Abstract
Self-efficacy and leadership in sports are considered to be key factors in student-athlete engagement within Philippine public schools. This study determined the significant influence of self-efficacy and leadership in sports on sports engagement among student-athletes in public schools utilizing a quantitative method, specifically a descriptive-correlational design. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents in this study. Data utilized in this study were gathered through adapted and validated questionnaires. The mean, standard deviation, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were the statistical tools used in this study. The results revealed that self-efficacy was always demonstrated by the athletes with an overall mean of 4.13, which means High. In addition, leadership in sports was always observed among student-athletes with an overall mean of 4.05, which means High. Additionally, their sports engagement was always manifested by the athletes with an overall mean of 4.22, which means Very High. Further, there was a significant relationship of self-efficacy and leadership in sports towards sports engagement among student-athletes (p=.002). Additionally, though the combined influence of self-efficacy and leadership in sports among student-athletes on their sports engagement was significant, and in a singular capacity, both self-efficacy and sports engagement significantly influenced sports engagement (p=.011). High levels of self-efficacy among student-athletes require coaches and sports program coordinators to develop and sustain their confidence and performance. This can be achieved through structured mental skills training, such as goal-setting workshops and visualization exercises. Leadership skills should be proactively fostered through mentorship programs and decision-making exercises. Parents, coaches, and school officials must ensure continued participation and motivation for long-term athlete development. Targeted interventions, such as individualized coaching approaches and psychological support strategies, can enhance athletes' confidence, leadership skills, and motivation.
