Multi-method assessment of a leader development intervention for varsity team captains

Abstract

ABSTRACT Athlete leader development is a topic of interest in sports psychology and programs to facilitate athlete leader development have been proliferating. Yet, little work has been done to validate the effectiveness of these programs. This multi-year mixed method study examined the standard-setting behavior of varsity team captains from an NCAA Division I military academy following an athlete leader development intervention. The intervention consisted of speakers, lectures, and small group discussions. Qualitative analysis of the intervention confirmed integration of key concepts: standards are different than rules, leaders set the tone for team culture, standards must be messaged properly, and standard-setting is promoted by communities of leaders. The quantitative analysis compared team member reports of standard-setting behavior of the varsity team captains with a control group of student leaders that supported the efficacy of the intervention. We discuss the challenges of conducting assessments of athlete leader development and make recommendations for future efforts.