Honor, direction and dignity.

These are just a few of the values coaches look for in players that who are named team captains. While some may feel reaching that position is an end goal, a captain’s job is never ending.

Through inspiration and motivation on and off the field, a true captain possesses leadership skills, maintains a quality work ethic and leads his teammates by example.

Aaron Brady, the head coach of the gold-medal winning 2014 U.S. Under-19 National Team and head coach at Malvern Prep High School in Pennsylvania, offered the following to help differentiate the difference between a good captain and a great one.

• There’s no “I” in “team.” A captain with the most impact is one who thinks of his team before himself. Whether at practice, in the halls of school or talking to media, a true leader will make sure that every player feels important. “As a captain, we expect our leaders to put the team first,” Brady said. “Being a captain involves representing your team to the media. Our captains talk about their teammates and the play of the team. It is never about one individual’s effort but really about the other 10 guys that allowed that play to happen. And none of it would be possible without an incredible effort from our entire team at practice during the week.”
• Keep a strong work ethic. The age-old saying remains: “With great power comes great responsibility,” and that holds true for team leaders. One of the most important traits of being a good captain is the ability to lead by example. Maintaining good grades, holding high standards and time management are just a few ways to show value. “Being a captain involves unselfishness and humility,” Brady said. “As a captain, we expect our leaders to put the team first. When we eat lunch as a team, a captain will stay behind and make sure the floor is clean and the tables are pushed in. When we practice, a captain is the first one to the field and the last one to leave. Before leaving, he makes sure that the bags are put away and that everyone has a ride home.
• Never forget the importance of body language. While words can have an effect on how others view the team, actions provide potency. Behaving appropriately outside of football and body language on the field instill team values. “I always say that if our seniors and top athletes are the hardest workers, we will have a successful season,” Brady said. “It is important to understand body language and how we deal with issues. When a player has a bad play how do you respond? We say, “next.” Move on to the next play. When our teammate makes a mistake or has a bad judgment decision, how do we respond to him? Do we verbally berate him and demoralize him, or do we mentor him and get him doing in the right direction? 
• Talent doesn’t make a captain. A captain does not arise solely because of what happens on the field. What happens off the field has a greater impact on the ability to motivate a group of players for years to come. “You are voted a captain because you are a leader in all phases: as a student, as a person and as a hard working athlete,” Brady said. “Talent has nothing to do with being a captain. It is the effort and humility of the person that makes you a captain. Our young players need someone to look up as a trailblazer for their future years in the program, someone that sets the tone with their actions.”

A great captain will be the hardest working player on the team, will maintain grades in the classroom and skills on the field skills, all the while helping others do the same.

Do you have what it takes to be great?