Leadership is not tied solely to a title such as coach or captain. Leadership is open to anyone who is emotionally committed to the team’s success. It is not limited to heroic, charismatic, strong, and/or brilliant individuals who “look like a leader.”
What can you do to lead? Arrive early to practice. Set the pace during conditioning drills. Go all-out no matter what the score. Learn your teammates’ names and use them when you greet them in practice. Invite a teammate to have lunch with you and your friends. Notice when teammates are down and do what you can to pick them up. Everyone can lead.
Leadership is enhanced by emotional commitment. Emotionally committed athletes don’t just go through the motions. They are committed to team success heart and soul and relentlessly look for ways to make their teammates better.