By: Nolan Sniffin, Fall '25 Intern
In the world of high school athletics, talent alone doesn’t win championships. Victories aren’t earned just by the fastest runners, the highest jumpers, or the most technically skilled players. Success in sports is built on teamwork, discipline, and most importantly, leadership.
Whether it’s a coach setting the standard or a team captain lifting up their peers, leadership by example is the foundation of a strong, unified team. It’s not always about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about embodying the team’s values with integrity and consistency. Leadership starts with accountability. It means showing up every day with the intention of improving, holding yourself to high standards, and encouraging your teammates to do the same.
“Leading by example means keeping yourself accountable and working to not be a hypocrite,” said Rebecca Verspoor, a three-sport athlete at Delaware Academy High School in Section IV. “As a leader, you shouldn't cut corners. You put in the work and encourage others to do the same. Leaders also make mistakes, but the key is how they respond, learn, and move forward.”
Leadership in sports isn’t about demanding attention; it’s about earning respect. The most effective leaders listen as much as they speak, and they take time to understand their teammates’ individual motivations and struggles. That empathy builds trust, which is essential for a team aiming for long-term success.
“An athlete can develop leadership skills on and off the field by first being a follower,” said Lilly Phillips, a former basketball star at Cambridge High School (Section 2) and now playing at the University at Albany. “As a freshman or underclassmen, it is important to first follow the experienced leaders on a team and learn from their mistakes or skills. Being a follower allows you to absorb information and learn coachability.”
Athletes don’t become leaders overnight. Leadership is a skill developed over time through daily habits, hard work, and how athletes carry themselves on and off the field.
“Understanding the skills required to be a leader allows makes it easier to become a better leader,” said Phillips, who’s sister is also a college basketball player at University at Rhode Island. Gaining these skills doesn’t happen overnight, one must be confident in themselves to go beyond fears to try hard things. Connecting with others is a great place to start.”
How athletes influence a team through leadership can sometimes be seen early during youth sports or high school athletics where athletes first must learn to respect the coach, program and the values in place.
“One of the most effective ways athletes can grow as leaders is by showing respect for their coaches and committing to the team's standards,” said Coach Scott Deleso, Ossining High School Varsity Baseball Coach. “Leadership begins with holding yourself accountable and setting the tone for others to follow then the rest happens quickly.”
Talent can take a player far, but what separates the good from the great is their commitment to the little things: consistent effort, personal discipline, and the determination to outwork everyone else. Those are examples of leadership by actions, not just skill in the game or words in a huddle.
“I’ve been fortunate to coach athletes who took that to heart who knew talent alone wasn’t enough,” said Coach Deleso. “Watching them push beyond their limits and embrace the grind has been one of the most rewarding parts of my coaching journey.”
Captains often serve as the crucial link between coaches and teammates. Their job isn’t just to play well, it’s to create an atmosphere of focus, mutual respect, and accountability. Sometimes, leadership is as simple as helping a struggling teammate through a tough practice or keeping morale up during a slump. By following team values day in and day out, captains help establish a culture where excellence becomes the norm.
“The qualities that I think make a good leader are people who are genuine, knowledgeable, bold and selfless,” said Vespoor. “It’s important that a leader is looking out for what is best for the team and not just themselves. It is also important that a leader is respectful to their coaches and their teammates and gains respect from their teammates.”
True leadership is often revealed in the hardest moments after a tough loss, during a losing streak, or when the team is facing internal challenges. That’s when leaders rise, keeping the group united, composed, and focused on growth.
“After failure, I find it helpful to take time to reflect and gather my thoughts,” said Verspoor. “When the team comes back together, we set new goals individually and collectively and move forward stronger. Being part of a team that feels like a family is what motivates us.”
Strong leadership is the heartbeat of any successful sports program. It transforms individual potential into team achievement. It helps athletes grow not just on the field, but off it as well. And in high school athletics where every season is a new chance to learn leading by example isn’t just effective, it’s enduring.
“You can develop leadership skills by surrounding yourself with good leaders and using the qualities from those who came before you,” said Sophie Phillips. “You can also ask a coach for help to so you know what you’re missing from your leadership set, or even ask a teammate how they view you as a leader. Leadership is a skill and something you can always get better at.”
In the end, it’s not the stats or trophies that make a leader stand out, it’s the impact they leave behind, the culture they help build, and the standard they set for those who follow.