From Camper to Coach: How Leadership Begins at AKASPORT
In the context of athletics, leadership and accountability are often highlighted as learned values. But these skills do not only begin to develop in the context of a concentrated, competitive atmosphere. Instead, children start building these skills through exposure to different people, sports, and mindsets.
Leadership and accountability are assets that can carry an individual far in life if utilized. An example of this is the AKASPORT camper to coach pipeline, recently followed by a new coach at Champions Hall in Eden Prairie this year. Accountability and being a leader work hand in hand, and these traits can be developed in many different ways, all of which happen at AKA’s camps in some way or another.
According to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, “‘An athlete can develop leadership skills on and off the field by first being a follower’” (5). Taking in both the mistakes and skills of older and/or more experienced players allows for athletes to both “absorb information and learn coachability” (5). This, however, does not only apply to sports. A leader is not the best player, but rather the individual who is respectful, determined, disciplined, kind, and more. For example, a camper who consistently follows camp rules, such as respecting others, the equipment, and the facilities, or abiding by the Golden Rule (treating others how you want to be treated), is more likely to develop into a leader. These campers not only set examples for others, but they also hold themselves accountable when they fail to reach the standards set. It is through this honesty that change and growth can be made, and the skills of a true leader can develop strongly.
Through consistent effort, leadership blooms. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association claims that “sometimes, leadership is as simple as helping a struggling teammate through a tough practice or keeping morale up during a slump” (12). The connection between coaches and campers are the campers who have taken it upon themselves to practice accountability and to step up beyond the average player. A camper who can take it upon themselves to engage thoughtfully with their peers has already begun their journey to becoming a leader.
Coach Hadley Martinson, a new coach this year at Champions Hall, was a camper for 3 ½ years before she began interacting with AKA as a job rather than a summer camp. In the summer of 2025, she was a coach-in-training, meaning she spent half the summer as a camper and half the summer working under other staff members to learn the ropes. By doing this, she became prepared for this summer (2026), where she now holds the title and power that comes with the coaching role.
I myself coached her for 1 ½ years, in which she demonstrated many aforementioned qualities of an accountable leader. She was always engaged, determined, and, perhaps most important of all, kind. She wanted others to participate with her, and she formed connections with campers of all age groups, despite being one of the oldest campers. Through both her experience as a camper and a coach at AKASPORT, she has learned life skills that will aid her not only in any further endeavors as a coach, but also will shape her experience in other life paths.
All in all, athletics is important because it not only shapes someone physically, but also shapes them as a person. AKASPORT and other forms of athletics offer individuals accountability, leadership skills, and the tools to guide and build upon wherever they may go. It is up to the athletes themselves to accept the offer.
Published by Coach McKenzie Welch, Champions Hall