Why Young Athletes Must Understand the Power of Influence and How Leadership by Example Shapes Teams, Culture, and Careers

They Want to Be Like You—Even If You Don’t Know It

Brannon Snead doesn’t just talk about leadership—he’s lived it.

As a collegiate athlete and law enforcement leader managing high-stakes operations and multi-million dollar budgets, his biggest realization didn’t come in a win or a loss.
It came in a memory: the two older athletes he watched as a kid and wanted to be like.

That’s the lesson most young players miss.
Someone is watching you right now.

What habits are you teaching them—without even speaking?

What moments are shaping their mindset just by observing yours?

What’s one thing you’ve learned from watching a teammate—or coach—handle pressure?
Drop it in the comments on the full video and help a younger athlete grow.

Influence Is Bigger Than Stats

We celebrate stats. We post highlights.
But leadership is quiet. It’s the way you warm up. The way you respond to a bad call. The way you shake hands after a game.

And when you don’t think it matters?

That’s exactly when someone’s learning how to be an athlete—from watching you.

You don’t have to be the best player on the field to lead.
You just have to be consistent enough to earn trust without demanding it.

You’re in the Arena—Act Like It

Brannon puts it simply: “You live in a glass house.”

When you compete at a high level—on the field or in life—there are no private moments.
Someone’s always evaluating. Someone’s always imitating. Someone’s always deciding whether to follow your example or avoid it.

That pressure doesn’t have to crush you.
It should clarify your purpose.

Coaches: Stop Waiting for the “Natural Leader”

Leadership isn’t always loud—and it’s not always obvious. But it’s always teachable.

Coaches, here’s how to build quiet leaders:

✔ Celebrate consistent habits, not just performances
✔ Point out when players model positive behavior—without being asked
✔ Explain the concept of peer mentorship through action
✔ Build a standard where “someone’s always watching” is a motivator, not a warning

How Sore to Soaring Trains Leaders Who Don’t Need a Mic

At Sore to Soaring, we teach athletes to take ownership of their influence.

That starts by reframing leadership as something that happens in body language, effort, and resilience—not just speeches.

✔ Leaders in our program understand their habits shape others
✔ They know their energy impacts the team dynamic
✔ And they accept that being watched is a privilege, not a burden

🌍 Learn more about how we build leaders who lead by example—not hype:
👉 https://www.soretosoaring.org

Disclaimer:

The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.

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