Air Academy: One Athlete’s Vision to an Entire Program

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Air Academy: One Athlete’s Vision to an Entire Program

We all strive for player-led teams. What’s even cooler are player-led movements and that’s what happened at Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 2021, their star lacrosse player Grant Rodny traveled to the East Coast and participated in an event called the Committed Combine with fellow Division One lacrosse commits. During that weekend, he was able to experience the Lead ‘Em Up program that hosted all the leadership training for the athletes.

As he was going through the program, he immediately thought how much his team back home would love it.

So he went home and talked about it with his family and shared it with his coach and a few months later Lead ‘Em Up was on site hosting a special three-hour training camp with the lacrosse team.

The team was all in. The boys were excited and they were off to the best start they had in years.

The girl’s program at the school saw the success of the boys and had Lead ‘Em Up come back out to do a midseason Lead ‘Em Up training with the girls. The girls were all in.

It was at this point going into the upcoming school year that the girl’s lacrosse coach ended up becoming the Athletic Director and she started working with Patty Rodny and other community members to start fundraising to bring Lead ‘Em Up to the entire athletic program.

Years later the programs continue to thrive using the Lead ‘Em Up, teaching exercises and curriculum as a driving force in their culture, athletic program wide.

Have fun and #LeadEmUp

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Podcasts

Athlete’s Path to Leadership Mastery – Teach It Until It Sticks

Athlete’s Path to Leadership Mastery – Teach It Until It Sticks

We’ve all shared this idea, “What am I going to do next year? I taught that already?” Teaching the same concept more than once and wondering if it’s even landing is a valid thought. But here’s the truth: many coaches suffer from the leadership theory of going shallow on many, and deep on a few, as a result, athletes may never experience the depths of leadership mastery. In this episode, we examine the develop vs. introduce dynamic while exploring the process of evolution through one’s ability to focus on a single concept. We’ll break down the 5 levels of proficiency that will help you ignite your athlete’s path to becoming an elite player-led team. The need to keep going deeper into the Lead ‘Em Up teachings isn’t just necessary, it’s a huge part of leadership proficiency. If you’ve ever been in doubt about repeating a concept, this episode will remind you why it matters and how to make every repetition count.

Bruised But Still in Charge: How to Approach Leadership When You Are Injured – The Green Room Episode 2

Bruised But Still in Charge: How to Approach Leadership When You Are Injured – The Green Room Episode 2

What happens when the leader gets hurt physically? In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of leading while injured. From maintaining credibility and presence to adapting your leadership style, we’ll unpack the secret strategies for staying effective, authentic, and resilient in the face of personal setbacks. Whether you’re sidelined temporarily or navigating a long recovery, this conversation offers real talk and practical insights for showing up as a leader, even when you’re bruised, you’re still in charge!

Watch the full video here