Life & Leadership: Learning to Advocate for Yourself as an Athlete

As athletes get older, expectations change.

Coaches expect more responsibility.

Teachers expect independence.

Schedules get more complex.

One skill becomes especially important: learning how to speak up for yourself — respectfully.

This isn’t about arguing or complaining.

It’s about communication and ownership.

What Self-Advocacy Really Means

Self-advocacy means being able to:

• ask questions when you’re unsure

• communicate needs clearly

• take responsibility for your role

• follow through on what you say

Research shows that athletes who develop self-advocacy skills feel more confident navigating higher expectations and transitions (Zimmerman, 2000).

Why This Skill Grows With Age

As athletes move up levels, adults often step back.

That doesn’t mean athletes should already know how to handle everything.

It means they’re learning how.

Advocating for yourself is part of becoming more independent — in sport, school, and life.

What Advocacy Is — and Isn’t

Advocacy is:

• respectful communication

• asking for clarity

• taking initiative

Advocacy is not:

• blaming others

• demanding special treatment

• avoiding responsibility

Understanding this difference helps athletes speak up without damaging trust.

Simple Ways Athletes Practice Advocacy

Self-advocacy starts small.

Examples include:

• asking a coach for clarification after practice

• communicating availability or concerns early

• checking expectations for a role or assignment

• following up on feedback

These moments build confidence and responsibility over time.

Why Adults Respect This Skill

Athletes who advocate respectfully are often seen as:

• engaged

• accountable

• thoughtful

• mature

Research in educational psychology shows that self-advocacy supports motivation, learning, and confidence as responsibilities increase (Zimmerman, 2000).

Growth Takes Practice

Speaking up doesn’t always feel comfortable at first.

That’s normal.

Like any skill, it improves with:

• repetition

• reflection

• support

Learning to advocate for yourself helps athletes feel more in control — without needing to control everything.

Where This Fits

Self-advocacy is part of Life & Leadership, supporting responsibility, communication, and independence.

The Growth Code helps athletes notice how comfortable they are asking questions and taking ownership.

It provides a starting point for developing confidence in communication as expectations rise.

References

• Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Attaining self-regulation: A social cognitive perspective. Handbook of Self-Regulation, 13–39.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54–67.

A Quick Note: This post is designed to support learning and awareness. It is not intended to provide medical, psychological, nutritional, or coaching advice.