Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Involving Athletes in Team Leadership

BY JEROD WOMACK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, MANSFIELD ISD

In the high-stakes world of high school athletics, the development of leadership skills among athletes is as crucial as their physical training. Our programs at Mansfield ISD have long understood that fostering leadership in young athletes not only elevates their performance but also prepares them for success beyond the playing field. From middle school through high school, involving athletes and team leadership roles has transformed our programs from the inside out, fostering a culture of accountability, camaraderie, and excellence. Here’s how we’ve integrated leadership development at every level, with insights from our dedicated coaching staff.

The Foundation of Leadership in Middle School

Middle school is a pivotal time for young athletes where foundational skills and character traits are developed. Encouraging leadership at this stage can have profound long-term benefits. By empowering middle school athletes, we lay the groundwork for high school programs that are robust both socially and competitively.

Middle school is where we can shape future leaders. When we involve athletes and leadership roles early, they learn to take responsibility, communicate effectively, and support their teammates. These skills translate into better team cohesion and performance as they advance.

Middle school athletes who take on leadership roles are more likely to exhibit strong communication skills and a sense of responsibility. These traits not only improve team dynamics, but also foster a sense of ownership and pride in their team’s successes and challenges.

“Developing leaders at the middle school level is crucial for student success on and off the field or court and in sustaining successful high school athletic programs,” says Karen Lee, Athletic Coordinator at Coble Middle School. By involving middle school students in leadership, we ensure that they enter high school with a solid foundation of essential skills.

“Developing leaders at the middle school level is crucial for student success on and off the field or court and in sustaining successful high school athletic programs,” says Karen Lee, Athletic Coordinator at Coble Middle School. By involving middle school students in leadership, we ensure that they enter high school with a solid foundation of essential skills.

Lee emphasizes the impact of peer mentoring, saying “We group struggling students with the emerging leaders of our athletic program to help empower them to work collaboratively and share their knowledge of organization and academics as they build their leadership skills in a student-led environment.” This approach not only improves academic performance but also strengthens team unity and develops future leaders.

Brent Turner, Athletic Coordinator at Wester Middle School, highlights the importance of diverse leadership roles. He states, “The highest programs, regardless of age level, find ways to ensure their athletes feel both valued and part of something larger than themselves. We place an emphasis on locating and developing three different types of leaders: Locker room leaders, social leaders and coordinators, and team captains selected by the students.”

Turner’s strategy of recognizing different leadership strengths ensures that all athletes can contribute, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. “Involving as many kids as you can in leadership positions with different strengths comes with many benefits. It helps to define clear roles and responsibilities, resulting in increased accountability, teamwork, and improved goal setting. It breeds confidence and trust in one another,” he explains.

At Jobe Middle School, Athletic Coordinator Michael Chesser introduced “Town Hall” meetings, where athletes address all team issues collaboratively.

“When issues arise, a meeting is called where the issue is addressed by the coaches and then problem solved by the athletes with coach guidance. This gives our Maverick athletes a voice and becomes a catalyst for filling leadership roles,” Chesser says.

Kathryn Otwell, Women’s Athletic Coordinator at McKinzey Middle School, underscores the importance of communication skills and leadership development. “Teaching communication skills is important in becoming comfortable in leadership. Our older athletes present to incoming athletes the ‘McKinzey Way’ or “ATL: Above the Line,” which is the overall athletic program philosophy and requirements,” she explains. This mentorship program ensures continuity and instills core values in younger athletes.

Casey Brown, Athletic Coordinator at Worley Middle School, focuses on creating a culture that values leadership at all levels. “Building team leadership within an athletic program involves fostering individual leadership skills among team members and creates a culture that values leadership on all levels. We emphasize leading by example, identifying potential leaders, encouraging communication, delegating responsibility, promoting team bonding, celebrating successes, and emphasizing sportsmanship.”

Building Stronger High School Programs

The transition from middle school to high school is smoother when athletes have already been exposed to leadership roles. At the high school level, the benefits of early leadership training become even more apparent. High school coaches at Mansfield ISD have implemented innovative strategies that involve students in leadership, positively impacting their programs.

“High school athletes who have leadership experience are more prepared to handle the pressures of competition and the demands of academic and social life,” says Channon Hall of Mansfield Summit High School. “They set the tone for their peers, leading by example both on and off the field.”

Coach Hall also highlights the role of athlete-led initiatives such as peer mentoring, where senior athletes guide freshmen, helping them adjust to the rigors of high school sports and academics. This not only strengthens the team’s bond, but also creates a supportive environment that encourages new athletes to excel.

Brooke Brittain, Head Girls Basketball Coach and Athletic Coordinator of Mansfield High School, takes a servant leadership approach with her campus and student-athletes. “I believe one of the greatest ways to develop leaders and great humans is to teach them how to serve. This year, all five basketball programs in Mansfield ISD joined together to put on a community-wide Special Olympics basketball camp honoring the memory of a great community servant leader, Jane Ellen Slagle,” says Brittain.

