As the captain of the team, responsibility and influence play a major role in shaping both performance and team culture. A great team captain can truly change the success and chemistry of a team, so what goes into being an exceptional team captain?
Team Captain Junior Alexa Adamson said, “I chose to become captain, because I thought the experience would be really beneficial to me once I graduate. It has taught me how to work with multiple personalities and how to solve problems while seeing everyone’s point of view.”
While being a team captain often means knowing how to lead by example, many often find themselves learning along the way as well. Adamson added, “Throughout my time being a captain, I have learned how to be more patient with people.”
Master Sergeant Eric Cole said, “The biggest lesson of becoming captain of a team is understanding the responsibility, and how important and pivotal that role is. ”
Becoming a team captain is no easy feat either. Many often have to acquire multiple years of experience on a team and know and understand what the role entails. Additionally, once qualified, some have to go through an extensive process to officially become a team captain. Adamson said, “To become captain I went through an interview process where I turned in a digital application form and attended an in-person interview with the band director, color-guard coach, and other staff members. As a captain, I am most focused on ensuring that everyone has a fun time with the sport and is connecting with the community.”
Leading the team often means having to connect with the players on a deeper level, truly understanding and supporting teammates beyond statistics, roles, or playing time. Adamson said, “I had to have commitment to the process, building rapport with my teammates, and setting an example through my actions. I am most focused on the welfare of my team, and the efficiency of completing their tasks. Strategies I use are knowing my people, so I know how to most effectively get the best out of them; however, it’s kind of like a manipulation tactic, using their strengths to their benefit to make the team the greatest they can be.”
Being team captain also comes with its challenges. Cole said, “An effective captain should know their personnel enough to see when their actions are not in line with what the requirement is. That is when they will step in to give some guidance and oversight to help steer them back into the right direction.” Adamson added, “My main duties with being a captain are keeping the team in line and making sure that everyone is respecting the staff during practice. In color guard, we have a set of standards for our team and if someone starts to stray from those standards, then leadership knows that is the time to step in.”
According to a website about team captains, “A captain must be accountable after a bad performance or practice. Captains are expected to perform in the clutch and lead the team to victory. It is also expected that captains will maintain control in the most pressurized situations and be the model of excellence for their teammates” (appliedsportpsych.org).
Being the leader of any team can be challenging; however, the valuable lessons taught along the way make the hard work truly rewarding. Team captains work tirelessly to unify and strengthen their team, proving that leadership is not always defined by a title but rather by the impact that they leave on those around them.