Communication gaps between generations aren't uncommon. But the current “Millennial Generation” of college students present a different set of challenges when it comes to coaches and athletic administrators building relationships with today's student-athletes.

Jim Hundrieser, the vice president of student development at Lynn University, was among panelists for the Association-wide session January 12 at the NCAA Convention in Nashville, and he stressed how important structure is to this generation of intercollegiate student-athletes.

"You should structure the work environment, structure the play, structure the experience," said Hundrieser, who has specialized in student involvement and retention. "It is critically important."

Because of technology like cell phones, e-mail, text messaging and the Internet, communicating and acquiring information instantly is an integral part of their experience. This generation also received more consistent rewards when they were children, and seek more praise from collegiate coaches, he said.

Marquette women's basketball coach Terri Mitchell shared strategies she uses to manage her team.

"You need a foundation and a home base that you can refer back to," Mitchell said. "I absolutely believe that winning is a byproduct of how you treat your athletes. Winning is the walking alongside them, and they know that you are with them."

Brittany Jefferson, who competes in softball at Southern University and is a member of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, asked her colleagues to help compile a list to guide coaches and administrators to help them relate to today's student-athlete.

Here suggestions were:

•         Coaches should avoid labeling individuals when describing the team.

•         They want coaches and administrators to understand that student-athletes have a lot on their plates.

•         Conduct end-of-season interviews.

•         Have an open-door policy when it comes to communicating.

•         Administrators should be more visible so student-athletes feel more comfortable to approach them.

•         Attend SAAC meetings.

•         Realize that academics are important to student-athletes.

•         Communicate with student-athletes via e-mail.

•         Make an effort to attend our games.

•         Include student-athletes in the decision-making process.