developmental growth of the course of the football season; (b) does developmental growth vary by year in school; (c) does developmental growth vary by position on the team; (d) what coach leadership behaviors perceived by student athletes impact this developmental growth most; (e) what coach leadership behaviors perceived by the athletes that match athlete preferences for
leadership most impact this developmental growth. Student athletes that participated in this study perceived developmental growth over the course of the football season. This developmental growth was more pronounced in athletes in the first two years of college versus athletes in their third year or higher. Growth did not vary by position on the team. Student athletes perception of development was most closely associated with coach leadership behaviors that provided structure and social support. Matching student athlete preferences for leadership with actual coach leadership behaviors was a significant predictor of student athlete development in the areas of training and instruction and social
support. The findings of this study suggest an integrated leadership approach by athletic coaches that utilize both task and relationship oriented behaviors provide an environment that best encourages student athlete developmental growth.