Coach/Athlete Leadership Relationship and Its Role on Athlete's Self-Worth

This qualitative case study explores the relationship between coaches and athletes and how these dynamics impact collegiate volleyball players’ self-worth. Through interviews with members of the Virginia Tech volleyball team, the research examines the influence of word choice, leadership approaches and trust within the coach-athlete relationship. The study is grounded in Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, which highlights the different experiences athletes have based on if they are in the in-group or the out-group, and how that impacts motivation, performance and emotional well-being. The findings reveal that athletes with supportive and respectful coaching relationships report higher self-worth and better performance, while those exposed to negative or dismissive communication experience diminished motivation, confidence and self-worth. Recommendations for improving the coach-athlete relationship include enhanced emotional intelligence training for coaches, open communication opportunities, and spaces and mental health resources that support the athlete’s development beyond performance metrics.