In March 2024, NYU Women’s Basketball etched their names in collegiate sports history by securing the NCAA Division III National Championship for the second time ever in the program’s history, with the first being in 1997. Led by Head Coach, Meg Barber, this achievement wasn’t just about winning a title; it symbolized the culmination of relentless dedication, cohesive teamwork, and exceptional leadership over the season, with a 31-0 result, and the years that have led up to it.
Since taking over the program in 2018, Meg’s Program has produced a 119-21 record and qualified for postseason play each year; but the stats are just one marker of their commitment to continuously improving and excelling as a team.
Sharing what the accomplishment means to her and the team in our recent webinar, Meg detailed, “It’s truly an honor to lead these incredible athletes to a National Championship. For me, leadership is about authenticity—being true to myself and building genuine relationships with my players. This approach has been fundamental in guiding us towards our goals, both individually and collectively.”
Authenticity is central to Meg’s coaching philosophy, which she elaborated,
“To me, [authenticity] means staying true to who I am. I’m not the type of coach who yells or demands. Instead, I focus on building trust and clarity in our goals. This consistency in approach allows me to connect with my team on a deeper level and foster a positive team culture.”
Meg’s commitment to leading authentically, while enhancing and understanding the team dynamics extends to utilizing Athlete Assessments’ DISC Profiles and working with Founder & Lead Performance Consultant, Bo Hanson, to get the most out of the application. Meg and her coaching staff each completed their own CoachDISC Profile to gain an understanding of their unique coaching styles, the leadership role they play individually, and how they can best work together as a staff. Building relationships is a crucial part of Meg’s authentic coaching style and the effectiveness of her team culture. She explained that surrounding herself with a diverse coaching staff and encouraging their different perspectives is critical. The CoachDISC Profiles provide a tangible insight into their differences. Meg added “For instance, my lead assistant and I contrast each other, which brings balance. Understanding these dynamics helps us cater to individual needs and strengthens our team cohesion.”
Meg also has each student-athlete complete their AthleteDISC Profile which offer insights into each player’s behavioral tendencies to better understand what they bring to the team. Also, it supports the coaches in tailoring their coaching strategies to individual and team needs effectively. Meg shared, “We integrated Athlete Assessments’ DISC Profiles into our training regimen. Understanding each player’s DISC Profile has been instrumental in optimizing our communication and team cohesion. It allows us to leverage each player’s strengths and preferences, fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment.”
Additionally, through their work with Bo, the team have been able to apply DISC to developing leadership skills and understanding their team’s dynamic year on year. Developing an awareness of their unique styles empowered the student-athlete leadership group to excel in their roles by equipping them with the tools to navigate challenges and inspire their teammates towards achieving collective goals.
Meg highlighted that the backbone of NYU Women’s Basketball’s success lies in its dedicated student-athlete leaders. These individuals, carefully chosen for their commitment and character, embody the team’s ethos both on and off the court. They play a crucial role in maintaining team unity, setting high standards, dealing with challenges, and ensuring that everyone strives towards excellence.
Meg added,
“Our athlete leaders are the heart of our team. They not only excel in their individual roles but also understand the importance of collective success. They lead by example, demonstrating resilience, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Their dedication to the team’s values and their ability to motivate and unify their teammates have been pivotal in our journey to the national championship.”
She continued, “We emphasize consistency and honesty. Our leadership group plays a crucial role in maintaining team morale and addressing issues before they escalate. It’s about empowering them to lead both on and off the court, ensuring our collective focus stays sharp.”
Meg’s leadership isn’t just about the on-court basketball strategy; it’s a holistic approach that prioritizes communication, trust, and mutual respect. Her emphasis on authenticity and the use of innovative tools like Athlete Assessments’ DISC Profiles have supported the NYU Women’s Basketball Program’s development into a strong, cohesive, and successful team.
As NYU Women’s Basketball prepares for future seasons, Meg remains dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, with leadership from within that continues to elevate the program’s standards on and off the court. The road to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship trophy is a testament to the values, unwavering spirit, and unity fostered within the program and what can be achieved through authenticity, teamwork, and effective leadership.
Where to from here?
Athlete Assessments is proud to work with many exceptional teams and coaches through our Elite Team Program, supporting them in developing self-awareness in their coaches and athletes, to better understand each other and create alignment on team goals and culture. If you would like to discuss how we can support your team in getting the best out of your people to drive your winning culture, contact us to learn more.
Recommended Articles
On May 4, 2024, the Saint Mary’s College of California Gaels Rugby team, dubbed as a team fueled by “juice, joy, and accuracy;” launched onto the field in Houston to face off with the Naval Academy ‘Navy', for the NCAA Division 1A Rugby National Championships.
Athlete Assessments' Client Manager, Temika Smith reflects on her first experience at the Women Coaches Academy, hosted by the NCAA and WeCOACH.
LOVE THIS ARTICLE?
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE, PRINTABLE PDF COPY BY FILLING OUT THE FORM BELOW!
