For young athletes, a coach has the power to inspire or discourage them, shaping not only their athletic performance but also their mental health and love for their sport. Research from Trine University has shown that coaching styles and behaviors can significantly impact an athlete’s motivation, confidence, and overall experience.
Studies suggest that the most successful coaching styles prioritize autonomy and support over control. According to Marcone (2017), supportive coaching fulfills an athlete’s psychological needs and will lead them to greater athletic success. Similarly, Jones (2020) found that youth and high school athletes performed the best under democratic and supportive coaching styles.
In contrast, authoritarian coaching, where athletes have little to no voice in their training, has been linked to negative psychological effects in all athletes.
The experiences of student-athletes at Cathedral Catholic reflect this divide between supportive and controlling coaching. One athlete shared, “Our coach would often ignore logic, insisting on doing things her way regardless of the consequences. It seemed like she was more concerned with satisfying her own desires than considering our physical or mental health.” The athlete further explained that this environment led to injuries, dread, and a loss of passion for the sport among her and her teammates. This experience exemplifies the harmful effects of overly rigid coaching.
Her coach’s toxic leadership had no focus on developing the girls as athletes. Rather, the coach was focused on feeding her ego.
On the other hand, positive and encouraging coaching styles foster not only better performance but also a love for the sport. Cross country and track and field runner Liesel Sellerberg highlights the impact of having encouraging coaches, saying, “My coaches are extremely supportive and they give up so much of their time for me and my team which gives me the motivation to try my hardest every day.”
She describes how her coaches dedicate a week of their summer to taking the team to Big Bear for training and bonding, an experience that strengthens both the athlete’s physical endurance and team dynamic. Beyond their commitment, her coaches also use positive reinforcement to push their athletes healthily.
For example, they make bets with the runners, promising rewards like Jamba Juice if they run a certain time. This combination of encouragement, structured training, and incentives creates an environment where athletes feel both challenged and supported, motivating them to improve and love the journey.
Coaches have so much power in shaping their athletes. The most effective coaches recognize that their role is not just to train athletes but to inspire them. Those who create a supportive environment help athletes thrive in competition and their long-term relationship with athletics.
In contrast, those who prioritize control over the well-being of their team risk not only damaging performance but also driving athletes away from the sport they once loved. The right coaching approach truly can make all the difference.
