The LEADERS DNA

The Character of Championship Leadership

Championship teams don’t just develop players—they develop leaders.

Leadership is not a title, it is a life lived by a different standard, daily.

LEADERS

L — Love

Love the mission and love the people.

  • Love the game
  • Love your teammates
  • Care deeply about the people you lead

Leadership begins with genuine care for others.

People follow leaders who care about them.

E — Excellence

Pursue excellence in all areas of life.

Not just on the field.

Excellence includes:

  • character
  • academics
  • work ethic
  • faith
  • relationships

Leaders don’t turn excellence on and off.

They pursue it everywhere.

A — Accountability

Accept accountability and hold others accountable.

Leaders:

  • own their actions
  • accept correction
  • hold teammates to the standard

Accountability protects the culture.

D — Dedication

Be dedicated to the team reaching its goals.

Leaders commit fully to the mission.

This means:

  • showing up consistently
  • doing the hard work
  • putting team success ahead of personal recognition

E — Expectations

Have high expectations for yourself and your teammates.

Leaders believe more is possible.

They raise the standard by:

  • modeling excellence
  • challenging teammates
  • refusing to settle for mediocrity

R — Relationships

Pursue relationships with everyone on the team.

Leadership is relational.

Leaders connect with:

  • starters
  • backups
  • new players
  • struggling teammates

Strong relationships create strong teams.

S — Self-Sacrifice

Practice self-sacrifice.

Leadership requires giving up something for the good of others.

Leaders sacrifice:

  • comfort
  • recognition
  • personal agendas

For the success of the team.

Championship teams are built when leaders live by a different DNA — one defined by love, excellence, accountability, dedication, expectations, relationships, and self-sacrifice.

"But leaders are leaders, even before anyone else recognizes them. It's who they are, down to their cellular DNA. They act differently, they think differently... because they can't help but be special." Nick Saban - Former Alabama Head Football Coach, 7x National Champion Head Coach