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: cody_moore@roundrockisd.org

COACH 360 IS PRESENTED BY: 2Words Character Development

Interested in connecting or taking the next step with 2Words Character Development? Let us know! Email Colton Leonard at: Colton@2words.tv Visit http://www.2words.tv/preview to learn more and for a free week of the curriculum.

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