Iowa Air Assault 12U 7v7 Football

The players who improve the fastest aren't always the most naturally talented—they're the ones who are coachable. They listen, accept constructive criticism without making excuses, and apply what they're taught. They understand that greatness isn't built on highlights or raw ability alone; it's built through repetition, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to getting better every single day.

Talent might give you a head start, but work ethic determines how far you go. The players who separate themselves are the ones who show up prepared, give maximum effort in every drill, pay attention to the little details, and continue working long after practice is over. They embrace challenges, learn from mistakes instead of being discouraged by them, and never stop looking for ways to improve.

The difference between good and great is often found in the habits no one sees. Great players are humble enough to be coached, mentally tough enough to accept criticism, and disciplined enough to consistently put in the work. When talent is matched with coachability, effort, and consistency, that's when real growth happens.

Facts

Great parents build capable kids who are actually able to get stronger and grow from failures, obstacles and challenges. To achieve this, parents need to have high expectations and high encouragement for their kids.

Greatness isn’t accidental—it’s built through an obsession with the smallest details, the things most people overlook but champions refuse to ignore.

Every early morning, every extra rep, every time nobody was watching—it all added up. From West Des Moines to the NFL… the next level is earned, not given.

Eli Raridon, a Des Moines native and former Valley student athlete, was the 95th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. See link below ⬇️

📸 Stacy Revere, Getty Images