INDIVIDUAL COURSE

Lead the Team: Sports Leadership with IMG Academy

Explore teamwork and leadership through sports in this 3-week course for middle school students on UCLA’s campus.

Instructor:

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Course Description

This foundational course introduces students to core principles of leadership through the lens of sports and team dynamics. Discover how legendary teams work together and why some of your favorite athletes are considered such great leaders. Through real-world case studies of notable athletes and teams, students explore essential qualities of successful athletes and leaders, including integrity, communication, resilience, and emotional intelligence, and learn how positive leadership influences team culture and success. The course emphasizes practical skills like supporting teammates, handling challenging situations, and making ethical decisions both on and off the field. Students will develop their own leadership style while learning how great teams function and what makes sports organizations successful. Whether you're team captain, hoping to become one, or just want to be the best teammate possible, this course will help you develop the skills that make a real difference.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of core leadership values including integrity, responsibility, and sportsmanship in athletic settings
Apply effective communication techniques to improve team dynamics and support fellow athletes
Identify and develop personal leadership strengths while recognizing areas for growth as an athlete and teammate
Practice decision-making skills that positively impact team culture and performance
Analyze how successful teams function and the role each member plays in team success
Develop strategies for handling challenges, setbacks, and conflicts in athletic environments

Final Project

Students will create a "Champion's Playbook" – a personal guide that captures your vision of sports leadership and teamwork, reflecting your personal style and demonstrating what you've learned about being a great teammate and leader.

Information subject to change as instructors finalize course syllabi.

AT A GLANCE

Lead the Team: Sports Leadership with IMG Academy

GRADE LEVELGrades 6-8CAMPUSUCLAFIELD OF STUDYSports ManagementCOURSE TYPEINDIVIDUAL COURSEDATES6/27/2027 - 7/16/2027 (3 Weeks)COURSE TIMESMorning

Nonalee Davis

Nationally recognized communication and performance coach with deep experience across education, entertainment, and elite sport. Has worked with Cirque du Soleil, Feld Entertainment (Disney on Ice, Marvel Universe Live, Monster Jam), and IMG Academy, leading media and interview training for NFL Combine athletes, NBA pre-draft participants, and U.S. Olympians. Holds a Master's degree in Theatre and specializes in building confidence, presence, and authentic communication under pressure.

Former professional stuntwoman and certified PADI Divemaster who has worked as a shark diver and underwater videographer.

Course Syllabus

To view a sample syllabus, please contact your program specialist, or reach us at info@summerdiscovery.com or call +1 (516) 447-4907.

Admissions Criteria

An interest in sports and leadership is the key to success in this program! Additionally, your application criteria includes a completed Summer Discovery application.

Who Should Attend?

This course is for middle school students who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and are interested in sports, teamwork, or leadership. It is a good fit for students who want to understand how communication, resilience, integrity, and decision-making shape a team.

Students should be ready to discuss real-world examples, collaborate with classmates, and reflect on their own approach to leadership and teamwork.

Benefits of Attending this Course

In addition to a university-level course experience, students will leave this course with portfolio-building documentation in recognition of their summer achievements, including:

Course Completion Certificate demonstrating your successful completion of the Summer Discovery UCLA program
Letter of Recognition from Summer Discovery recognizing your academic achievement in completing this course

Why UCLA?

UCLA gives middle-school students an energetic place to learn, have fun, and experience campus life in Los Angeles. The setting brings together science, technology, creativity, entertainment, and culture, helping new subjects feel connected to a wider world of ideas.

The program combines hands-on academics with friendships, campus activities, clear routines, and support as students become comfortable in a large university environment. Students can try new challenges, share interests with peers, and build confidence through participation without needing to decide where those interests will lead. For families, UCLA offers a structured middle-school experience that balances substantive learning with fun, community, and age-appropriate independence. Students leave with new memories and a clearer sense of what they may want to explore next.

AT A GLANCE

Lead the Team: Sports Leadership with IMG Academy

GRADE LEVELGrades 6-8CAMPUSUCLAFIELD OF STUDYSports ManagementCOURSE TYPEINDIVIDUAL COURSEDATES6/27/2027 - 7/16/2027 (3 Weeks)COURSE TIMESMorning

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPUS

UCLA

Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion

After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.

*This is a preview, not what you will receive