Deerfield Academy celebrates student leadership across campus in many different forms – as proctors, elected representatives, club leaders, volunteers, team captains, and leaders among the community. This course aims to provide Big Green athletes with the skills and training necessary to be effective leaders on and off the field.
At Deerfield, our definition of leadership focuses on a state of being and actions, not necessarily on a ranking or title. Through case studies and the analysis of leaders, coaches, and athletes, we will discuss the responsibilities associated with being a team leader, the qualities of effective leadership, and one’s own role within a larger group. We will equip students with the skills required to be mentally and physically tough, hold teammates accountable to a set of standards, and encourage difficult, yet necessary, conversations with peers. We will also discuss the negative side of leadership: how to deal with failure, defeat, and inequality. By the conclusion of the course, students will have learned how to become effective leaders both in the community and on a global stage.
The LEAD course will include 10 classes and take place in the 2025-2026 Winter Term during the Thursday Community Time from 10:05 to 10:50 am. The first class will be on Thursday, November 13. Aside from mandatory academic conflicts, students accepted to LEAD will be expected to attend every session.
Submit your LEAD application here. All applications are due by November 1.