What the Army-Navy Game Taught Me About Leadership

I've been fortunate to attend a few Army-Navy football games in and out of uniform. This one felt different. Gratitude is always there -- maybe even more so with each passing year.

This year I learned a few things too.

Our daughter is an exchange midshipman at West Point this semester. Before the game, there's a "prisoner exchange" -- cadets and midshipmen meet at the 50-yard line, then return to their respective academies to watch the game together.

That moment was remarkable. What was even more remarkable were the moments leading up to it.

She applied for the exchange program on her own, following her instincts. We found out when she applied. She had to figure everything out upon arrival -- there was no welcome mat. She had to forge new relationships from scratch. The Army club water polo team turned out to be where she found her people.

As a parent and a coach, here's what I took away:

Let them drive. Help people get where they want to be rather than telling them where to go.

The value of discomfort. It's hard to grow -- and hard to earn that smile -- without a few trials and tribulations along the way.

Answers can be overrated. Sometimes all people need are a few good questions and a lot of support.

When the game was over, she said it was the most meaningful experience of her life so far.

That's the beauty of following your own path and doing hard things.

Go Navy. Go Army.

If you're facing your own moment that matters, I'd welcome a conversation. Schedule one here.

Publish date: December 17, 2025.