When people think of leadership on a basketball team, many lean towards the good communicators, the loudest in the gym during practice, or the unifying captain of the team. The players that sometimes go unnoticed are the “quiet captains”, the ones who lead without saying much. For the Hamilton Boys Basketball team, that player is Andrew Plockmeyer. Leadership doesn’t always have to be loud; Andrew’s leadership style is by example…
Plockemeyer directing the play
At the start of this year’s basketball season, the Hamilton Boys Basketball team gained several new players while only having two returners. With all the new faces, we didn’t know what to expect with this season, and Andrew was a key factor in surprising the Hamilton Community. He is a 6’5 center who has a variety of different skills and play styles.
Andrew not only can score in the paint, but he is also a respected three-point shooter on the team. But what stands out about Andrew is not just his play style; it is his ability to lead primarily through actions. Andrew describes his leadership as “leading by actions,” which can be more impactful than words at times. Most people wouldn’t consider him a team leader, but if you pay close attention to how he carries himself, it is easy to think that he is.
Andrew Plockemeyer, catching his breath:
If you ask Google what the key aspects of leadership are, it will tell you that leadership is the ability to inspire a shared vision. This directly correlates to Andrew’s style of leadership because his character and consistency are what influence the rest of his teammates. Head Coach Nick Kronemeyer added, “His teammates find joy playing with him as Andrew consistently brings positive energy and has a desire to compete.”
His teammate Carter Hickok had some words to say as well. He said, “Whenever our team is down, he always lifts us back up.” Even when the team isn’t performing well, Andrew continues to lead by example and therefore inspires the shared vision. This is why he is considered a “quiet captain.”
“I think when I lead by example, by trying hard in practice or in games, it can impact team culture. It can do this by influencing how other people practice or play, then this could lead to our culture improving because everyone is trying their best,” said Plockemeyer.
Overall, Andrew’s impact on the team has already been a big part of their success, and I believe he will continue to do this for the rest of the season. In a loud gym, his leadership is found in the quiet moments.