RESEARCH ARTICLE
Making the Case for Leadership Experiential Learning in Athletics
Anne-Marie Algier,
Courtney R. Floom,
Brian T. Magee,
Melinda E. Lull,
Corresponding Author
Anne-Marie Algier
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCourtney R. Floom
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBrian T. Magee
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorMelinda E. Lull
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAnne-Marie Algier,
Courtney R. Floom,
Brian T. Magee,
Melinda E. Lull,
Corresponding Author
Anne-Marie Algier
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCourtney R. Floom
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBrian T. Magee
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorMelinda E. Lull
University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 05 June 2025
ABSTRACT
Leadership development is a crucial component of higher education, particularly in the context of varsity athletics. This study explores the influence of the Medallion Leadership Program on student-athlete leadership development at the University of Rochester, focusing on their self-reported experiences through reflective essays. This study highlights the relevance of athletics in leadership and teamwork development and advocates for the intentional inclusion of athletics within the definition of experiential learning.
References
- Algier, R. 2022. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Andreu, F. S., K. M. Sweet, and D. H. Carter. 2020. “Building Leadership Skills Through High-Impact Experiences.” Journal of Leadership Education 19, no. 4: 134–146.
10.12806/V19/I4/A3 Google Scholar
- Association of American Colleges and Universities. 2009. Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE). https://www.aacu.org/initiatives/value.
- Association of American Colleges and Universities. 2011. The LEAP Vision for Learning: Outcomes, Practices, Impact, and Employers’ Views. Retrieved from https://gened.psu.edu/files/docs/leap_vision_summary.pdf.
- Boundless Possibility: 2030 Strategic Plan. 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://boundless.rochester.edu/strategic-plan/education/.
- Chan, D. W. 2003. “Leadership Skills Training for Chinese Secondary Students in Hong Kong: Does Training Make a Difference?” Journal of Secondary Gifted Education 14: 166–174.
10.4219/jsge-2003-427 Google Scholar
- Coffey, L., and A. Davis. 2019. “The Holistic Approach to Academia: Traditional Classroom Instruction and Experiential Learning of Student-Athletes.” Education Sciences 9, no. 3: 1–23.
- College Competencies. 2025. Retrieved March 21, 2025, from https://www.rochester.edu/college/assessment/outcomes/competencies.html.
- Conners, R. T., R. Cochrum, B. Lund, and J. A. Sanchez. 2023. “Transformational Leadership Perceptions of NCAA Collegiate Athletes and Non-Athletes.” Journal of Sport Behavior 46, no. 1: 18–35.
- Dugan, J. P. 2011. “ Research on College Student Leadership.” In Handbook for Student Leadership Development, edited by S. R. Komives, J. P. Dugan, J. E. Owen, W. Wagner, C. Slack, and Associates. 59–84. Jossey-Bass.
- Gang, R. 2020. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Gassman, J., D. Reed, and A. Widner. 2014. “Student Association Activities Contribute to Leadership Development of Students in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.” Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership 4, no. 2: 92–113.
- Gregoric, C., and L. Owens. 2008. “The Effectiveness of Peer Support Leadership Training in a South Australian School.” International Journal of Adolescence and Youth 14: 93–112.
10.1080/02673843.2008.9747997 Google Scholar
- Harry, M. 2022. “Athletics Is Education: Chickering and Gamson's Seven Principles Applied to Intercollegiate Athletics.” Journal of Higher Education Athletics & Innovation 1, no. 10: 68–89.
10.15763/issn.2376-5267.2022.1.10.68-89 Google Scholar
- Hendricks, J. M., V. C. Cope, and M. Harris. 2010. “A Leadership Program in an Undergraduate Nursing Course in Western Australia: Building Leaders in Our Midst.” Nurse Education Today 30: 252–257.
- Heppard, M. 2023. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Higher Education Research Institute. 1996. A Social Change Model of Leadership Development Guidebook. Version III. Higher Education Research Institute.
- Howie, E. K., B. T. Daniels, and J. M. Guagliano. 2018. “Promoting Physical Activity Through Youth Sports Programs: It's Social.” American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 14, no. 1: 78–88.
