LEADERSHIP
Leadership is an athlete’s ability to set a positive example for their teammates through words and actions.

QUALITIES
1. Dedication – Puts extra time into learning about the sport and improving skills in the off-season.  During the season, this athlete puts emphasis on attending all of the practices, arriving early to help set up and spending extra time at practice if necessary.

2. Intensity – Enjoys competition in practice and meets.  Rises to the occasion in big moments.

3. Inspiration – Understands the need to build an environment promoting teamwork and cooperation.  Reaches out to all teammates to make sure everyone is comfortable on the team and everyone is included in team activities.  Treats the team like a family, respects everyone’s differences and practices empathy in both words and actions.

4. Humility – Understands the team concept.  If they receive a compliment, they credit their teammates.  This athlete understands their place in the sport and does not seek individual recognition.  Values the goals of the team above self.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Lead Warmups and Drills – Arrive early to practice to help set up.  Make sure everyone is ready for practice on time.  Help organize teammates in drills and warm-up exercises.  Volunteer to demonstrate techniques to the team.

2. Set the Tone (Practice) – Start practices with the right attitude.  Is enthusiastic about practice and finds enjoyment in hard work.  Supports teammates vocally during practice (let people know when they are doing well or working hard).  Refocus the team if team is negative or struggling.
Compete to win, do their best, and work through challenges.

3. Set the Tone (Meets) – Display focus and energy in meet warmups.  Act as the emotional and mental catalyst for the team.  Keep all actions and words positive.

4. Keep Coaches Informed – Alert the coaching staff of any conflicts on the team that will affect team chemistry including the following: (A) athletes in conflict with other athletes, (B) athletes having difficulty accepting their team roles, (C) athletes feeling like they don’t fit in and (D) athletes dealing with serious problems in their social life.
Everything we discuss will be confidential.

5. Talk With Struggling Teammates – Make sure everyone feels like a valued member of the team.  Talk to them, try to understand their feelings, support them and help them to get back on track.  The coaching staff will help you with this.

6. Plan Team Activities – Help organize team dinners and other team-building activities.  Seek input of the other athletes. Create a music playlist for warmups and track workouts.

7. Help clean up – Keep our areas clean.  Make sure that all equipment is cared for and put in the proper place.  Help assign clean up duties at meets.  Captains are the last players to leave practices.

SELECTION PROCESS

Athletes who want to serve as a captain must fill out the application. Athletes will be assessed on strengths, weaknesses, how they lead by example and how they could show leadership if they are not selected.  Coaches will review the application and make the decisions of who will be selected as captains for the 2025 season.