Learning to lead is one of the greatest gifts my experience playing youth sports has given me. From an early age, I recognized myself as a leader and understood how my energy and demeanor could influence a group. I knew what it felt like to stand on the mound, take a deep breath, and throw the next pitch while the rest of the team watched and waited for the outcome. I also learned that when I lifted up my teammates on defense, our chances of winning increased.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about empowering others to lead through sports, especially girls and women. When I was younger, I mostly led by example. As I grew more confident in my leadership skills, I became more vocal, celebrating teammates out loud when I saw behaviors I wanted to encourage. Now, as a coach, I still lead by modeling and by speaking up, but I’m much more intentional about how I empower others to lead. Below are some of the strategies I use with my players and assistant coaches to help them see themselves as leaders.

1. Notice and Name Leadership Strengths
Many players and assistant coaches don’t realize they already have natural leadership qualities. As a coach, it’s important to notice and name those strengths. If a player is inclusive or a good friend, tell them that’s leadership. If an assistant coach has a gift for connecting one-on-one with players, affirm that skill as leadership too. When we help people identify and name their leadership traits, we build their self-awareness. Whenever possible, create opportunities for them to use those strengths within the team.

2. Give Space for Their Voices to Be Heard
Leadership also means knowing that your voice matters. Team activities like co-creating community agreements help players practice using their voices and show that their input shapes the team’s culture. Coaches can also build this skill in small ways, by letting players choose a warm-up, select a closing activity, or suggest what the team needs to focus on. When players feel heard and safe to speak up, they grow into leaders who advocate for themselves and others.

3. Delegate and Share Responsibility
Leadership develops through experience. Give players and assistant coaches safe opportunities to lead and build confidence. Let captains lead warm-ups or rotate who runs the start of practice so everyone gets a turn. Ask players to lead a team-building game or choose a “skill of the day” for the team to focus on. When coaches show trust in their players’ insight, it deepens buy-in and strengthens the team’s sense of ownership.

For assistant coaches, assign an aspect of the team for them to oversee—such as offense, defense, or a specific skill area. Encourage them to reflect on how their portion of practice went to support their own growth as developing coaches.

4. Acknowledge Leadership Moments
The more you celebrate leadership, the more you’ll see it. Take time to recognize leadership moments publicly, just as you would effort or performance. At the end of a game or practice, point out and thank those who stepped up to lead. This kind of positive reinforcement builds a culture where leadership is noticed, appreciated, and shared.

Heart-centered coaches build confidence and make people feel valued. When players and assistants feel appreciated and trusted, they’re more likely to continue contributing and, in turn, grow as leaders.