Lessons in People-Centered Leadership from Coach Spence
What defines a good coach? Is it the number of games won? The brilliance of their playbook? Their ability to sharpen raw talent into elite performance? While these qualities matter, I believe the true mark of a great coach goes far deeper. A great coach sees people. Not just their athletic potential, but their humanity their needs, their emotions, their presence.
Recently, I witnessed this truth come to life during a high school basketball game between the Rock Springs Tigers and Evanston. In a moment that may have gone unnoticed by most, I saw a powerful example of what people-centered leadership looks like in action.
The Quiet Power of Presence
As the Tigers huddled during a time out, Head Coach Spence emerged from the locker room and made his way toward the group. What struck me wasn’t his urgency or tactical direction, but the quiet power of his presence.
As he passed behind the players, he gently placed a hand on each one’s back or shoulder a silent but meaningful gesture of encouragement. No words. Just presence. Then came a moment that stopped me in my tracks. He passed by one of the team’s managers, a young man working diligently behind the scenes, and noticed his tie was slightly off. Without hesitation, Coach Spence adjusted it carefully, then stood beside him as they both listened to the final instructions given to the team.
That single gesture said everything.
Leadership Beyond the Court
This simple act of kindness wasn’t just about tidying a tie. It was a statement: I see you. You matter.
Coach Spence wasn’t just coaching athletes he was affirming identities, reinforcing dignity, and nurturing connection. In that moment, he demonstrated that every person on the team, from the leading scorer to the team manager, holds intrinsic value.
Great leadership is not about commanding attention; it’s about giving it freely, especially to those who may feel unseen.
A Coach Who Leads with Heart
After I shared this moment on Facebook, Coach Spence responded with characteristic humility:
“This post might be about me, but it’s really about the kids. Those guys have day by day listened to my messages that love conquers, kindness wins, and being there for your teammates makes the difference.”
That response alone reveals the ethos he leads with it’s not about me, it’s about them. He recognizes that while plays and drills win games, it’s love, kindness, and unity that build champions not just in sports, but in life.
Coach Spence’s words echo a profound truth: a team is more than a roster. It’s a family. And families thrive when love is the foundation.
The Essence of People-Centered Leadership
What I witnessed was a masterclass in people-centered leadership. It’s not flashy or loud. It doesn’t make highlight reels. But it changes lives.
Coach Spence teaches his players both through word and example that who you are off the court is just as important as who you are on it. He’s building men of character, integrity, and compassion. That’s what coaching at its best looks like.
And it challenges all of us, whether we lead in classrooms, boardrooms, families, or friend groups, to show up with presence, humility, and heart. To look people in the eye, see them fully, and remind them through small, intentional acts that they matter.
A good coach trains athletes.
A great coach transforms people.
To Coach Spence, thank you for reminding us that leadership is ultimately about love, that kindness truly wins, and that seeing others, really seeing them is the most powerful play any of us can make.
