The Institute for International Sport reported its Executive Director, Dan Doyle, administered a series of “coach and athlete” surveys for his forthcoming book, The Encyclopedia of Sport Parenting.  Mr. Doyle found a common theme among both present and former surveyed athletes emerged.

Many pointed to the profound impact of the sports experience in shaping their views and practices regarding teamwork, self discipline, fair play, diversity– and a term Doyle employs throughout the book – competitive self restraint. Many also pointed to former coaches and athletic administrators as key mentors in their lives.

Top 20 Most Influential Sports Educators in America

1. Acosta, Vivian PhD, Professor Emerita at the City University of New York’s Brooklyn College and co-author with Dr. Linda Carpenter on Title IX issues and statistics on women in sports.

2. Agassi, Andre, Former World No. 1 tennis player and founder of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

3. Alford, Diane, Executive Director of The Miracle League.

4. Bayh, The Honorable Birch, Former U.S. Senator from Indiana and author of Title IX of the Higher Education Act.

5. Beaney, Bill, Head Men’s Hockey Coach at Middlebury College.

6. Begay, Notah, The only Native American ever on the PGA Tour, and founder of the Notah Begay III Foundation.

7. Bettis, Jerome, Former NFL all-star, and Founder of the “Cyber Bus” program.

8. Bigelow, Bob, Former NBA player and youth sports author and speaker.

9. Bowen, William, Co-author of “The Game of Life: College Sports and Educational Values” with James Shulman.

10. Brand, Dr. Myles, President of the NCAA.

11. Burnett, Dr. Darrell, Clinical Psychologist specializing in Youth Sports Psychology.

12. Campbell, Myles, Athletic Director at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School in Tenafly, New Jersey.

13. Carpenter, Linda Jean PhD JD, Professor Emerita at the City College of New York’s Brooklyn College and co-author with Dr. Vivian Acosta on Title IX issues and statistics on women in sports.

14. Coakley, Jay PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, author and journal editor.

15. Conradt, Jody, Former Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Texas and the second woman inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

16. Costas, Bob, Emmy award winning sportscaster, commentator and sports historian.

17. Curry, Bill, Former NFL player, head college football coach and sportscaster, and Executive Director of Leadership at the Baylor School.

18. Deford, Frank, Author and commentator and a Senior Contributing Writer at Sports Illustrated.

19. DeFrantz, Anita, Former two-time Olympian and the first woman to be elected vice president of the International Olympic Committee. President of the LA84 Foundation.

20. Edwards, Dr. Harry, Activist, professor, sports consultant and author on issues of race in sports.

If you are interested in reading the other 80 on the list click the link below.  You can also go to www.makingkidscoachable.blogspot.com where you can read The 15 Most Influential Teams in America.