Authentic Leadership’s Impact on Black Student-Athletes’ Identity and Persistence: Navigating Challenges and Forging Success on and off the Field

Abstract

This research study explores the critical intersection of authentic leadership within sports administration and its profound impact on Black student-athletes’ identity development and resilience. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, drawing insights from both sports leaders and student-athletes to investigate this dynamic relationship comprehensively. The importance of authentic leadership in sports administration cannot be overstated. It emphasizes leaders’ genuine and transparent engagement with their teams, fostering trust and shared values. In the context of Black student-athletes, this research seeks to uncover how authentic leadership practices can significantly impact their experiences both on and off the field. The qualitative component of this study involves in-depth interviews with five (5) sports leaders, such as coaches, athletic directors, and administrators, to understand their perceptions and practices of authentic leadership. This qualitative data will provide rich insights into how authentic leadership manifests within sports administration. Quantitative surveys and data collection from 100 Black student-athletes will be employed to examine the impact of authentic leadership on their identity development and resilience. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to shed light on how authentic leadership contributes to Black student-athletes’ personal and athletic growth. This study’s findings hold significant implications for sports organizations, educators, and policymakers. Understanding the role of authentic leadership in the context of Black student-athletes can inform strategies to enhance their overall well-being, identity formation, and resilience, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive sports environment.

Presenters

Chanel Bradden
Student, Doctor of Education, Abilene Christian University, United States

Sandra Cleveland
Associate Professor, NRSG, Abilene Christian University, Michigan, United States

Jennifer Butcher
Vice President of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging, Abilene Christian University Dallas, Texas, United States

Edward Raimundi III
Student, Doctor of Education, Abilene Christian University, United States

Erika Kimberly Stanley Wesley
Student, Doctorate of Education, Abilene Christian University, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Identity and Belonging

KEYWORDS

Self-Identity, Resilience, Name-Image-Likeness NIL, Vulnerability, Empathy, Authentic Leadership, Identity Development