- Karagianni, D., and A. J. Montgomery. 2018. “Developing Leadership Skills Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review of Leadership Programmes.” International Journal of Adolescence and Youth 23, no. 1: 86–98.
10.1080/02673843.2017.1292928 Google Scholar
- Ketcham, C. J., L. Bell, E. E. Hall, and A. G. Weaver. 2022. “Intercollegiate Athletics Experiences as a High-Impact Practice: Examination of Quality Indicators.” Journal of Higher Education Athletics & Innovation 1, no. 9: 61–81.
10.15763/issn.2376-5267.2021.1.9.61-81 Google Scholar
- Koc, E. W., A. J. Koncz, L. Eismann, and A. Longenberger. 2018. Job Outlook 2018. National Association of Colleges and Employers. Retrieved from https://www.naceweb.org/store/2017/job-outlook-2018/.
- Leverone, M. 2023. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Luzynski, C. C., P. Athans, and J. Harding. 2024. “Transforming the Game: Rethinking Leadership and Character Development in Contemporary Athletics.” New Directions for Student Leadership 2024: 65–76.
- Martinez, N., M. Sowcik, and J. C. Bunch. 2020. “The Impact of Leadership Education and co- Curricular Involvement on the Development of Socially Responsible Leadership Outcomes in Undergraduate Students.” Journal of Leadership Education 19, no. 3: 32–43.
10.12806/V19/I3/R3 Google Scholar
- McKnight, K., K. Bernes, T. Gunn, D. Chorney, D. Orr, and A. Bardick. 2009. “Life After Sport: Athletic Career Transition and Transferrable Skills.” Journal of Excellence 13: 63–77.
- Medallion Leadership Society. 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.rochester.edu/college/odos/leadership/medallion/level-three.html.
- Medallion Program Annual Report. 2024. Office of the Dean of Students. University of Rochester.
- Medallion Program Level One. 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.rochester.edu/college/odos/leadership/medallion/level-one.html.
- Medallion Program Level Three. 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.rochester.edu/college/odos/leadership/medallion/level-three.html.
- Medallion Program Level Two. 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.rochester.edu/college/odos/leadership/medallion/level-two.html.
- Medallion Program. 2025. University of Rochester. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.rochester.edu/college/odos/leadership/medallion/index.html.
- National Association of Colleges and Employers. 2016. Career Readiness Defined. Retrieved from https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/.
- Patterson, B. 2012. “Influences of Student Organizational Leadership Experiences in College Students' Leadership Behaviors.” E-Journal of Organizational Learning and Leadership 10, no. 1: 1–12.
- Rosch, D. M., and A. Caza. 2012. “The Durable Effects of Short-Term Programs on Student Leadership Development.” Journal of Leadership Education 11, no. 1: 28–48.
10.12806/V11/I1/RF2 Google Scholar
- Sides, J. 2024. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Smith, L. J., and J. D. Chenoweth. 2015. “The Contributions of Student Organization Involvement to Students' Self-Awareness of Their Leadership Traits and Relational Behaviors.” American Journal of Business Education 8, no. 4: 279–288.
- Snyder, G. 2023. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Springer, D., and M. A. Dixon. 2021. “College Student Development Within the Context of Formalized Sport in American Higher Education.” Journal of Intercollegiate Sport 14, no. 1: 189–209.
10.17161/jis.v14i1.11755 Google Scholar
- Wase, S., and M. E. Lull. 2021. “Introduction to Leadership Development Using the “Five Practices” Framework in a Co-Curricular Pharmacy Student-Development Program.” Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning 13, no. 5: 566–572.
- Welch, T. 2022. Leadership Role Reflection Paper [Unpublished manuscript]. Medallion Leadership Program, University of Rochester.
- Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. 2023. “ CAS Learning and Development Outcomes.” In CAS Professional Standards for Higher Education (Version 11), edited by J. B. Wells and L. K. Crain. Retrieved from https://www.cas.edu/uploads/1/4/4/7/144701671/cas_ldd_chart.pdf.
- Wong, M. C. S., T. C. M. Lau, and A. Lee. 2012. “The Impact of Leadership Programmes on Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in School: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” PLoS ONE 7: e52023.
