The voice that doesn’t need volume: Felix Kossaras and the power of quiet leadership

Colorado Buffaloes guard Felix Kossaras has gone under the radar as a leader, even as a sophomore. (Photo by Kekoa Brown/Sko Buffs Sports)

Every team has its vocal, loud, resounding leaders. The ones yelling up and down the court, through the lane or schooling from the sideline. But for Colorado Buffaloes guard Felix Kossaras, leadership comes by example.

Back in The Land of the Maple, Kossaras was a four-star prospect and rated No. 21 at his position. His young career already includes representing Canada at the FIBA 2022 U17 World Cup in Spain, as well as participating in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Salt Lake City in partnership with the NBA All-Star Game in 2023, where he won the camp’s 3-point contest. 

Now, at the start of his second year in Colorado, he is fulfilling a new leadership role. With a rebuilt guard-crowded team, Kossaras is showing dominance on the defensive end, starting in games and finding a voice in his own tone. 

“This year I've just gotten more comfortable with sets and positions to know everything I need to know,” Kossaras said. “I'm just being more aggressive offensively and defensively.”

Going into this season, the sophomore guard is focused on playing the right way, even through challenges. In the Buffs’ second game of the year, an overtime win against Eastern Washington, Kossaras scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds, but ran into some early foul trouble and fouled out of the game.

Despite that, it became an experience of development and growth that reinforces leading through action.

“I feel like it is just knowing when to be aggressive and when not to be aggressive,” Kossaras said. “Knowing that space of when I could be a little more handsy on the ball, and knowing my spots.”

In a game like Eastern Washington, frustrations could arise, but he centers on a next-play mentality.

“You just got to keep playing,” Felix said. “You can't really worry about the fouls, because it's just going to mess up with your game. So you just have to keep playing as hard as you can.”

Assistant coach and former CU men's basketball player Evan Battey has seen the growth in real time.

“Felix is gonna get the other team's best player [on defense] more often than not,” Battey said. He's earned that, and earned that responsibility, and I think he is living up to it.”

Kossaras is an exemplary role model, putting his head down and embracing hard work. 

“I would describe him as a soldier, not really leading like a sergeant, like one that's shouting all the orders and commanding. But he's a soldier. He'll lead by example,” Battey said. “He'll always do what he's supposed to do, and know where he's supposed to be at the right time. He’s gonna lead by example. He’s gonna follow, but also gonna [lead].”

A guard with his size, defensive versatility and comfort in his role, Kossaras has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way guard for CU. Just stepping into his sophomore season, defensive impact and discipline can help him evolve into a cornerstone for the Buffs.

With seven freshmen entering the program and notable players lost to the transfer portal, Kossaras had to step into leadership quickly. He wants the younger players to feel his presence, even if he’s not the loudest voice in the gym.

“I lead more by example, especially on the defensive end, like getting through screens,” he said. “But I can be vocal as well. I’m letting the young guys know if they need me for anything. I'm there. If you have questions, I'm there to help them out.”

Kossaras may not be the commander of the team, but he’s become a kind of leader who doesn’t need a spotlight and microphone to matter. His voice comes out simply by doing his job the right way. 

As Colorado’s season unfolds, fans will see that the tone setter isn’t always the loudest guy on the floor. Sometimes, it’s the one who moves with intention and leads with presence and habits. One that’s making sure his impact is felt more than heard. That’s the type of player Kossaras is, and where his voice carries the furthest.