COLUMN: What is true leadership in sports?

By now, you’ve either seen the Napheesa Collier clip circulating on social media or you’ve read the transcript of her opening statement in Monday’s press conference.

If you don’t know who Napheesa Collier is, allow me to provide some context.

Collier is a current WNBA player, a part of the Minnesota Lynx franchise, a product of Hall of Famer Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies, and more recently, a co-founder of the Unrivaled League in women’s hoops.

In essence, if you didn’t know her before, you probably do now after her powerful statement concerning the WNBA’s many struggles, most of which, at least in the eyes of Collier, stem from poor leadership.

Collier’s statement implied that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s priorities are not aligned with the overall well-being of both players and franchises within what has arguably been a growing league in the last two years.

It was alleged that Engelbert made statements behind closed doors such as, “Caitlin [Clark] should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,” and “players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”

Certainly odd statements to make and interesting words being thrown around by a supposed leader of women, in a position of power that should be working to positively impact the league rather than hinder it.

This stream of consciousness, though, isn’t about Engelbert’s lack of leadership, the shots fired at Caitlin Clark, or the discrepancies that exist within the WNBA.

This is about Collier’s willingness to stand up for herself, for those around her, and for the love of the game.

Her actions ultimately beg the question, what does a true leader look like within the world of sports? More importantly, how is quality leadership sustained at any level in a world where everything has become about money and power?

There are certainly critics of the WNBA and of Collier’s decision to make her statement that would argue that she did nothing but bring more negativity to a league that is already struggling in many ways to stay afloat.

Others would say, too, that because of her attachment to Unrivaled, the statement was more about bringing awareness to the league she co-founded rather than to a league that holds the majority of professional women’s basketball players.

Collier’s actions, though, should be a clear demonstration of what a leader looks like at any level. Whether you are a coach, player, athletic administrator, or even support staff on the sidelines, leadership is about taking a stand and advocating for those around you.

It’s about making the right choices that will benefit everyone involved, not just for personal gain.

In sports, especially with the rapidly evolving world of NIL now both at the high school and collegiate levels, it’s easy to get wrapped up in being consumed with how much money can be made on an endorsement deal, or how much autonomy you have over your career.

It’s also very easy to slip under the cracks and ride the wave with the masses rather than stand alone and stand up for what’s right.

A good leader also knows when it becomes the right time to take action, versus choosing to speak on situations in times of distress.

For Collier, that moment seemed like the right time following the conclusion of the Lynx’s season and right before the impending WNBA Finals.

What better time to bring attention to longstanding issues occurring behind closed doors than during one of the most pivotal points of the season?

Leadership, though, in the sports world ultimately comes down to being able to recognize when others around you are contributing to your success rather than solely crediting yourself for your achievements.

In Collier’s case, that recognition starts with acknowledging Caitlin Clark’s stardom, the emergence of Paige Bueckers, and the pending growth of Angel Reese.

It’s important to recognize that most sports are a team sport. They require collaboration, communication, and willingness to do what it takes to achieve a common goal.

A good leader knows this, and doesn’t just recognize it. They embrace it. Whether that’s a coach working closely with their staff or players working together on the field or court, there’s seemingly no room for a solid leader to be selfish.

Selflessness is key in the sports world. It’s also a key to success in other areas of life.

If you’re looking for an example of what it takes to put things in motion, look no further than Collier. Look no further than a player who embodies what it means to not just lead others, but embodies leading an organization.

Ultimately, good leaders within sports are hard to find. At this point, they’re diamonds in the rough that require intense digging.

While you may disagree with her approach or the words spoken within the statement, you can’t deny that Collier’s resiliency and class are what all young athletes need to examine to become leaders on and off the field and court.

It’s time we start paying attention to those who are willing to use their voice for good rather than for working an angle to achieve money and power.

And it’s time for athletes to become leaders rather than followers out of fear or loss of personal assets.

Money and power, as it would turn out, are not everything.

Standing up for yourself, others, and what’s right, will take you much farther.