Regarding the students’ involvement in the event, she adds, “We provided organizational guidance and a general game plan, then handed over the keys to the students with high expectations. Their hearts were challenged to do their very best, connect with this underserved community, and enjoy fellowship around the game they love.” The students served, connected, competed, took initiative, and led.

Rebekah Morrison, Head Track & Field Coach at Timberview High School, emphasizes the critical role of leadership in her programs. “Everything rises or falls with leadership. We use our sports, Cross Country & Track & Field, as vessels to reach this goal by holding the athletes to high standards and expectations on and off the course or track.” She explains that part of empowering athletes to lead by example involves being consistently open and transparent with them, allowing them to make the best-informed decisions along the way. By empowering the athletes, they also take ownership of maintaining the standards and expectations of the Wolves' Track & Cross-Country programs. Her program has adopted the mantra, “How you do anything is how you will do everything,” by Martha Beck.

Chris Word, Head Boys Golf Coach for the Legacy Broncos, uses simulation at the middle school level to display great leadership and inspire the younger generation. “It is up to us as coaches to identify our best athletic leaders and create situations where we allow them to develop and hone those skills in our programs,” Word explains. As a golf coach, he selects one of his varsity leaders to mentor the middle school program. This model athlete, always one of his most prepared for tournament play, demonstrates the details of preparation to younger players, from clean clubs to course notes. Because this athlete has shown strength in competition, Coach Word feels confident in their ability to communicate this process to the younger generation.

Finally, Bobbi Cruff, a decorated softball coach from Lake Ridge High School, firmly believes in a servant leadership approach. “Leadership is not something that people are born with; it is a learned behavior,” Cruff says. She stresses that athletes must be taught to be leaders not only on the field but also in the classroom, hallways, community, and at home. Providing athletes with platforms to lead in these areas is essential. “Many lessons are learned on the field and on the court with the hope that these student-athletes become young people who contribute to the world around them in meaningful ways.”

These insights from various coaches within Mansfield ISD highlight the profound impact of leadership training on high school athletes. By fostering a culture of mentorship, service, and high expectations, these programs not only enhance athletic performance but also prepare students for the broader challenges of life. The strategies employed by these coaches ensure that their athletes develop into well-rounded individuals capable of leading in multiple contexts, creating a positive and lasting influence on their communities.

Innovative Ideas for Leadership Involvement

To foster successful programs, it’s essential to explore innovative ways to involve athletes in leadership. Here are several strategies we’ve found effective at both the middle and high school levels:

1. Leadership Councils: Establishing a leadership council comprising selected athletes from each team allows for a structured approach to leadership. These councils can meet regularly to discuss team issues, plan events, and provide feedback to coaches.

2. Captain Training Programs: Providing formal training for team captains equips them with the skills needed to lead effectively. Workshops on communication, conflict resolution, and motivational techniques can be invaluable.

3. Community Engagement Projects: Encouraging teams to participate in community service projects fosters a sense of responsibility and unity. These projects also enhance the athletes’ leadership skills as they plan and execute initiatives that benefit their community.

4. Academic Leadership: Promoting academic excellence alongside athletic prowess ensures that athletes lead by example in the classroom. Recognizing academic achievements within the team can motivate others to strive for success in their studies.

5. Peer Mentoring: Implementing a peer mentoring system where upperclassmen mentor underclassmen help build a supportive team environment. This practice not only develops leadership skills in the mentors but also provides guidance and encouragement to younger athletes.

By giving athletes a voice in team decisions, we empower them to take ownership of their roles. This sense of empowerment leads to higher morale and a stronger commitment to the team. We love the approach many of our coaches take that includes regular team meetings where athletes can voice their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes. This inclusive environment ensures that every athlete feels valued and heard, reinforcing their commitment to the team’s goals.

The Impact of Leadership Beyond Sports

The benefits of involving athletes in leadership roles extend beyond the athletic field. Athletes who develop leadership skills tend to perform better academically and are more engaged in their school communities. These skills also prepare them for future success in college, careers, and personal relationships.

Leadership skills developed through sports are transferable to every aspect of life. Our athletes are not just preparing for the next game; they’re preparing for life. They learn to manage their time, work with diverse groups, and face challenges headon.

In conclusion, the deliberate involvement of athletes in leadership roles at both the middle and high school levels is a cornerstone of our programs at Mansfield ISD. It not only enhances team performance and morale, but also equips our athletes with the skills necessary for success in all areas of life. As we continue to innovate and expand our leadership initiatives, we are committed to developing the next generation of leaders, both on and off the field.

By fostering leadership, we are not just building better athletes; we are building better individuals. And that is the goal of our athletic programs.

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