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Writer's pictureAshley McDonough

Leading Female Athletes to Success: The Role of Coaches & Captains in Creating a Positive Culture

Coaches and team captains can find a balance between character and relationship building and a fierce competition mindset by setting expectations for their players, which emphasizes the importance of both aspects. Additionally, coaches should prioritize developing solid relationships with their players so that they understand how to motivate and push them to succeed. Finally, captains should create an environment where positive reinforcement is used, as well as constructive criticism, to build confidence and foster skill development.


When it comes to volleyball, tough coaches typically use a variety of tactics to motivate and push athletes to their limits. This can include setting challenging expectations for drills and practices, recognizing individual successes with positive reinforcement, monitoring player performance in games, providing constructive feedback on mistakes made during game-play, running team meetings focused on skill improvement, and using competitive scrimmages as preparation for upcoming matches. These tactics help players gain confidence while pushing them toward tremendous success.


Studies have suggested that female athletes can be more competitive than male athletes due to greater competitiveness when it comes to social comparison. They are also more likely to engage in behaviors like gossip and criticism, which can lead to feelings of jealousy or insecurity among teammates. Additionally, the prevailing stereotype that women should be passive and less aggressive may influence how some females express their competitiveness on the playing field.


The Bible speaks positively of female relationships and encourages us to support one another in love. Proverbs 14:1 states, “A woman who builds her house with wisdom will be blessed,” while Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… if either fails, the other can help his companion.” The Bible also emphasizes treating each other with kindness, respect, and compassion; ultimately showing how important it is for females to form strong relationships and support each other.


A coach can help mitigate this risk by consistently demonstrating fairness and impartiality when deciding who is a starter or depth player. The coach should also focus on the team's goals rather than individual performance and emphasize that everyone has a vital role in achieving those goals. Additionally, the coach can create opportunities for players to work together in practice activities such as drills and scrimmages to learn to support each other regardless of their position.


Coaches run the program, but captains run the locker room. Jon Gordon says, “You win in the locker room first.” Captains should be consistent in addressing any negative behavior that arises from jealousy or spite among players. The consequences should be tailored to the individual. Still, they could include anything from a warning or talk with the player to consulting the coach regarding suspension or removal from the team, depending on how severe the issue is. Additionally, captains can help foster an atmosphere of respect and support by emphasizing positive actions like cooperation and teamwork during practices and games. Finally, captains should ensure their expectations for team unity are clear so that everyone knows what behavior will not be tolerated.


Coaches and team captains can lead their female student-athletes to success by creating an environment where both character and relationship building are prioritized. Coaches should set expectations for the players who emphasize the importance of both aspects while also taking time to develop strong relationships with them. Captains should address any negative behavior in the locker room while striving to create a culture of respect and support by emphasizing positive actions like cooperation and teamwork. By doing this, they will establish a unified team that is energized and motivated to achieve great things on and off the field.



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