Being selected as team captain is a huge honor—and a huge responsibility. It can be difficult to lead your peers, but here are some tips to make your tenure as captain rewarding for you and your teammates.

I was the captain of my junior high squad, my high school varsity squad and my college team. And now, I kind of feel like the captain again of my team here at AC, so I thought I’d give you captains some words of advice. Stay tuned weekly for more of my captain’s (b)log (for those Star Trek fans out there)!

1. Remember, a captain is so much more than a title. Some people consider “cheer captain” the equivalent of “prom queen.” So not true! When you’re named captain, you’re not just given a title, you’re given a job. You are now second-in-command to your coaches, and it’s up to you to keep your squad on task.

2. Lead with grace. Yes, you’re the top dog, but don’t rub it in. The fact that you’ve been named #1 means that you need to work the hardest. Be the first one at practice, have your routines and cheers down pat (this requires lots of at-home practice on your part), squeeze in some extra conditioning and always know the team schedule. That’s how you earn your teammates’ respect.

3. Critique with care. When your coach puts you in charge of running drills or routines, tread carefully. You need to be honest in your critiques (how else will your teammates get better?), but you have to offer a positive comment with the negative. Otherwise your peers may get peeved, or worse, disheartened. Try this: “Becky, I can tell you’ve been working on your jumps—awesome!—but make sure you’re keeping your chest up and pointing your toes.”

3. Be brave. You won’t get anywhere as captain if you don’t have the confidence to stand up for yourself, your coach and your team. We all know that peer pressure happens, but be bold enough (and smart enough) not to give in. Trust your gut instincts, and try to do what’s best for you and your squad, even if it’s not the so-called popular decision.

Check back in with me every week for more captain chat.

Cheers,
Marisa

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