No 'start date' gets stamped on your volleyball career. Likewise, you're leadership career begins as a young child in how you learn to listen, follow directions and treat others.
In his book The Vision of a Champion, Coach Anson Dorrance writes that some women don't want to lead, fearing being called a "witch." Actually, something a bit worse...
Leadership imposes additional demands on you. Leaders model excellence. If you don't want to take care of yourself and your body or become a role model, then don't accept leadership.
Leaders help create the path and walk the path that others will follow.
Consider starting with a Maya Angelou quote:
Leaders maintain the MVB culture of positivity, inclusion, and excellence.
The Japanese Olympic soccer team is famous for leaving the locker room in immaculate condition, win or lose. After one match, they left origami cranes, a symbol of good luck.
In Legacy, about the New Zealand All-Blacks rugby team, James Kerr says players learn team traditions like "Sweep the sheds" and "leave the jersey in a better place." Leave the gym in better condition than you found it and carry on the traditions of MVB.
This is consistent with a Greek proverb, "Old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit."
Leaders ask good questions.
- What can we do to improve as a team?
- What can I do to improve as an individual?
- "How can I help?"
- "Legacy" by James Kerr
- "Leadership in Turbulent Times" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
- "The Leadership Moment" by Michael Useem
Here are five top points from Jamie Bechler’s The Leadership Playbook: Become Your Team’s Most Valuable Leader, a practical guide for athletes, coaches, and student leaders on building character, influence, and leadership through service:
1. Leadership is Influence, Not Position
Bechler emphasizes that anyone can be a leader, regardless of title or seniority. True leadership is about influence and how you affect others through your actions, attitude, and example—not your role on the team.
2. Be a Servant Leader
Great leaders put others first. Bechler encourages athletes to support teammates, lift others up, and create a team culture where mutual respect and selflessness drive success.
3. Character Builds Trust
Leadership begins with strong character. Traits like integrity, responsibility, humility, and accountability are foundational. Without character, leadership lacks credibility and impact.
4. Culture Over Talent
Sustained success comes from cultivating a strong, positive team culture—one built on trust, effort, and commitment. Talent may win games, but culture wins championships.
5. Choices Define You
Daily choices—how you respond to adversity, how hard you work, how you treat others—determine your legacy as a leader. Bechler reinforces that leadership is a lifestyle of intentional, consistent actions.
Leadership Cheat Sheet for Young Athletes
Core Leadership Mindset
Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than words. Show up early, work hard, and maintain a positive attitude even when things get tough. Other teammates will follow what you do, not just what you say.
Growth Over Perfection: Great leaders aren't perfect—they're learners. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to improve and help teammates do the same. Ask "What can we learn from this?" instead of dwelling on failures.
Team First: Put the team's success above your personal stats or recognition. Celebrate teammates' achievements, share credit for wins, and take responsibility during losses.
Communication Skills
Listen More Than You Speak: Pay attention to what coaches and teammates are saying. Ask questions to understand their perspectives and concerns before offering solutions.
Give Constructive Feedback: When helping teammates improve, focus on specific actions ("Try keeping your elbow up on that shot") rather than personal criticism ("You're terrible at shooting").
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Keep your voice steady and positive during tough moments. Panicking spreads quickly, but so does confidence.
Building Team Chemistry
Include Everyone: Make sure quieter or newer teammates feel welcomed. Learn everyone's names, ask about their interests outside sports, and include them in team activities.
Handle Conflicts Quickly: When teammates disagree, address it directly but respectfully. Focus on finding solutions that help the team rather than taking sides.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge good effort, improvement, and teamwork—not just big victories. This builds confidence and motivation throughout the season.
Mental Toughness
Control Your Emotions: Stay composed whether you're winning or losing. Your emotional state affects the entire team's energy and focus.
Bounce Back Fast: After mistakes or setbacks, quickly refocus on the next play or opportunity. Model resilience for your teammates.
Prepare for Adversity: Expect challenges and have a plan for how you'll respond. Great leaders aren't surprised by difficulties—they're ready for them.
Practical Leadership Actions
Be the Bridge: Help communicate between players and coaches. Translate coaching instructions into language your teammates understand.
Set the Standard: Arrive early, stay late, and put in extra effort during practice. Your work ethic becomes the team's baseline.
Support from the Sideline: When you're not playing, actively cheer for and coach your teammates. Leadership doesn't stop when you're on the bench.
Take Initiative: Don't wait for coaches to solve every problem. Organize extra practice sessions, team bonding activities, or study groups for strategy.
Remember
Leadership isn't about being the loudest voice or the star player. It's about making everyone around you better and helping your team achieve its goals. Start small, be consistent, and earn respect through your actions. Every great leader started as a beginner who was willing to learn and grow.
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