Sports Participation and Leadership Qualities of Female student-leaders at Isabela State University–Echague Campus

This study examines the relationship between sports participation and the development of leadership skills among female student leaders at Isabela State University–Echague Campus. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study assessed the self-reported levels of four key leadership qualities—interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision-making skills, and problem-solving skills—and their association with the respondents’ involvement in sports. Data were collected from 79 female student leaders occupying various organizational positions and participating in different types of sports, primarily individual or dual sports. Findings revealed that interpersonal skills and communication skills are significantly correlated with sports participation, indicating that involvement in athletic activities enhances social interaction, confidence, and the ability to express ideas effectively—traits essential in leadership. In contrast, decision-making and problem-solving skills did not show a significant relationship with sports participation, suggesting that these cognitive aspects may require additional developmental experiences outside of sports. Respondents also reported consistently positive perceptions of the benefits of sports participation, particularly in relation to skill enhancement, confidence-building, and overall well-being. The study concludes that sports serve as a valuable platform for fostering social and communicative leadership skills among female students. However, to develop more comprehensive leadership competence, supplemental training programs should address areas such as decision-making and critical problem-solving. The findings emphasize that while sports participation enhances specific leadership skills, particularly in interpersonal and communication domains, it should be complemented with targeted development programs to strengthen decision-making and problem-solving capacities