Authentic Leadership’s Impact on Black Student-Athletes’ Identity and Persistence

This mixed-methods study examined the role of authentic leadership in shaping the identity development and persistence of Black student-athletes within collegiate athletic programs. Despite growing research on student-athlete experiences, a critical gap remains in understanding how leadership characterized by transparency, self-awareness, and ethical behavior influences Black athletes’ self-perception, resilience, and ability to navigate academic and athletic challenges. Drawing on surveys (Authentic Leadership Questionnaire) and semi-structured interviews with sports administrators and student-athletes, the study identified key themes: the importance of consistent communication, ethical decision-making, and holistic mentorship in fostering trust and empowerment. Findings revealed that while authentic leadership enhances athletes’ resilience and identity integration, systemic gaps in leadership consistency, transparency, and equitable support persist. Challenges such as balancing academic-athletic demands and addressing intersectional barriers further complicate these dynamics. The study underscored the transformative potential of authentic leadership in creating inclusive environments that prioritize both personal growth and athletic excellence. Recommendations call for enhanced leadership training, equitable policy frameworks, and future research exploring intersectionality, comparative analyses across sports divisions, and the implications of Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) opportunities on leadership authenticity. This work can contribute actionable insights for coaches, administrators, and policymakers to cultivate supportive systems that empower Black student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and beyond.