Coaches Talk Leadership in Classroom

When the topic in Psychology of Exercise & Sport (FSEM 122) switched to leadership, the professor, Douglas N. Johnson, took a different approach to running the lesson.  

He invited two Colgate head coaches — Ganiyat Adeduntan and Ryan Baker, who helm women’s basketball and volleyball, respectively. 

As a long-time supporter of Colgate Athletics, Johnson, Colgate’s dean of academic and curricular affairs, sought Adeduntan and Baker because each coach tackled leadership in a different way while facing challenges in achieving success.

They also come from dramatically different corners on the coaching spectrum — one, a first-time coach tasked with overhauling a program, and the other a veteran coach who has seen it all.

Johnson, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, led a Q&A with each coach on a separate day. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions. 

Adeduntan focused on team culture. When she took over the program prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, establishing a positive winning culture was a major focus. 

“Culture has to be something that is shared,” Adeduntan said. “Culture is something that everyone must believe in.”

While the team grew through a 6-24 record in Adeduntan’s first year, the foundation for a new culture was developing. The following season, the team went 16-14 and made it to the conference quarterfinals. 

It was one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in program history.

Heading into Adeduntan’s third season, the Raiders were ranked No. 3 in a preseason poll. For a program that was long overlooked by opponents, Colgate Women’s Basketball was gaining respect. 

And now, the atmosphere in the locker room is a stark difference from a few seasons ago. 

Adeduntan explained the various factors behind the change. Along with gaining the trust and commitment of everyone in the locker room, the coaches emphasized a Dharmic concept known as “Mudita,” which is spreading across collegiate sports. 

The idea centers around feeling joy for the achievements of others. The concept has been adopted not only in Adeduntan’s locker room, but in Bakers, too. 

There are also other reasons for the culture change in women’s basketball. Student-athletes rose as leaders, while the program has carefully recruited players with positive characteristics.

“As we build this culture, it’s really important that we add high character people.”

Johnson applauded Adeduntan for the program’s dramatic turnaround. 

“I’m amazed at the speed in which that happened, and that’s not coincidental,” he said. 

Baker discussed leadership from the perspective of a veteran coach who has led teams in development and teams that were champions, which required adjustments in his ability to lead as he faced new challenges. 

Now in his 18th season, Baker has won three consecutive Patriot League championships — with the third title coming last Sunday. He was named the conference Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the regular season.

While the team finished atop the Patriot League once again, the season brought on new challenges from within and outside the program.

Heading into the 2023 season, the team had to adjust to playing without last season’s veterans, who graduated, leaving question marks about who would step up. The team, with a few new faces on the roster, had to discover its identity — while facing conference team after conference team that was eager to knock the Raiders from the top.

While Colgate dominated opponents in the past, the team had to grind through each win, making several dramatic comebacks. It was a major test for the student-athletes, who had to find ways to persevere, and it was a major test for Baker, who placed his trust in players who rose to the occasion.

“It was an absolute honor to speak on the topic of leadership to his FSEM class,” Baker said. “I was initially nervous as it was definitely out of my comfort zone. However, Professor Johnson and his students were engaged from start to finish.

“It was so nice being able to share my experiences and give this group some insight on how we operate, how we think about leadership, and the different stages of our program over the past 18 years.” 

Johnson lauded Baker for his strong leadership. 

“It was clear to me that Ryan has adjusted his leadership as his team needs have evolved over time — an impressive demonstration of Ryan's leadership abilities.”

Due to his administrative duties Johnson is not teaching as much as he would like. He noted that when he teaches the class again, he’ll be happy to invite Adeduntan and Baker, as well as collaborating with other Colgate coaches and athletics staff.

“Our coaches are teachers, and they are great at it,” Johnson said. “Working with Ryan and Ganiyat was a pleasure and yet another demonstration that at Colgate, collaboration with partners from across campus can result in wonderful learning and growth opportunities (for both our students and ourselves as faculty and staff).”