Team Captain’s Leadership Academy

The Proven Online System for Transforming College and High School Athletes into Leaders

The all-new online Team Captain’s Leadership Academy provides your athletes with all the skills, tools, and confidence to become the leaders your team needs to succeed — both on and off the field/court/etc.

Built on the same proven Leadership Academies that have contributed to 35 NCAA National Championships at North Carolina, Stanford, Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, and South Carolina and trained tens of thousands of team captains worldwide, this online Leadership Academy for college and high school athletes gives you a practical and powerful tool to build leadership into your program’s culture.

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Why Championship-Winning Coaches Love It!

"Jeff Janssen’s work with our student-athletes through the Michigan Leadership Academy has been tremendous. His ability to communicate with our student-athletes, along with his ability to draw student-athletes into deeper discussions about leadership is outstanding." JOHN BEILEIN, Legendary Michigan Men’s Basketball Coach

"Jeff’s programs have huge value and his resources are extraordinary. I have learned so many things from Jeff and so have my players and teams.” ANSON DORRANCE, Legendary UNC Women’s Soccer Coach, 22 National Championships

"Thank you for developing a program that teaches young people how to be a leader. In the first month of the program, I have seen immediate results on our teams. Our players are more vocal and confident in who they are as young men and women. This program is moving our culture at Santa Fe Christian in the direction that fits our mission and philosophy of our school of creating leaders." CHAD BICKLEY, Boy's Basketball Coach, Santa Fe Christian School, CIF Champions

 

College, high school, and club sport coaches around the world love our proven programming because it:

  • Produces athletes who understand what leadership really looks and sounds like
  • Creates a shared language and framework for leadership in your team and athletic dept
  • Makes your captains accountable for their example and influence
  • Saves you countless hours trying to “teach leadership” yourself
  • Builds buy-in and alignment across your program

 

Expect Real Results with Your Athlete's Leadership

Much more than a feel good program, the Team Captain's Leadership Academy produces real results for your team as evidenced by the Carolina Leadership Academy. There are other leadership programs out there - this is the only one that demonstrates a real return on your investment with positively changed behavior and a proven history of 35 National Championships.

 

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8 Ways the Leadership Academy and the Leadership Team Playbook Strengthen the Coach–Captain Partnership

As Duke's legendary Coach K once said, "You don't just need a leader - you need a Leadership Team."

The Leadership Academy and the downloadable Leadership Team Playbook are purposely designed to create a strong Coach-Captain Partnership and empower your Leadership Team.

  1. Built for Coach + Captain Collaboration — every module includes discussion prompts that intentionally bring coaches and captains together to talk about expectations, standards, and leadership challenges.
  2. Shared Leadership Language — coaches and captains learn the same concepts, terms, and frameworks so they can communicate more clearly and consistently throughout the season.
  3. Coach-Guided Reflection Prompts — The Leadership Team Playbook includes specific questions for athletes to discuss directly with their coach, ensuring the lessons translate into real action.
  4. Teamwide Alignment — when multiple athletes take the course, the coach gains a unified group of leaders who understand the same principles and can reinforce the team culture together.
  5. Real-Time Leadership Development — coaches can easily track which lessons their athletes have completed, monitor progress, and see who is truly committed to their leadership growth.
  6. Action Steps That Support Team Goals — each module ends with practical, team-focused action items that captains complete and discuss with their coach.
  7. Opportunities for 1-on-1 Leadership Check-Ins — the structure of the course naturally encourages regular coach–captain conversations around accountability, leadership, and team culture.
  8. Empowers Captains to Support the Coach — by understanding expectations and seeing the bigger leadership picture, captains become more effective extensions of the coaching staff.

 

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Course 1: How to Lead Yourself: Become an Effective Leader by Example

Every great team starts with athletes who successfully lead themselves first.

This 5-module online course teaches your athletes exactly how to:

  • Earn respect by their actions and attitude
  • Set the standard for effort, focus, and commitment
  • Hold themselves accountable to the team’s standards
  • Gain the trust and respect of teammates and coaches
  • Become the Leader by Example others follow

 

Each Leadership Academy training module includes:

  • Short, engaging videos (2–5 minutes each) – perfect for busy athletes
  • The Leadership Team's Playbook – guided reflection pages that help athletes personalize the lessons and discuss them with their coach
  • Real-life stories and insights from National Championship winning captains and coaches
  • Certificate of Completion to recognize their leadership commitment

 

Total training time: 3.75 hours of powerful, practical leadership growth — accessible anytime, anywhere for a full year. Further, each participant can download their own Leadership Team Playbook to personalize the lessons to themselves and customize the strategies to your team.

