Sports and Communication: Research Findings
Benjamin Preble, Lashun Bonner
Department of Communication Studies, Ball State university
Dr. Meyer
April 10, 2024
, After conducting an interview with a member of the track team as well as a coach for the
team I uncovered some general information based on communication and how the coach’s
communication affects the athletes performance.
RQ2: How does communication affect an athlete’s performance in their sport?
In my interviews with Coach Adrian Wheatley and Allison Valliday, both of them stated that
communication plays an integral role in how the team performs and the success of the team as
well. Both participants stated that if there is negative communication and negative self-talk then
there will most likely be a bad performance on the track.
Coaching Expectations
During my interview I quickly understood that the team has certain expectations for their coach
and that these expectations need to be carried out in order for everyone on the team to be
successful. Allison Valliday stated “We expect our coach to talk to us with respect and give us
the necessary confidence to succeed” When I heard this I was astounded because I never heard
an athlete speak about their expectations for their coach. Most athletes only speak about the
expectations and aspirations that they have for themselves. This information was a game changer
for me and I quickly dialed into the conversation. When Allison Valliday spoke about the
coaching expectations I began to see her eyes light up and her voice became more intense. The
passion in her voice was crystal clear. I could tell she meant every word she was saying because
she spoke aggressively. Coach Adrian Wheatley stated that he listens to his players' expectations
of him and uses that to fuel his coaching style. He stated “I want my players to know that I care
about them on and off the track.” His commitment to his players was evident. His statement
Benjamin Preble, Lashun Bonner
Department of Communication Studies, Ball State university
Dr. Meyer
April 10, 2024
, After conducting an interview with a member of the track team as well as a coach for the
team I uncovered some general information based on communication and how the coach’s
communication affects the athletes performance.
RQ2: How does communication affect an athlete’s performance in their sport?
In my interviews with Coach Adrian Wheatley and Allison Valliday, both of them stated that
communication plays an integral role in how the team performs and the success of the team as
well. Both participants stated that if there is negative communication and negative self-talk then
there will most likely be a bad performance on the track.
Coaching Expectations
During my interview I quickly understood that the team has certain expectations for their coach
and that these expectations need to be carried out in order for everyone on the team to be
successful. Allison Valliday stated “We expect our coach to talk to us with respect and give us
the necessary confidence to succeed” When I heard this I was astounded because I never heard
an athlete speak about their expectations for their coach. Most athletes only speak about the
expectations and aspirations that they have for themselves. This information was a game changer
for me and I quickly dialed into the conversation. When Allison Valliday spoke about the
coaching expectations I began to see her eyes light up and her voice became more intense. The
passion in her voice was crystal clear. I could tell she meant every word she was saying because
she spoke aggressively. Coach Adrian Wheatley stated that he listens to his players' expectations
of him and uses that to fuel his coaching style. He stated “I want my players to know that I care
about them on and off the track.” His commitment to his players was evident. His statement
