Using multilevel analysis, this study examined a cross-level effect of paternalistic leadership and team cohesion on athletes' burnout. We called 900 athletes from 28 colleges to participate in this survey, with a return rate of 85.2% and found that paternalistic leadership of coaches had a cross level effect across schools on athletes' burnout. Based on these findings, we propose recommendations for coaches and school administrators.
Keywords: athlete burnout; college athletes; paternalistic leadership; sports psychological capital; team cohesion.