Beyond Bound: Role of Coaches & Athletic Directors | Servant Leaders & Heroes

Facilitated: by Mark Gunderson Bound AD in Residence

In this dynamic and thought-provoking session of the Beyond Bound Professional Development series, the spotlight shone brightly on the pivotal roles of athletic directors (ADs) as both servant leaders and heroes within the world of education based athletic leadership. Facilitated by Bound's AD in Residence, Mark Gunderson, the session explored the essence of servant leadership and the heroic qualities that define ADs and coaches in their pursuit of excellence.

With a focus on serving others and putting the needs of students and coaches first, Gunderson kicked off the discussion by emphasizing the fundamental principles of servant leadership. "Athletic directors and coaches are more than just administrators; they are servant leaders," Gunderson remarked. "Their primary goal is to make the lives of students better and to support coaches in their mission to develop young athletes."

The essence of servant leadership, as described by Gunderson, lies in listening first, doing the work in the dark to shine the bright lights on the students, and helping others attain goals they did not believe possible. It's about selflessly devoting oneself to the service of others, with a relentless commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes.

As the discussion unfolded, the conversation seamlessly transitioned to the heroic aspects of athletic leadership, with Gunderson shedding light on the qualities that define ADs and coaches as heroes in their own right. "Athletic directors and coaches are the unsung heroes of education based athletics," Gunderson asserted. "They make the tough decisions, get the job done, and have the courage to do what is right, even in the face of adversity."

From self-confidence to a positive attitude, from putting out fires to navigating challenging situations with grace and resilience, the heroic qualities of ADs and coaches are evident in their work. They stand as inspiration and strength, guiding their teams through triumphs and tribulations with unwavering resolve.

Gunderson's insights resonated deeply with the panel, comprising ADs, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike, as they reflected on their own experiences and aspirations within the world of athletic leadership. The session served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that ADs and coaches have on the lives of student-athletes and the broader school community.

Gunderson reiterated the importance of embodying both servant leadership and heroism in the pursuit of excellence within the education based athletics. "As athletic directors and coaches, we have a responsibility to lead by example, to serve others with humility and compassion, and to embrace the heroic qualities that define our roles," Gunderson stated.

The Beyond Bound Professional Development series continues to serve as a catalyst for growth, learning, and inspiration within the athletic leadership community. As ADs and coaches navigate the ever-evolving landscape of athletics, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment—to serve others, to lead with courage and integrity, and to make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes.

'Beyond Bound' offers a unique professional development opportunity for coaches and Athletic Directors (ADs) by providing insights and strategies from industry professionals. It's designed to enhance leadership skills and offer practical advice for managing sports teams and programs effectively. For example, as an AD, you could apply these insights to improve team performance, foster a positive culture, and develop effective communication strategies within your team and the broader school community.