For many young people, sport is where competition begins — but it can also be where leadership takes root. This belief was the focus of the Sports Leadership for Community Impact Conference at Texas A&M University, presented by our Teaching, Research, Athletics and Community Engagement (TRACE) Lab for Global Citizenship.

Educators, coaches and community leaders gathered at the April event to explore how athletics can shape purpose, identity and impact beyond the field. The sold-out conference also welcomed attendees representing K-12 schools, higher education institutions, youth organizations and professional sports teams from across Texas and beyond.

Dr. Daniel Thomas III, co-founder of the TRACE Lab and founding director of the conference, said the event was designed to shine a light on the broader potential of sport.

A former college student-athlete, high school social studies teacher and varsity football coach, Thomas has focused his research on the intersection of athletics and education. His prior work in Maryland, which included leading a youth sport nonprofit that helped more than 50 students earn college scholarships, has shaped his vision for sport as a pathway for preparing civic-minded leaders.

“Sport has tremendous potential to serve as a platform for developing leadership, civic engagement and community impact when organizations work together intentionally,” Thomas said.

Sport as a Tool for Leadership Development

Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the importance of ensuring young people gain skills through athletics that go beyond competition.

Drs. Daniel Thomas III and Marcus Johnson co-founded and co-direct the TRACE Lab.

“Sport is a means by which holistic development can be achieved, but it has to be intentional,” said Dr. Joseph Cooper, Motley endowed chair of sport leadership and administration at UMass Boston.

“You’re not just developing skills within the sport, but skills that are transferable beyond sport — leadership, discipline and working with people from different backgrounds.”

The conference also explored how collaboration among school districts, universities and community organizations can strengthen leadership pipelines. This effort reflected the TRACE Lab’s mission of connecting research with practice and fostering partnerships across sectors.

From Athletics to Community Impact

Speakers also highlighted the role of sport in shaping identity, purpose and long-term success after an athlete’s time on the field.

For Dr. Tim Harkrider, superintendent of College Station ISD, that connection is both professional and personal. He competed in Division I baseball and the pros before an injury ended his playing career and led him into education.

“The connection between sports, academics and community is something we have to continue to push,” Harkrider said.

Educators, coaches and community leaders were among the speakers at the conference. (Photo credit: Igor Kraguljac)

“The future of the next generation is very bright, but we have to take advantage of that connection and the power it has.”

The value of mentorship and confidence was also discussed at the conference. Chip Baker, a teacher and coach in Hearne ISD and student researching teacher-coaches in our Urban Education Ph.D. program, encouraged participants to recognize their value and invest in others.

“Know that you are enough,” Baker said. “When you understand that, it excites you and motivates you to give that to others.”

Looking Ahead

Thomas said initiatives like the Sports Leadership for Community Impact Conference position Texas A&M as a convener of conversations that address real-world challenges while preparing future leaders.

“As the conference continues to grow, it has the potential to become the premier gathering in Texas and beyond for those interested in leveraging sport as a catalyst for leadership, civic engagement and positive community outcomes,” he added.

That work will continue in July through the TRACE Next Generation Scholars Academy, which introduces middle school students to college life, research and civic leadership.

Together, these efforts reflect the TRACE Lab’s vision to strengthen communities by investing in young people and preparing them to lead — on and off the field.

Watch highlights from the conference.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.