From Player to Leader: Mastering Sports Leadership
Introduction to Developing Leadership through Youth Sports
Program Description:
This course is designed to equip high school athletes with fundamental leadership skills applicable both on and off the field. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, students will explore the multifaceted nature of leadership in youth sports, focusing on ethical decision-making, effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. The curriculum is structured to align with the typical athletic season, providing pre-season preparation, in-season development, and post-season reflection and planning opportunities. Students will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, self-assessments, peer coaching, and hands-on leadership challenges to cultivate their potential as influential and responsible team leaders.
Transform Your Game Beyond the Scoreboard
Ready to become the leader your team needs? This dynamic online program from TC Academy at Teachers College, Columbia University is built specifically for high school athletes who want to unlock their leadership potential and make a real impact—both in sports and in life.
What You'll Master:
- Command the Field: Learn how top athletes lead by example, motivate teammates, and turn pressure into performance
- Navigate Team Dynamics: Master the art of communication, resolve conflicts like a pro, and build unbreakable team chemistry
- Make Game-Changing Decisions: Develop the ethical decision-making skills that separate great athletes from legendary leaders
Own Your Season: Follow a structured path from pre-season prep through championship mentality to off-season growth
Your Training Ground Includes:
- Real-world case studies from sports leadership successes and failures
- Interactive team challenges that put your skills to the test
- Peer coaching sessions with fellow student-athletes
- Leadership assessments that reveal your unique strengths
- Practical tools you can use immediately with your team
Whether you're a team captain, aspiring to be one, or just want to elevate everyone around you, this program will give you the leadership playbook that college coaches and future employers are looking for.
Ready to level up your leadership game?
Dates: Summer 2026
Please Note: Readings and field work will be required outside of class to facilitate learning and practice leadership skills.
Location: Asynchronous Online with Live Synchronous Sessions
Price: $1,995 - Application fee waived until January 1, 2026, a $75 savings
For more information, questions or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
Instructor
Ray Pappalardi
For more than 30 years, Ray has been an educator, a coach, and a leader specializing in school-based sports programs. Working with students of all ages, athletes of all abilities, and coaches at every level, he has made sports accessible to the greatest number of participants to develop their leadership potential.
Ray started his coaching career in recreational and competitive gymnastics programs. As his coaching evolved, he developed expertise in the areas of archery, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, outdoor education, and strength and conditioning, always looking to empower the people under his care.
Ray has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in teacher preparation as an adjunct at Queens College in the City University of New York, Adelphi University, and Teachers College - Columbia University, and as faculty at Cortland College at the State University of New York.
Currently, Ray is the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics in the East Ramapo Central School District. During his last position in the Scarsdale Public Schools, Ray established a winning culture based on shared values and purpose, overseeing an interscholastic program of 76 teams, 100+ coaches, and 1181 student participants on an annual basis. During his tenure there, the high school accumulated 61 League, 15 Sectional, 10 Regional, and 6 State (Team) Championships while continually increasing participation rates to 63%. Ray attributes much of that success to the outstanding student-athlete leadership and the coaches who nurtured their development.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define and differentiate various leadership styles and their applicability in youth sports contexts.
- Identify and articulate the core characteristics of effective leaders in sports.
- Develop and practice effective communication strategies for teammates, coaches, officials, and parents.
- Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration skills through group activities and problem-solving scenarios.
- Apply ethical principles and sportsmanship in competitive environments.
- Analyze and resolve common conflicts that arise within a sports team.
- Understand and implement strategies for motivating self and others.
- Reflect critically on their own leadership strengths and areas for development.
Create a personal leadership development plan for future athletic endeavors.
Who Should Attend
TC Pre-College courses are open to students ages 14-17. All courses are conducted in English and learners should have sufficient fluency to participate.
Perfect for:
- Current or aspiring team captains
- Athletes headed to college sports
- Players who want to lead by example and motivate teammates
- Student-athletes planning careers in sports, coaching, or management
- Any high school athlete ready to develop skills that go beyond the game
You're a great fit if you:
- Compete in any sport at any level
- Want to stand out to college recruiters
- Are ready to make a positive impact on your team
- Want leadership skills for sports and life
No leadership experience required - just the drive to grow as an athlete and person.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
