The Top Social Media Mistakes Athletes Make (and How to Fix Them)

As an athlete, your talent may get people to know of you, but your social media will help shape what they think of you. Coaches, brands, fans, recruiters, and even future employers are all checking your online presence – sometimes before they ever see you play. And fair or not, one bad post can do more damage than a bad game.

Here are the top social media mistakes athletes make and what you can do to fix or avoid them.

1. Sharing Locker Room Content

The Mistake: Posting videos or photos from pregame talks, celebrations, or private team moments.

Why It Hurts You: The locker room is sacred. Sharing internal moments can break trust with teammates and coaches, and some content may reveal things the public shouldn’t see.

The Fix: Keep it private. Let the locker room be a place of team unity and vulnerability. Instead, post about the game itself or your preparation outside of it.

2. Arguing Online or Responding to Trolls

The Mistake: Clapping back at haters or getting pulled into online debates.

Why It Hurts You: Even if you're "right," the internet rarely rewards athletes for being confrontational. Screenshots live forever, and a small argument can spiral into a bigger story.

The Fix: Scroll past the noise. Focus on your goals. Let the haters hate – and let your game speak louder.

3. Posting Without Purpose

The Mistake: Sharing just to share – random posts, off-brand content, or things that don't align with who you are.

Why It Hurts You: Your audience (and potential partners) get confused. Brands want consistency, coaches want clarity, and followers want authenticity.

The Fix: Use your feed to reinforce your story. Think: what do I want people to remember about me? Post about your training, interests, values, or even rest days. Let it reflect who you are.

4. Commenting on Every Issue

The Mistake: Feeling pressure to speak up about every trending topic or hot-button issue.

Why It Hurts You: When it's not authentic or well-informed, it can come off as forced. And missteps can bring backlash.

The Fix: Only comment when it truly aligns with your values or your brand, and when you're educated on the topic. Silence isn't always a weakness.

5. Forgetting Who You Represent

The Mistake: Acting like your posts only reflect you.

Why It Hurts You: As an athlete, you represent your school, your team, your family, your community, and potentially brands. One careless post can hurt more than just your image.

The Fix: Before you post, pause and ask: "Would I be okay with my coach, grandma, or future boss seeing this?"

Final Thought: You Are Always Being Watched

Whether it's fans or critics, people are paying attention to how you carry yourself online. Your social media is an extension of your personal brand. Use it to lead, inspire, and build trust.

One bad post can ruin everything you've built. But the right approach can open doors you never saw coming.

#BecomeTheEliteYou