Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Recreation and Sport Management

Major Professor

James H. Bemiller

Committee Members

Rebecca A. Zakrajsek, Sylvia T. Trendafilova

Abstract

Pat Summitt is known as one of the most successful and influential coaches of all time. This success has been attributed to her leadership. This study explores the leadership styles that contributed to Summitt's success as a Division I Head Basketball Coach at the University of Tennessee.

Despite her profound impact on women's basketball, research on Coach Summitt is limited. This study aims to fill that gap by examining her leadership through the lenses of transformational and servant leadership. The review of the literature on transformational and servant leadership, highlighting their core principles and application to coaching. Transformational leadership, as defined by James MacGregor Burns and later refined by Bernard Bass, focuses on inspiring followers to achieve organizational goals through idealized influence, individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, and inspirational motivation. Servant leadership, coined by Robert Greenleaf, emphasizes putting others' needs first to foster personal growth and societal contribution.

This study uses a qualitative method. Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants, including former players, coaching staff, and athletic support staff, the research identifies key themes that illustrate Summitt's leadership qualities. Through the process of thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) three main themes were recovered: Visionary, Authentic, and Mentor, with sub-themes of Accountability and Ambition. These themes demonstrate how Summitt embodied both transformational and servant leadership.

The study concludes that Summitt's success was not solely due to her coaching strategies but also her ability to combine transformational and servant leadership effectively. Her leadership style, characterized by her effectiveness as a visionary, her authenticity, and mentorship, offers valuable insights for current and future coaches. The research suggests that understanding and implementing these leadership qualities can lead to success in various fields outside of sport.

In summary, Coach Summitt's leadership was a blend of transformational and servant qualities that made her an exceptional coach and leader. Her ability to inspire, mentor, and genuinely care for her players and staff created a lasting legacy in women's basketball and beyond. This study provides a comprehensive look at the leadership traits that contributed to her success, offering a valuable resource for those looking to emulate her approach.

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