Successful coaches seek different methods and strategies that allow student-athletes to reach their peak performance levels. The problem addressed in this study is Generation Z student-athletes are now in high school, and coaches may not be adapting their behaviors to the characteristics of this generation given that little research exists on how these student-athletes perceive the effectiveness of different coaching behaviors for improving their motivation and performance in individual and team sports. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive, correlational, and casual-comparative study was to describe preferences for and perceptions of coaching behaviors that Generation Z student-athletes participating in individual and team sports report and how these preferences and perceptions relate to and predict their satisfaction. The conceptual framework supporting the research integrated coaching behavior effectiveness, coaching competency, the coach and student-athlete relationship, and generational differences. A sample of 170 Generation Z male high school student-athletes completed a survey measuring their preferences for and perceptions of their coach's behaviors and satisfaction. Participants reported their highest preference for training and instruction and the lowest preference for autocratic behavior. All correlations examined were statistically significant. Participants' preference for training and instruction and preference for democratic behavior served as significant predictors of three of the four satisfaction subscales. Student-athletes participating in team sports reported higher preferences for democratic behavior than those participating in individual sports. The consistency of the results with the conceptual framework underscores the importance of athlete-centered coaching styles in enhancing satisfaction and provides a noteworthy contribution of coaching behavior preferences and perceptions to predicting athlete satisfaction for Generation Z student-athletes. Future research should expand on the conceptual framework and current findings by continuing exploration of the coaching preferences of Generation Z athletes across a broader range of sports and cultural contexts. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]