Insight: We Can Learn a Lot About Compassionate Leadership from Our Students

By Kim Eng, Director of Athletics

At first glance, “compassion” and “competition” may seem to be at odds. After all, how can athletes strive to fiercely compete on the field/court/water while genuinely caring about teammates and opponents at the same team? Yet, in the realm of sports—and life—these ideas can and should coexist. Compassionate leadership in athletics isn’t simply about scoring points or banners on the gym wall. It’s about developing resilient athletes and thoughtful individuals who understand that true success extends far beyond wins and losses.

Throughout my years as an athletic director, I’ve seen firsthand that coaching and mentoring student-athletes isn’t a one-way street. While coaches certainly strive to instill values and life skills, our students often provide equally valuable lessons to us in return.

One of the most impactful lessons our athletes teach us is resilience. Athletics frequently brings its share of disappointments—be it a missed goal in a crucial moment or a season-ending injury. However, in an environment that values compassionate leadership, setbacks become important learning experiences. Watching student-athletes confront challenges, yet show up daily ready to put in the work, is a profound reminder of what true perseverance looks like.

Student-athletes also provide powerful lessons in authentic leadership. The most effective coaches I have known are those who build strong bonds with their athletes. Trust and respect are not commanded; they’re earned through consistent, empathetic interactions. Students naturally gravitate towards leaders who model integrity, humility, and care. When athletes know coaches care about their lives beyond sports, they feel more valued and engaged, leading to better team morale and stronger performance.

Humility is yet another meaningful lesson our students continually teach us. Great coaching isn’t about always having the answer. Instead, it’s about openness and willingness to listen and adapt. The most successful programs are those where coaches actively seek feedback from their athletes, fostering mutual respect and a culture of shared growth.

Finally, our athletes remind us that passion and enjoyment should be at the core of every sport. Athletics is so much more than trying to win games; it’s about the relationships built, experiences shared, and personal development achieved along the way. Watching athletes’ pure joy while playing sports reinforces why we became coaches and athletic directors in the first place!

Ultimately, we become better at our roles by learning from the very students we’re here to guide. Being open and receptive to these lessons makes us not only more effective coaches and leaders but also strengthens our entire sports programs at EPS.