Captains show exemplary leadership on and off field

Being a captain requires an extraordinary capability to calmly handle adversity and set an example by leading others through the worst of times. Many may not see the sacrifices that a captain must make for their team over the course of a one practice, game or season, but they are admirable.

Such leadership roles exist on the majority of athletic teams across a various range of levels, from beginner to professional. Typically, a captain is chosen by either a vote by their teammates or a direct decision of the coach. A player appointed to this position usually possesses many unique qualities, including courage, friendliness, dedication, obedience, accountability and leadership. A captain must also be passionate about their teammates, about their team and about their sport. Such passion for a sport leads to a hunger for competition and success. Consequently, these distinguished players of any team will always be “all in” for their teammates and their team’s success.

Although the responsibilities of a captain vary from sport to sport, many commonalities do exist. Regardless of the sport, captains are usually a “bridge” between the players and the team staff. For example, they may bring players’ concerns to managers or coaches’ orders to the players. Not only this, but also captains must bring the team together, organize team bonding events and activities, keep their team focused and take charge in crucial moments.

“Handling adversity is a big role as a captain…to [deal with],” said varsity track captain and junior Michael Steadman. “I like to address the problem, whether it [be] our work ethic or we’re just not doing what we needs [to be done], for a team to succeed. It’s [the captain’s] responsibility to make sure a team stays on track.”

Captains of Saint Viator teams roam the campus hallways daily in the same way as any other student, yet they are set apart by a passion and a will to be a leader of something that is bigger than themselves no matter how present the adversity is.

“To handle difficulties we come together as a family,” said girls’ varsity basketball captain junior Olivia Solimene. “Being called as a team is just a label. On and off the court we’re a family and we talk through things. We all respect each other’s words and never let negativity continue on throughout the season.”

A team, especially one composed of student-athletes juggling academics, social lives and their sports, will never be free of obstacles and hardships, yet captains must overcome this and bond their team through any means possible.

“Bonding is a huge part in my book,” said Solimene. “We schedule pasta parties before home games on the weekends. We even went to a bowling alley to see who was the best at knocking down strikes or spares.”

Yet such events aren’t only present on the girls’ basketball team but are also prevalent on Saint Viator’s hockey teams and everywhere else as senior varsity hockey captain Mark Young points out.

“We have had a few team breakfasts before games and,” said Young. “In addition, the upperclassmen drive the underclassmen to practice, so that helps players individually bond with one another.”

Captains will mold into their role over time, but the holder of this position rotates every few years. The last major responsibility of a captain in such a matter is to set the best example they can for their team, among which is the future leader of the group they are leading. In such shifts of power many new captains look to their predecessors to determine their concrete role on the team. Mark Young leaves some advice as a part of his legacy on the team.

“Embrace your role,” said Young. “The team is yours, and you are the key component for winning or losing. Lead by example on and off the ice.”

“The most important piece of advice I would give to future captains is reminding teammates to have each other’s back,” said Solimene.

“My advice for future captains is that you must let your teammates be themselves,” said Steadman.

A captain is not a dictator but rather a servant. These fearless leaders make sacrifices for their teams and sports that many times go unnoticed, yet they don’t do it for honor—they do it for passion, and that is truly admirable.