The Corner, Featuring Damir Miller

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The Corner, Featuring Damir Miller

Player Name: Damir Miller

Year in School: 8th Grade

Sport: Basketball

Name of School: China Grove Middle School

Brief bio/summary from coach about player:

Damir had never played basketball leading into try-outs for 7th grade two years ago. He steadily worked on his skill level while learning the game coming off the bench his first year. This past season (his second) Damir was a starter and leading rebounder who developed into the player the other teams worried about the most. With each game experience, Damir’s confidence in himself grew which allowed him to develop into an influential leader on our team. He frequently beat the coach at practice and always encouraged his teammates when the situation looked too difficult. It has been a blessing to be a small part of Damir’s basketball experience and will always be proud of his growth as a basketball player and leader.

Let’s Hear From Damir

What has helped you develop the leadership mindset you have today?

My teammate, Colin. He was my inspiration, I really liked how he played and I loved the time we spent on the court together. My entire team and coaching staff has really helped my leadership grow.

How do you think improving as a leader has helped you become a better athlete/player? 

Most likely being on the court with my teammates and in some of our classes. Lead ‘Em Up has helped a lot.

How do you think improving as a leader has helped your team?  

Probably getting through tough times, on the court and off.

Was there a moment where you recall “turning the corner” and realizing you had to take the next step as a leader? 

I feel a moment happened during our tournament this season. We put up a pretty good game against North (a very good opponent) and I felt like I was able to help my team with my leadership in that game.

How do other’s view Damir’s leadership growth?

Parent or teammate statements about player’s leadership growth:

Damir became a great leader in practice. He was always positive and brought energy to the team for every practice and game. He is a great teammate and is always keeping each of our heads up. – Aaron Jones Teammate

Coach statement on player’s leadership growth: 

Damir was quiet and still unsure of himself and his place in the team structure at the beginning of the season. Through his high energy engagement in Lead ‘Em Up sessions and his enthusiasm and encouragement of teammates, his teammates began to listen then followed his voice. He held himself accountable which helped him to hold his teammates accountable through grace and truth. –Coach Adrian Mills

How has Lead ‘Em Up has impacted your program?

Lead ‘Em Up has taught our players how to maintain a high level of accountability through being a green team. We developed a mindset of growth even during high adversity, and to always be ready so we didn’t have to get ready. -Coach Adrian Mills


Do you have a player worthy of being spotlighted?


Are you new to Lead ‘Em Up?  We provide teams leadership drills and exercises they can use to turn their players into the leaders needed to win.

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Have fun and #LeadEmUp

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2025 Green 13 Recipients

The Green 13 Award celebrates student-athletes who lead with heart, uplift others, and consistently live out what it means to be a great leader.

Podcasts

Real Leadership Talk for Today’s Athletes

The Green Room Ep. 4: Unleashing The Secret to Leadership – Why It Starts with Being Leadable

Watch the full video here: leademup.com/greenroom

What if the key to unlocking leadership potential in your team isn’t just about developing others, but about being the kind of person who is a joy to lead? In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked truth: leadership flows best through people who are enjoyable to lead. You’ll learn the four traits of these individuals and how cultivating them can create a culture where leadership multiplies.

We’ll also explore a simple yet powerful question: Where are you today? Challenging, easy, or enjoyable to lead? Your answer could change everything about how you lead, and how others rise around you

Real Leadership Talk for Today’s Athletes

Green Room Ep. 3: Know Me to Lead Me – The Power of Connection on Championship Teams

Watch the full video here: leademup.com/greenroom

You can’t challenge someone to be great if you haven’t earned their trust. In this episode, we unpack one of the most overlooked truths in sports leadership: before you can lead me, you need to know me.

Championship teams aren’t just talented, they’re connected. They build relationships deep enough to allow for honest feedback, accountability, and real growth. So why do most teams skip straight to “calling each other out” without laying the foundation? In this episode, we will explore the truth that you can’t challenge someone to be their best until you’ve earned their trust, and that trust only comes through genuine connection. This episode breaks down why peer leadership often fails in sports teams and how coaches and players can build the kind of culture where teammates lead each other effectively.

Download the Green Room Player Reflection Template, a simple PDF that coaches can use to have their players reflect on the episode. It’s perfect for sparking discussion and capturing key takeaways.

Download here: https://leademup.com/the-green-room-player-reflection-worksheet/

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Get access to part 1 of the Green Team Framework FREE!