How Coaching Shaped My Leadership Approach

When I started coaching youth basketball, I thought it was just about teaching kids how to shoot, dribble, and pass. Over time, I realized coaching teaches much more. It teaches leadership, patience, communication, and the importance of building a strong culture. Those same lessons apply to running a school.

Coaching gave me a perspective I could not get from a textbook or administrative training. It showed me how to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and motivated to grow. The skills I developed on the court transferred directly into my work as a principal and superintendent.

“Coaching is about more than winning games,” I often tell my staff. “It is about helping people reach their potential and creating a culture that supports success.”

Building Trust and Relationships

One of the most important lessons from coaching is that trust is everything. Players perform best when they trust the coach and each other. The same principle applies to schools. Students and teachers perform best when they trust their leaders and feel a sense of community.

As a principal, I work to build trust by listening, being transparent, and following through on promises. I try to create an environment where teachers feel safe to take risks, share ideas, and try new approaches. When trust exists, teachers are more willing to collaborate, and students are more engaged in learning.

Clear Expectations and Accountability

On the basketball court, players need clear expectations. Everyone has a role, and everyone knows what is expected of them. Without clarity, confusion and frustration can take over.

In schools, clear expectations are equally important. Teachers and staff need to understand their responsibilities, goals, and standards. I make it a point to communicate clearly and consistently. Accountability is not about punishment. It is about helping people meet high expectations while providing the support they need to succeed.

“Clarity and accountability go hand in hand,” I explain. “When people know what is expected and feel supported, they are more motivated to perform at their best.”

Encouraging Collaboration and Teamwork

Basketball is a team sport. Success depends on collaboration, communication, and trust among players. The same is true in schools. Teachers, administrators, and students all need to work together to achieve shared goals.

I encourage collaboration by creating structures for professional learning communities, peer observations, and team-led projects. Teachers are encouraged to share strategies, provide feedback, and support one another. When staff members work as a team, the entire school culture improves.

Students also benefit from seeing teamwork modeled by adults. They learn how to work together, solve problems, and build relationships that help them both academically and socially.

Resilience and Growth Mindset

On the court, mistakes happen. Missed shots, turnovers, and losses are part of the game. The key is helping players respond with resilience and a growth mindset. They learn to adjust, work harder, and keep improving.

I apply the same approach in schools. Mistakes are opportunities for learning. Teachers experiment with new teaching methods. Students tackle challenging assignments. When setbacks occur, we reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward. Resilience becomes part of the school culture, and people feel empowered to take risks without fear of failure.

“Resilience is not just bouncing back,” I often tell my students and staff. “It is learning from challenges and using them to grow stronger.”

Leading by Example

Coaches lead by example. Players notice how the coach responds under pressure, communicates with the team, and treats others. The same principle applies to school leadership.

I make it a priority to model the behavior I want to see. If I expect teachers to be respectful, collaborative, and solution-focused, I must act that way myself. Leading by example sets the tone for the entire school and reinforces the culture we are building.

Celebrating Successes and Progress

In sports, celebrating small victories motivates the team and reinforces positive behavior. The same applies in schools. Recognizing teacher achievements, student growth, and successful initiatives strengthens morale and builds a culture of appreciation.

I make it a point to acknowledge progress regularly, whether it is improved test scores, innovative lesson plans, or student leadership in activities. Celebrating these wins encourages continued effort and reinforces the values we want to see in our school.

Bringing Lessons from Coaching Into Schools

Coaching taught me that leadership is about people, culture, and relationships. Schools are not just buildings; they are communities of learners and educators who thrive when trust, clarity, collaboration, resilience, and recognition are present.

The strategies I learned on the court help me create an environment where teachers feel supported, students are engaged, and the school community works together toward shared goals. When applied consistently, these coaching principles strengthen school culture and improve outcomes for everyone.

“Leading a school is like coaching a team,” I tell my staff. “Your job is to set clear expectations, build trust, encourage collaboration, support growth, and celebrate achievements. When you do that, the culture of the school takes care of itself.”