Leadership Through Sport

Lead With Heart.

Empowering youth and those who lead youth and community sport.

Lead with Heart

Teach Across Sport

Empower Local Action

From the Blog

How This Came to Be

If You Give a Girl a Ball - Leadership Through Sport
Latest
October 19, 2024

 If You Give a Girl a Ball

A story about community, legacy, and the transformative power of youth sport in Upper Arlington.

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Leadership Through Sport - Personal story
October 14, 2024

It's Always Been About People

Leadership isn't about systems or strategies. It's about people. Personal reflections on what truly matters in youth sport.

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Leadership Through Sport
From the Founder
October 12, 2024

The Handbook I Wish I Had

"After almost 10 years of experience in youth sports, and almost 25 years in higher education - it was time to write one."

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Our Philosophy

Leadership is more than strategy — it's connection, courage, and care.

Lead with Heart

Lead people, not just programs. True leadership begins with empathy, connection, and the courage to care deeply about those you serve.

Build Belonging

Leadership starts with inclusion. Create spaces where every person feels seen, valued, and capable — where everyone knows they belong.

Elevate Others

The real measure of leadership is who grows because of you. Lift others up, celebrate their success, and watch your impact multiply.

Meet Sarah Lathrop

Educator, sport leader, and founder of Leadership Through Sport

Sarah Lathrop - Leadership Through Sport Founder

Building Leaders Through Experience

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.

Leadership Through Sport moments
Leadership Through Sport in action
Leadership Through Sport programs
Leadership Through Sport teaching moments
Leadership Through Sport collaboration
Leadership Through Sport engagement
Leadership Through Sport community moments
Leadership Through Sport community engagement

Programs & Services

Professional development, consulting, and certification programs that strengthen the people who make youth sport possible.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Youth Sport Leadership Certificate

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.

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SPEAKING

Speaking & Workshops

Keynotes and coach-development workshops rooted in empathy, clarity, and connection — tailored for schools, athletic organizations, and community programs.

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CONSULTING

Consulting & Collaboration

Partner with schools and community organizations to design leadership initiatives, training programs, and strengthen organizational culture.

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If You Give a Girl a Ball...

If 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.

Leadership Through Sport team unity
Lead With Heart
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Ready to Strengthen Your Leadership?

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.

  • Earn Recognized Credentials

    Digital badges through Credly you can share on LinkedIn

  • Real-World Experience

    Practical tools and strategies rooted in decades of leadership

  • Customized Support

    Tailored consulting and workshops for your specific needs