Leadership Development Through Athletic Participation at West Point

Abstract

The United States Military Academy (West Point) is one of the premier undergraduate institutions for leadership development in higher education. Participating in competitive varsity athletics is both a key entrance requirement and a prominent feature of the West Point cadet leadership development experience. The ways in which leadership development occurs in postsecondary education by participating in athletics is not well understood regardless of the institution type. Using qualitative interviews with West Point graduates, this study explores the role that participating in competitive athletics plays in the leadership development of its undergraduates. A key finding from this study indicates that participation in varsity high school athletics is a critical admissions determinant in West Point’s selection process. Furthermore, mandatory participation for all cadets in competitive athletics is viewed as essential by West Point to develop prominent future military leaders who lead by example. Implications for leadership development outcomes among students at other undergraduate institutions are discussed.