Eugene Chrinian reports how an NCAA head coach has distinguished himself in the 2013-2014 season as a true leader.

1. MVP Leading Player
The term leader is typically applied to business
applications, often indicating the position of chief
executive officer in a successful company. However,
all leaders must start somewhere. In the case of
Jennifer O’Neill, that start comes in the form of the
leading player on the University of Kentucky’s
basketball team, according to an article recently
completed for the Kentucky Kernel. O’Neill was a
crucial component of the team for the 2013­2014
season. She led the team in scoring with 12.6 points
per game and 3­point
field goals. She was the team’s
offensive game plan, leading UK to a 19­4
record on
the season. O’Neill even managed a double­figure
scoring game. All of these achievements combined
earned her the title of most valuable player for the season.
What’s even more impressive is when her size is considered. Standing at five feet six inches,
O’Neill is actually considered short for her sport of choice. However, despite her lack of
height, O’Neill has a commanding presence, fulfilling the requirements of a leader for a sports
team. In sports, a leader is often a player who is dedicated to working towards the team’s
ultimate goal. The team’s leader is a figure that other players look up to for guidance outside
of their coaches. A leader is usually assumed to be a dominating player that controls not only
the locker room, but also the opponents on the field or court. O’Neill does just that, serving as
support for her teammates when they need it. In addition, she has often been spotted arguing
with Matthew Mitchell, head coach for the team; in the process, she followed her heart and
said what she felt needed to be said. As a result, she not only earned the respect of her
teammates, but her coach as well.
O’Neill will continue to be a valued member of the team for the 2014­2015
season. She
serves as one of four seniors playing on the team; however, it is suspect that she and Bria
Goss will be the two seniors seeing the most playtime in the season. It is the hope that
O’Neill will contribute just as she did last season, leading the team to their sixth consecutive
NCAA Tournament appearance.