Please read the information below. All prospective captains must complete the application at the bottom of this page.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is a player’s ability to set a positive example for her teammates through words and actions.
PRINCIPLE OF LEGITIMACY
When people in authority want others to behave, it matters, first and foremost, how they behave.
- Team members must have a voice
- Rules must stay consistent
- All groups must be treated equally and fairly
QUALITIES
- Dedication – Puts extra time into learning about the game and improving her skills in the off-season. During the season, this player puts emphasis on attending all of the practices, arriving early to help set up and spending extra time on the practice court if necessary.
- Intensity – Enjoys competition in practice and in games. Plays the game aggressively and rises to the occasion in big moments.
- Inspiration – Understands the need to build an environment promoting teamwork and cooperation. Reaches out to all players to make sure everyone is comfortable on the team and every player is included in team activities. Treats the team like a family, respects every player’s differences and practices empathy in her words and actions.
- Humility – Understands the team concept. If she receives a compliment, she credits her teammates. This player understands her place in the sport and does not seek individual recognition. Values the goals of the team above her own.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Warmups and Drills – Arrive early to practice to help set up. Make sure everyone is ready for practice on time. Help organize teammates in drills and warm-up exercises. Volunteer to demonstrate techniques to the team.
- Set the Tone (Practice) – Start practices with the right attitude. Be enthusiastic about practice and find enjoyment in hard work. Support your teammates vocally during practice (let people know when they make a nice play or have a big hit). Refocus the team if drills get sloppy. Compete to win in drills and give complete effort in every drill.
- Set the Tone (Games) – Display focus and energy in game warmups. Act as the emotional and mental catalyst for the team. Keep all actions and words positive on and off the court.
- Keep Coaches Informed – Alert the coaching staff of any conflicts on the team that will affect team chemistry including the following: (A) players in conflict with other players, (B) players having difficulty accepting their team roles, (C) players feeling like they don’t fit in and (D) players dealing with serious problems in their social life. Everything we discuss will be confidential.
- Talk With Struggling Teammates – Make sure everyone feels like a valued member of the team. Talk to them, try to understand their feelings, support them and help them to get back on track. The coaching staff will help you with this.
- Plan Team Activities – Help organize team dinners and other team-building activities. Set team cheers with the input of the other players. Create a music playlist for warmups.
- Sweep the Gym – Keep the gym clean. Make sure that all equipment is cared for and put in the proper place. Captains are the last players to leave the gym.
SELECTION PROCESS
Players who want to serve as a captain must fill out the application below. Players will assess strengths, weaknesses, how they lead by example and how they could show leadership if they are not selected. After discussing the applications individually and with the group, players and/or coaches will vote on team captains.