As the weather gets warmer and the spring sports season picks up, coaches are looking players to step up and lead the team to a victory. Stepping up as a leader on a sports team can lead to more playing time and even a promotion to a varsity team.

Successful teams have strong leaders and the importance of this role is evident in all categories of sports. The performance of a leader is very clear in interactive games and during matches.

A leader or captain on a sports team has the dual function of ensuring player satisfaction while also steering the individual or group to success. Obtaining the status of team captain can be hard but very rewarding work.

Being voted in by peers can be a method to selection of a team captain but coaches often have the final say in who ends up as the team captain. Coaches look for specific characteristics and abilities in their team captains.

Seng Pham, head coach for the boys tennis team, said, “Work ethic, desire to learn and improve, attitude, the skills of the sport, knowledge of the sport, the ability to obtain what is taught describe an ideal team captain.”

Work ethic and good character traits aren’t all that coaches look for. A dedication to you sport can show coaches that you really do care. Practicing year round can show dedication.

Ed Boardman, head coach of the track and field team, said, “The main piece of advice I can give is to be active year-round, not just during a given sports season. Play other sports, come to pre-season practices, etc. The more you do out of season, the better you will be in-season.”

Setting a good example for teammates is something that team captains will always have to do. Before a game or a meet it is the captain’s job to pump up the team for the game. By setting a positive example for others the team captain can improve overall performance.

Eric Behrenshausen, head coach of the girls softball team, said, “I’m looking for a leader and someone who will lead the team to some victories in the upcoming season.”

According to Northeastern University’s study on NFL Coaches, Pete Carroll is a great example of persistence. They continue by giving the advice: “Don’t let your failures get you down, you can turn them into positives. Taking a hard look at what weaknesses you can improve upon can go a long way, both for yourself and for your team.”

Team captains can change a team and coaches look for more than just skill level when evaluating who would be a great captain. However, it is important to remember that a team captain guides, not rules, a team.