Army West Point Athletics
From the Desk of AD #31
September 04, 2025 | General
Hello Army West Point Community,
Welcome to another edition of From the Desk of the AD – a platform from my perspective to keep you informed, engaged, and connected with everything happening in Army West Point Athletics and the Army West Point Athletic Association. Through this message, I'll be sharing important department updates, celebrating the accomplishments of our outstanding cadet-athletes, and offering insights into the dynamic world of college athletics. All of this is grounded in the four pillars of our Fruits of Victory strategic plan: Competitive Success, Delivering an Extraordinary Division I Experience, Public Engagement and Revenue Generation, and Sustainability.
Cadet Heroism — National News
Sophomore cadet and football player Larry Pickett Jr. demonstrated remarkable courage and composure when he sprang into action during a dangerous incident, assisting in the rescue of an individual from a crashed vehicle near a live power line. His swift response and level-headedness under pressure captured national media attention and served as a powerful example of the Army Warrior Ethos in action.
— U.S. Military Academy at West Point (@WestPoint_USMA) September 1, 2025
Good Luck to Our Teams This WeekendÂ
This week marks an exciting stretch for several of our programs. Volleyball, led by head coach Alma Kovaci Lee, opens its home season at Gillis Field House, while Mark West and Sprint Football and Jenn Salomon-Clayton with Women's Rugby get their fall campaigns underway here at West Point! On the road, Matt Sherman and Men's Rugby kick off their season, ready to build on last year's momentum. Best of luck to all our cadet-athletes as they begin their journeys this fall! Football travels to Kansas State for a primetime matchup on ESPN on Saturday night.Â
Football Season Opener & Fan Experience
This past weekend, we proudly kicked off the football season at Michie Stadium. The energy throughout the stadium was electric, and it felt great to be back. The spirited presence and leadership of the Brigade helped set the tone for what promises to be an exciting fall.
While the result on the scoreboard wasn't what we had hoped for, the atmosphere reflected the continued progress we're making to elevate the game-day experience. From the upgraded Levy concessions to the interactive fan activations around the stadium, fans were able to enjoy a refreshed and engaging environment
As part of these enhancements, we've also introduced the sale of alcoholic beverages at football games. This practice, now standard at many collegiate venues across the country, is part of our broader commitment to improving the fan experience. Alcohol sales are strictly regulated, and cadets are not permitted access.
We know there is still more work to do to meet the high standards we've set. Thank you to all who took part in our recent fan survey - your feedback is essential and deeply appreciated. We're committed to listening, learning, and making meaningful improvements each week to deliver the best possible experience for our fans at Michie.
This Week in Army Football
Join Coach Jeff Monken and host Rich DeMarco live from the First Class Club each Monday at 7 p.m. during game weeks. The next show is Monday, Sept. 15. Watch on YouTube or listen via the Varsity Network app and local radio affiliates.
Soccer Success
Congratulations to Women's Soccer for their thrilling victory over rival Air Force, and to Men's Soccer for defeating the Big Ten's Penn State! It marked three straight wins over Air Force for women's soccer. Keep it going, Coach Chao and Plotkin!!!Â
Come check them out in action at West Point soon!Â
Branch Week FunÂ
Our teams stopped by Branch Week to check out their future Army branches and snap some cool photos along the way. Cadet-athletes got a firsthand look at life after West Point.
Shout out to our rifle team for this awesome photo!!
Â
— Tom Theodorakis (@TT_Army_AD) August 25, 2025
The Fruits of Victory on Display
If you've been around our athletic facilities recently, you may have noticed new banners and signage proudly showcasing the Fruits of Victory — our department's strategic plan that drives Army West Point Athletics forward.
These visuals are more than just decoration; they're daily reminders of the goals, values, and vision that unite our cadet-athletes, coaches, and staff. From the moment you step into our venues, you'll see the Fruits of Victory guiding our pursuit of excellence in competition, character, and leadership.
As we continue to invest in our facilities and programs, these signs serve as a visible testament to our mission: building leaders of character who embody the Warrior Ethos and represent the Long Gray Line with pride.
Congratulations to Matthew Caldwell '02
West Point graduate Matthew Caldwell has been named the new CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA). Caldwell steps into this position after leading as President & CEO of the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers.
New USAA CEO Visit
Juan C. Andrade, new President and CEO of USAA, visited West Point to meet with USMA and athletic department leaders, reinforcing USAA's long-standing support of Army Athletics and its commitment to leadership development.Â
BLACK KNIGHT FRIDAY'S
Army West Point Athletics has recently launched "Black Knight Fridays," a new tradition encouraging fans everywhere to wear Black Knight gear every Friday. Show your pride year-round — and see how our community is already joining in below!
1. Wear the Army Black and Gold on Friday.Â
2. Use the hashtag #WearArmyBlackAndGoldÂ
3. Spread the word!
#WearArmyBlackandGold pic.twitter.com/L1HK66DcVw
— Michelle Piasecki (@MickyPie24) August 22, 2025
 #WearArmyBlackandGold pic.twitter.com/gDQrK6vsmC
— Brett Rorie (@BrettRorie) August 29, 2025
THANK YOU
I'd ask you to continue to do what you can to support Army West Point Athletics and our cadet-athletes by:
• Planning to attend athletics events and competitions this fall – home and on the road!
• Purchasing season tickets, joining the Army A Club, and identifying a corporate partner
• Get others to do the same
Tom Theodorakis
Director of Athletics
Army West Point
Email:Â AthleticDirector@WestPoint.edu
X: @TT_Army_AD