We are all working with a generation of young people who seem to increasingly demand that their opinions and feelings be validated, that they are respected, and that they are empowered. The lessons of the conference give us tools for communicating with these athletes and coaching them to their potential. These principles are also in perfect alignment with the SSWSC core values AND the most successful coaches I know have coaching philosophies that are consistent with this approach. As a coach I strived to coach in this way, but know I often fell short. Even if your coaching philosophy is different, I recommend you review and consider the lessons of this conference.