This study investigates the relationship between effective communication and student sports performance, with a specific focus on understanding how motivation mediates this relationship in student-athletes. A descriptive correlation research design was employed, using adapted survey questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbachs alpha = 0.933) administered to 50 students from Notre Dame of Kidapawan College. Results showed that student-athletes highly value motivational communication, and effective communication is a strength of the coach and contributes positively to the athletes satisfaction and performance (M=4.66, SD=0.526). On the level of motivation, athletes are highly motivated primarily by intrinsic factors like enjoyment, self-improvement, personal goals, and encouragement from others (M=4.69, SD=0.352). On the level of students sports performance, suggest a solid blend of mental, physical, and tactical competence in sports (M=4.26, SD=0.647). The relationship between effective communication and students sports performance indicates a positive correlation with the significant level of 0.013, which means that as effective communication improves, students sports performance tends to improve as well. In conclusion, the statistical analysis confirmed a significant positive relationship between effective communication and sports performance. Moreover, the mediation analysis revealed that motivation fully mediates this relationship. While effective communication alone does not directly predict performance, it significantly enhances motivation, which in turn drives out performance. This highlights that the key mechanism through which communication improves performance is by boosting athletes motivation.

effective communication; motivation; sports performance