Plus, we're developing and launching 4 total courses throughout 2026. You'll have your own comprehensive and cutting edge Leadership Academy literally at your fingertips so you can train both your emerging and existing leaders from their freshmen through senior seasons.

  1. Level 1 Course - How to Lead Yourself: Become an Effective Leader by Example (available Jan. 5)
  2. Level 2 Course - How to Lead Your Teammates: Become a Vocal Team Leader (Spring 2026)
  3. Level 3 Course - How to Lead Your Team: Build a Championship Culture (Summer 2026)
  4. Level 4 Course - Hold Teammates Accountable: How to Enforce Your Team's Standards (Fall 2026)

 

"Jeff’s content is extremely practical, beneficial, and useful to any team at any level. The lessons have a very clear progression and a clarity which creates an environment for discussion. This discussion and communication is paramount to creating the trusting relationships needed to build a team and a championship culture. The biggest reason I love Jeff’s content is that it allows both the individual and the team to grow!" RYAN MCGINNIS, Kimberly High School Athletic Director and Baseball Coach

"We name kids as captains on a team and assume they'll have what it takes to be a leader, but we never ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to be a leader. There are times when I've wished our captains were stepping in to get us back on track or demanded more of each other - instead of me. This Leadership Academy now provides them with the tools and confidence they need to step up and lead." ERIN LUCKHARDT, Petoskey High School Volleyball Coach

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Perfect for Athletes, Teams, and Athletic Departments

The adaptable online Leadership Academy can be used by:

Individual Athletes - individual high school and college athletes from all sports can enroll in the Leadership Academy to develop and enhance their leadership skills.

Coaches Wanting to Develop Their Leaders - coaches can develop their current and future team leaders by enrolling them in the Leadership Academy. We offer discounts for groups of 5 and 10 leaders.

ADs Wanting to Create a Leadership Academy - ADs wanting to create their own in-house Leadership Academy for dozens of their athletes can use this practical, proven, and progressive training. We offer BIG DISCOUNTS for groups of 25, 50, 100, and 200 leaders. Train and support your leaders for an entire year for as low as only $29/person!

“The Leadership Academy powered by Janssen Sports Leadership has been an amazing addition to the Horizon High School community. After only 3 meetings, the transformation of our student-athletes is apparent and they're hungry for more. The increased leadership capabilities of our student-athletes has not only been outstanding for them as individuals but has also had a positive impact on our teams. It's truly an honor to have this program offered at Horizon High School.” MARTY TONJES, Horizon High School AD

Create Your Own Leadership Academy - 50% Off Pre-Launch Sale

SPECIAL 50% OFF PRE-LAUNCH "FOUNDING MEMBER" PRICING UNTIL DECEMBER 17

Take advantage of the ABSOLUTE LOWEST PRICE we will ever offer on this all-new online Leadership Academy and SAVE 50% for your athletes, team, or athletic department when you pre-order by December 17. The official Leadership Academy launch is January 5th.

"The Janssen Sports Leadership Center is the 'Gold Standard' of sports leadership training." DEBBIE YOW, Former NC State Athletics Director

“Jeff Janssen is the top expert on sports leadership at the collegiate level. Our student-athletes love the Illini Leadership Academy and frequently ask for more.” KATHY KALER, Illinois Athletics

Don't Miss Saving Hundreds or Thousands of Dollars - Enroll Your Leaders Now!

Don't miss your chance to SAVE SIGNIFICANT MONEY by getting in on this Special 50% Off Pre-Launch Sale!

Even if you don't intend to use the training with your athletes or school until this spring, summer, or fall, you can still take advantage of these never offered again prices.

Plus, save even more when you team up with your fellow coaches and AD to take advantage of our volume discounts. Instead of enrolling 5 people at $69 per person, team up with the coaches at your school and enroll 50 leaders for only $50 per person when you order by December 17.

Note: Coaches should enroll themselves in the course to take it along with their athletes, have 100% access to all the materials, and be able to track their athletes' progress through the online dashboard.

