340. Cody Moore - Don't Leave Leadership to Chance - Student Athlete Leadership Council Program

Coach 360

In this powerful episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, presented by 2Words Character Development, we reconnect with Coach Cody Moore, Athletic Coordinator at Round Rock High School, and his Assistant Head Football Coach and O-Line Coach, Jordan Gesch. Building upon their earlier conversation in Episode 332, this round dives deep into one of the most impactful elements of their program: the Leadership Council.

What started as a way to recognize student leaders has evolved into a structured, purpose-driven initiative designed to build true servant leaders on and off the field. Coach Moore and Coach Gesch share the origins, development, and day-to-day execution of their Leadership Council—from student nominations and rigorous interviews to summer retreats, service projects, and weekly team meetings. This episode is a masterclass in building a student-led program grounded in accountability, humility, and intentional leadership. If you're a coach aiming to empower your athletes to lead with integrity, this is the blueprint you’ve been searching for.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Must Be Earned: Round Rock’s Leadership Council requires nominations, resumes, video submissions, and interviews—ensuring students genuinely want to lead and are willing to work for it.
• Train the Leaders Your Team Recognizes: Instead of picking leaders based on performance or popularity, the council is shaped by peer input, allowing students to nominate those who truly influence the team culture.
• Servant Leadership is Central: Council members are held to high standards and are trained to lead through service, not authority. Their role is to protect and represent the program's core values daily.
• Preparation for Real Life: From creating resumes to participating in panel interviews, students experience real-world processes that enhance their confidence and professionalism.
• Symbolic Leadership: Each member receives a custom-designed challenge coin symbolizing their oath to serve and protect the team—a daily reminder of their responsibility.
• Year-Round Engagement: Leadership development doesn’t pause during the off-season. Retreats, book studies, and summer service projects help maintain momentum and strengthen the bond among council members.
• Intentional Weekly Leadership Meetings: Council members meet every Monday and Friday to discuss team morale, logistics, and leadership responsibilities, creating alignment and fostering trust throughout the program.
• Results on and off the Field: Coaches have witnessed profound transformation in students who might have otherwise been overlooked, proving the long-term value of intentional character development.

Memorable Quotes

• "Sometimes you have to train the leaders your kids see as leaders—not just the ones you want."
• "If you're not going to practice leadership, you're leaving it up to chance."
• "We want go-getters—students who do the work, not just the popular kids."
• "Leadership is learned by doing. It becomes real when they teach it."
• "You wouldn’t call a play you haven’t repped. So why expect leadership without training it?"
• "If you want it to be right, you’ve got to put the work in."

CONTACT COACH MOORE: [email protected]

COACH 360 IS PRESENTED BY: 2Words Character Development

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