Summary In this episode, Courtney Stephen interviews Edward Jones, a player development professional, about the importance of player development in sports. They discuss the growth and niche of player development, the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sports, and the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) on player development. Edward shares his journey into player development and the pitfalls that athletes often encounter. He also explains the role of player development in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the different roles and salaries in player development. In this conversation, Courtney Stephen discusses the importance of making connections and building relationships in player development. He emphasizes the skills needed in player development, including being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable. Courtney shares advice for breaking into player development, such as being great where you are, making memorable interactions, and being strategic in networking. He also talks about his podcast, the Player Development Pod, and his conference, the Player Development Conference, where he provides valuable content and resources for those interested in player development. Takeaways Player development is the enhancement of the athlete experience through holistic and intentional programming and initiatives. Athletes often struggle with their identity when transitioning out of sports, as they have been identified as athletes their entire lives. The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) has both positive and negative impacts on player development, as it can help athletes become business-minded but also distract them from their development. Player development professionals play a crucial role in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus, providing them with the necessary information and resources to navigate their college experience. There are various roles in player development, ranging from student interns to senior associate athletic directors, with salaries increasing as individuals progress in their careers. Building relationships and making connections are crucial in player development. The skills needed in player development include being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable. To break into player development, be great where you are, make memorable interactions, and be strategic in networking. Courtney Stephen's podcast, the Player Development Pod, and his conference, the Player Development Conference, provide valuable content and resources for those interested in player development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Edward Jones and Player Development 03:13 The Growth and Niche of Player Development 08:22 Challenges in Transitioning from Athlete to Non-Athlete 13:51 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness on Player Development 23:37 Roles and Salaries in Player Development 28:45 Building Relationships in Player Development 30:07 Skills Needed in Player Development 32:00 Making Memorable Interactions 33:22 Breaking into Player Development 38:36 The Player Development Pod and Conference 48:48 Favorite Athletes of All Time