Leadership Through Sport
Lead With Heart.
Empowering youth and those who lead youth and community sport.
Strengthening connection, confidence, and character — on and off the field.
Empowering youth and those who lead youth and community sport.
Strengthening connection, confidence, and character — on and off the field.
Leadership is more than strategy — it's connection, courage, and care.
Lead people, not just programs. True leadership begins with empathy, connection, and the courage to care deeply about those you serve.
Leadership starts with inclusion. Create spaces where every person feels seen, valued, and capable — where everyone knows they belong.
The real measure of leadership is who grows because of you. Lift others up, celebrate their success, and watch your impact multiply.
"After almost 10 years of experience in youth sports, and almost 25 years in higher education - it was time to write one."
A letter from Sarah Lathrop about the journey that led to creating the Youth Sport Leadership Certificate — and why every youth sport leader deserves the support, structure, and recognition for the work they do.
Read the Full StoryEducator, sport leader, and founder of Leadership Through Sport
Sarah Lathrop is an educator and sport leader who has dedicated decades to empowering youth and those who lead them. With deep roots in community sport and a passion for authentic leadership development, Sarah founded Leadership Through Sport on a simple belief: leadership is learned through experience.
Sport is one of the most powerful classrooms for teaching communication, empathy, teamwork, and resilience. Through speaking engagements, consulting, and professional development programs, Sarah helps individuals and organizations discover what it means to truly lead with heart.
Her work bridges education, athletics, and community impact — equipping coaches, volunteers, and leaders with the tools to build connection, confidence, and character in every person they serve.
Professional development, consulting, and certification programs that strengthen the people who make youth sport possible.
A practical foundation for those who make youth and community sport possible. Six modules blending leadership principles with real-world essentials of running a league.
Learn MoreKeynotes and coach-development workshops rooted in empathy, clarity, and connection — tailored for schools, athletic organizations, and community programs.
Request InformationPartner with schools and community organizations to design leadership initiatives, training programs, and strengthen organizational culture.
Book a ConsultationIf you give a girl a ball, she'll do more than learn to play.
She'll discover her voice — how to speak up, step forward, and stand tall. She'll learn that she can do hard things, that failure isn't final, and that her effort matters.
If you give a boy a ball, he'll learn that strength and sensitivity can coexist. That leadership isn't just about power — it's about patience, kindness, and lifting others up.
If you give kids a ball — any kid — they'll learn teamwork, empathy, and how to celebrate someone else's success as much as their own.
And when you give that same ball to a coach, a volunteer, or a caring adult, they'll discover the power of influence — how their words can shape confidence, and how consistency builds trust.
They'll realize that leadership isn't about the scoreboard; it's about creating a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable.
Because when we give someone a ball, we're not just teaching them how to play. We're teaching them how to lead, how to care, and how to believe in themselves and each other.
That's what Leadership Through Sport is all about.
Whether you're a coach seeking professional development, an organization looking to strengthen your team culture, or a leader wanting to make a deeper impact — Leadership Through Sport has a path for you.
Digital badges through Credly you can share on LinkedIn
Practical tools and strategies rooted in decades of leadership
Tailored consulting and workshops for your specific needs