Which type of athlete is least likely to be influenced by a coach's expectations?

Athletes who are high achieving are the least likely to be influenced by a coach's expectations because they tend to have a strong sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities. High-achieving athletes often have well-established goals and a commitment to their personal standards of performance, which are intrinsic and self-determined. This internal motivation allows them to focus on their own targets rather than being swayed by external expectations, including those from coaches.

In contrast, other groups, such as adolescent athletes, may still be developing their identity and self-esteem, making them more susceptible to external influences, including a coach's expectations. Similarly, athletes who play for astute judges of skill may place significant importance on gaining recognition and approval, which can lead them to conform more closely to their coach's beliefs about their potential. Athletes with low self-standards might also rely heavily on the feedback and expectations set by others, including their coaches, further increasing their susceptibility to outside influences.