Be an Example. Be a Leader.

There are countless individuals who provide leadership by example. A few examples of these leaders within the sport industry are highlighted below. These leaders are inspirations who are living their definition of a good life.

Lead by Example, Live Right: Pat Summitt

At the 2012 ESPYs Pat Summitt was recognized as the Arthur Ashe Award recipient. ESPN created a tribute video to look back at the career and life of the legendary coach. Through her leadership by example, she has become one of the most inspirational and impactful coaches to influence the game and college athletics. 

"If I'm not leading by example, I'm not living right. And I want to live right." ~Pat Summitt

In the NCAA's press release in December 2011 announcing Summitt's recognition as the Gerald R. Ford Award recipient, they included the below quote which exemplifies her 

philosophy and commitment to developing successful student-athletes and young women.

"First and foremost, I have a responsibility to make sure our players know they are students first and athletes second. They are here to earn a degree and prepare for life after basketball. I love teaching both the game and the life skills accompanying it. I have always said that the gym is my classroom." ~ Pat Summitt

Among all her countless accolades, there is one statistic that stands out most. In 38 years of coaching, Summitt has graduated EVERY one of the student-athletes that has completed their eligibility as a member of her program. 

"I will rise from this chair...": Eric LeGrand
One tackle changed Eric LeGrand's life forever. In 2010 he entered the field in his Rutgers uniform alongside his teammates in their game against Army. He left the field in an ambulance. One kick-off changed his life forever. One tackle changed his life forever. Through the adversity and devastating reality that he faced paralysis due to a spinal cord injury, he has been a leader. 

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." ~Jimmy Valvano

LeGrand, the 2012 Jimmy V Perseverance Award winner, has exemplified Jimmy V's message. He has never given up. He has continued to provide leadership and support to his teammates, friends and supporters. He has persevered with a positive attitude. He has demonstrated impeccable character. He has made serving and positively impacting others a priority. He has continued to follow his dreams, set goals and strive to achieve success. Through it all he also hasn't lost sight of life off of the football field at Rutgers. Although he has not earned a degree yet, he continues his academic pursuits and has an end goal and graduation date in sight. 

Leadership by example provided LeGrand an opportunity to achieve his dream that would have otherwise been taken away after his final tackle. His leadership led to LeGrand signing an honorary contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this spring.


Walk the Walk: Greg Schiano
As the Buccaneers coach, Greg Schiano's recent decision to sign LeGrand to an honorary contract demonstrated to the team, fans and nation that he's not all talk. He will not only 'talk the talk,' he will 'walk the walk.' Schiano is changing a culture and committed to leadership. He is defining the "Buccaneer Way" with expectations of his team  to exemplify and value character, accountability and family. Signing LeGrand who leads the "Buccaneer Way" demonstrated Schiano's leadership. He lead by example. He walked the walk. 

"The way he lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men." ~Greg Schiano

Resources & Links to More Information About These Leaders
1. To view the ESPYs tribute video visit: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8158231.
2. To view the complete release for the Gerald R. Ford Award visit: http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest+news/2011/december/ncaa+to+honor+pat+summitt.
3. To view the complete release for the Jimmy V Perseverance Award and LeGrand's acceptance speech visit: http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/7/11/3154042/eric-legrand-espys-speech-video.
4. To view ESPN video on LeGrand's injury and recovery visit: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8158220. 
4. To view complete release on Schiano signing LeGrand visit: http://whatthebuc.net/2012/05/02/greg-schiano-signs-eric-legrand-a-leader-worth-following/.