Save Significant Money with Our 50% Off Pre-Launch Sale

Rave Reviews from Coaches, ADs, and Athletes on Jeff Janssen's 50+ Leadership Academies

“The Carolina Leadership Academy has made a major impact on our athletic department. We've seen big benefits and continually get great feedback from our student-athletes and coaches. I wholeheartedly agree with Anson Dorrance, one of the most successful collegiate coaches ever, when he says, ‘The Carolina Leadership Academy is one of the finest things our athletic department has done in the over 30 years I have been here. I can clearly see the program's impact on and off the field.’” Dick Baddour, UNC Athletics Director Emeritus

“I’ve been in the business 30 years and there are a lot of different programs I’ve seen. What the Janssen Sports Leadership Center does is the best out there. It builds on itself. You will see a change in student-athletes in terms of leadership, and all that comes together on the field, in the classroom, and everywhere else.” Jeff Long, Inaugural College Football Playoff Committee Selection Chair

“Rangeview High School is so fortunate to have the chance to participate in the Leadership Academy. Our Rangeview student-athletes are finding value in our sessions and putting their learning into immediate action on their respective teams. One of the best parts for me as the athletic director is seeing the collegiality developing with both our Emerging and Veteran groups. Our athletic leaders are able to find common ground with one another through the activities and stories in the workshops. Our kids are truly bought into the leadership program and it is evident while observing them engaging in sessions. I truly believe that the skills learned are helping move the needle for each of our programs represented and Rangeview High School as a whole.”
Erick Swanson, Rangeview High School AD

“The Leadership Academy at Castle View High School has proven to be a transformative experience for our student-athlete leaders, fostering a profound understanding of their roles and responsibilities. As the athletic director, witnessing the growth and development of these young leaders has been immensely rewarding. Thus far, students have honed their skills in effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making, equipping them with the tools necessary to excel both on and off the field. The positive impact of this initiative is evident in our recent fall season, which stands out as one of the best in Castle View High School's history. The students' enhanced leadership capabilities have not only elevated their individual performances but have also created a cohesive and motivated team environment. This success is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our student-athletes, reflecting the positive influence of the Leadership Academy on the overall athletic culture at Castle View High School.”
Scott Dowis, Castle View High School AD

"The Razorback Leadership Academy has been an integral part of the growth and development of our program. The leadership principles outlined and the practical applications provided have been extremely beneficial to our student-athletes and our entire coaching staff." Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Baseball Coach

"The Lehigh Athletics Leadership Academy is the highest rated student-athlete program offered to our athletes as documented by our senior athlete exit interview survey. It is valued by students in terms of developing their own leadership style and enhancing their team culture to accomplish their goals. The Academy’s approach is engaging, dynamic, and effective as noted by our students and coaches." Karen Adams, Lehigh Senior Associate Director of Athletics

"Not only did I grow up as an athlete but also as a person through Jeff Janssen’s Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy taught each participant how to better handle difficult situations and how to effectively communicate with teammates. Lessons I learned from Jeff not only made me a better leader on the field but also helped prepare me for the corporate world. I cannot describe how thankful I am for my experience with the Leadership Academy." Kara Cannizzaro, UNC Women’s Lacrosse, National Player of the Year, National Champion

"Jeff Janssen provides the best and most comprehensive leadership training for college athletes in the country.” Marcella Zalot, Colby College

“Jeff is an amazing motivator and a truly great listener. He challenged the student-athletes at the University of Illinois to become greater than they imagined, not just in their sport, but in life. He also encouraged us to give back to our local community and to be the selfless and courageous leaders that would impact our university, community, country, and the world. Jeff's passion and commitment to the Leadership Academy is indomitable. He has had an immeasurable impact on so many student-athletes’ lives. He's given many of us the confidence to succeed, the willingness to do more, and the commitment needed for life.” CeCe Marizu, Illinois Swimmer

 

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Leadership Academies at Top Colleges:

Arkansas, Barton, Baylor, Boston University, Charlotte, Colby, Colgate, Colorado, Eastern New Mexico, Fordham, Georgetown, George Washington, Guelph, Holy Cross, Houston, Illinois, Lafayette, Lehigh, Loyola, LSU, Michigan, New Brunswick, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Pitt, St. Francis Xavier, Stanford, Stetson, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State, Yale


Leadership Academies at Top High Schools:

Arvada High School, Aurora Central High School, Cary Academy, Castle View High School, Charlotte Country Day School, Cherry Creek High School, Concordian Lutheran High School, Cranbrook Schools, George Washington High School, Horizon High School, Lakewood High School, Linfield Christian School, Little Chute High School, McDonogh School, Naperville Central High School, Rancho Buena Vista High School, Rangeview High School, Rock Academy, Santa Fe Christian School, Sidwell Friends School, Tri-City Christian School, Westminster High School

 

 

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