#201: Coaching America's Best - Army West Point Head Coach Joe Alberici and Naval Academy Head Coach Joe Amplo

For one day, the rivalry shifts from the battlefield to the lacrosse field. Green Berets. Navy SEALs. America's most elite special operations forces compete with the same intensity, discipline, and commitment to excellence that defines their military careers. But when the final whistle blows, the score becomes secondary to the brotherhood.

Live from the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Army Head Coach Joe Alberici and Navy Head Coach Joe Amplo just hours before the teams took the field. While the rivalry between Army and Navy is one of the greatest traditions in sports, both coaches know the game has always represented something much bigger than winning. Every practice, every workout, and every lesson on the lacrosse field is preparing young men and women to lead under pressure, overcome adversity, and serve their country with honor.

Our conversation examines how service academy athletics develops leaders ready to fight and win our nation’s wars. Coach Alberici and Coach Amplo explain why competition, accountability, and resilience are not just traits of great athletes - they are the same qualities required to lead in combat.

As kickoff approaches, the focus shifts from strategy to mindset. Compete relentlessly. Trust your training. Focus on the next play. Because whether it's on the lacrosse field, on a Special Forces ODA or SEAL platoon, success is built on discipline, accountability, and teammates who refuse to let each other fail.

Army and Navy compete to make each other better because one day these young men and women will stand together in defense of America. 

Highlights:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:02 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic
• 2:39 Preparing for the Game
• 5:34 Playing at USMA & USN
• 14:01 Ownership & Accountability
• 17:03 Pregame Message

Quotes:

• “The excitement and desire to be a part of this again from the community was incredible.”
• “My number one job is to keep you from yourself.”
• “I have such a love, respect, and aberration for a young person just to be looking at these academies.”
• “Both of our institutions uncover the best version of the human being that’s inside.”
• “They have to be good humans who contribute to society because even their military service is going to end at some point.”
• “You’re always looking to mentor.”
• “Great leaders hold themselves to the higher standard as consistent as they possibly can.”
• “The best leaders hold each other and others to that standard consistently.” 
• “Each day we tell a young man we’re trying to build you a masterpiece.”
• “Before you hold others accountable, you got to hold yourself accountable.”
• “Go back to the basics.”
• “Let’s just make sure we’re getting onto the next play.”

The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.

Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.