How to Deal with a High School Coach Who Dismisses Your Child’s Potential

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It’s a tough moment for any parent: you believe in your child’s abilities, you see their dedication, and you watch them give their all at practices and games—yet their high school coach doesn’t seem to share your view. Worse, when you approach the coach to seek clarity or feedback, he responds with generic clichés like “He just needs to work harder” or “It’s all about the team, not the individual.” These hollow talking points offer no insight into what your child can actually do to improve or how they’re truly being evaluated. So what can you do to navigate this challenging situation while keeping your child’s confidence and love for the game intact? 1. Keep Perspective: Recognize the Limitations of High School Coaching High school coaches often juggle teaching responsibilities, large rosters, and administrative tasks, leaving limited time for individualized attention. Some are deeply invested mentors, but others may rely on one-size-fits-all coaching approaches, and others may have th...
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The U.S. Market for Structural Steel Products: Trends, Projects, and Market Size (2023–2026)



The structural steel market in the United States is a cornerstone of the construction industry, driven by its critical role in commercial and industrial projects. Structural steel, valued for its strength, durability, and recyclability, is essential for constructing high-rise buildings, bridges, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. As the U.S. experiences a surge in infrastructure investments and urban development, the demand for structural steel products is poised for steady growth. This article explores the current market dynamics, highlights key commercial and industrial construction projects, and provides a market size comparison for 2023 through 2026.

Market Dynamics and Key Drivers

The U.S. structural steel market is fueled by several factors, including government-led infrastructure initiatives, urbanization, and the push for sustainable construction materials. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS Act have spurred significant investments in transportation, manufacturing, and energy projects, all of which rely heavily on structural steel. Additionally, the trend toward green building practices has boosted steel’s appeal due to its recyclability and ability to support energy-efficient designs. However, challenges such as volatile raw material prices—exemplified by a 30% surge in iron ore prices in 2023 due to supply constraints from Brazil and Australia—can strain profit margins and impact project costs. Despite these hurdles, advancements in steel production, such as low-carbon manufacturing by industry leaders like ArcelorMittal, are enhancing market resilience.

Current and Upcoming Construction Projects

Several high-profile commercial and industrial projects underscore the robust demand for structural steel in the U.S. In 2024, the $3.3 billion six-lane tunnel project in Virginia and the $755.98 million Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project highlight steel’s critical role in infrastructure development. These projects leverage steel’s ability to withstand harsh conditions and support heavy loads. In the commercial sector, the construction of 97 tall buildings (including one over 600 meters) as of 2023 reflects steel’s dominance in high-rise frameworks due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Industrial projects, such as new manufacturing plants supported by the CHIPS Act, are also driving demand, with the manufacturing construction segment growing by 37% in 2023. Looking ahead, projects like the Pure Water wastewater treatment facility in San Diego, valued at $356 million, and JSW Group’s planned 5-million-tonne steel plant in India (with potential U.S. supply chain impacts), signal continued momentum through 2025 and 2026.

Market Size Comparison (2023–2026)

The U.S. structural steel market is part of the broader global market, which provides context for its growth trajectory. While specific U.S.-only market size data for structural steel is less granular, North America accounted for a significant share of the global market in 2023, driven by the U.S. construction boom. Below is an estimated market size comparison for the U.S. structural steel market, derived from global trends and regional contributions:

2023: The global structural steel market was valued at approximately $114.5 billion, with North America holding a 64.9% share, equating to roughly $74.3 billion for the region. The U.S., as the dominant player in North America, likely contributed around $60–65 billion, fueled by a 6.1% increase in overall construction activities, particularly in manufacturing and commercial sectors.

2024: The global market is projected to grow to $120.9 billion (based on a 5.6% CAGR). With North America’s share slightly increasing due to infrastructure investments, the U.S. market is estimated at $65–70 billion, reflecting a 5–7% growth driven by projects like the Virginia tunnel and CHIPS Act-funded facilities.

2025: Assuming a continued CAGR of 5.6%, the global market could reach $127.7 billion, with the U.S. market estimated at $70–75 billion. Growth will likely be supported by ongoing infrastructure projects and a rebound in commercial construction, despite high borrowing costs.

2026: The global market is forecasted to hit $134.8 billion, with the U.S. market potentially reaching $75–80 billion. This growth hinges on sustained federal funding and private-sector investments in industrial and green construction.

These estimates align with reports indicating North America’s rapid growth in the structural steel market, driven by a 10% year-on-year increase in steel shipments in 2023, as noted by the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Outlook and Challenges

The U.S. structural steel market is on a promising trajectory, supported by a robust pipeline of commercial and industrial projects. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs, high energy prices, and a national skills shortage could temper growth. The industry is countering these issues through innovations like hydrogen-based steel production and increased use of electric arc furnaces, which reduce emissions and enhance sustainability. As the U.S. aims to expand its urbanization rate to 65% by 2025 under federal initiatives, structural steel will remain a vital material in shaping the nation’s skyline and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the U.S. structural steel market is thriving, with estimated values rising from $60–65 billion in 2023 to $75–80 billion by 2026. Major projects in infrastructure, manufacturing, and commercial construction underscore steel’s indispensable role, while sustainability trends and technological advancements position the market for long-term growth. Stakeholders must navigate cost volatility and labor challenges to fully capitalize on this dynamic market.

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