The Power of Data-Driven Leadership: Carol Ross' Impact on Coach Mitchell
This month, we're honoring the women who’ve had a profound impact on my life. I’m excited to shine a spotlight this week on Carol Ross. In every leader’s journey, there are key moments and mentors that shape their path, and Carol is certainly one of the most impactful figures in my career.
Carol gave me my first full-time coaching job in the SEC as an assistant coach at the University of Florida, and that opportunity changed everything for me. She gave me the chance to prove myself, and in doing so, she set me on a trajectory toward success. Carol is a legendary coach with a track record of excellence, and her belief in me wasn’t just about offering an opportunity—it was about teaching me lessons that still shape my leadership approach today.
One of the most significant lessons I learned from Carol was the power of data in analyzing performance. She showed me that, in coaching—and in leadership—numbers don’t lie. At Florida, I saw firsthand how Carol used data to guide decisions, track team progress, and identify areas for improvement. It wasn’t about statistics for the sake of numbers, but about making informed decisions that drove performance and helped athletes reach their full potential.
Through Carol’s mentorship, I understood how to measure success, pinpoint weaknesses, and make real-time adjustments. This data-driven approach became one of the cornerstones of my own leadership style. I now incorporate these same principles into my coaching and leadership training, helping others see the importance of tracking progress and making decisions based on real data, not just gut feelings.
Carol’s influence didn’t just shape my career as a coach—it laid the foundation for my leadership philosophy, which centers on accountability, transparency, and measurable results. She taught me that success isn’t about guesswork—it’s about preparation, knowing what metrics matter, and using those insights to continuously improve.
This March, I’m proud to celebrate Carol Ross for her unwavering dedication to coaching, her belief in my potential, and the invaluable lessons she imparted. Her mentorship has had a lasting impact on me, and I’m grateful for her guidance that continues to influence how I lead and coach today.
Stay tuned as I continue to share insights from the incredible mentors who have shaped my leadership journey.
