can now be done in your browser. Most people won’t actually go download it in the App Store or sign up for one more thing if they don’t have to. It’s wasting money that could be spent elsewhere in your program.

AI as a tool in your program’s creative tool kit? Very useful. AI as the ONLY creative tool in your tool kit? Not ideal.

Last week’s game day package for the Spartans.

The floor for what the average HS program can create online has been raised significantly. Graphics, websites, recruiting guides, etc. Because they’re so easy to make, you’ll see more and more of them. You’ll have to be more creative to find a way to stand out.

Any HS coaches still learning Photoshop in 2026?

Whether you work on it or not, your team’s brand tells a story. Don’t leave it up to someone outside your program to tell it.

The ease of making custom software and websites for your program is going the way of graphics. Easier than ever to put one out there. More important than ever to make sure it looks good, is uniquely yours, and actually works.

Talked with coaches this year who use Adobe Express, Photoshop, Google Slides, or Canva. Don’t get caught up on the tool. Find what works for your program and keep creating. BUT if you do use Canva, here’s a great starting point ⬇️

Using AI to promote your program should be a “smarter not harder” thing. Don’t let it run the show when it comes to your team’s online footprint.

A goal for every team website: Make it the top result when someone Google’s your program. Most team websites don’t account for SEO, but they should. Currently reworking processes to make sure this is done better.

Favorites from the last few weeks 💻

It’s too easy to accept some form of digital payment in 2026. No reason your team website shouldn’t have a way for people to give your program money.

‘26 Preseason as told by Photoshop.

Coaches, if you’re using Chat GPT for your graphics: 1. Download the desktop app 2. Create a project/folder for your work 3. Tell it to help you create a brand guide for your graphics This is the first step in making more distinct/consistent graphics.

It’s easier to get sponsors for your team’s website if you actually update it and give people a reason to visit it.

Simplicity that’s executed at a high level is hard to beat. Too easy today to make branding, graphics, or web bloated and messy.