Lehigh University Athletics
Graf's leadership all in a day's work
9/28/2010 5:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- For some, leadership is something you are born with; something you don't have to work for to attain. Others, like Lehigh senior James Graf, view the concept of leadership as something far greater. As a two-year captain of the Mountain Hawks' men's soccer team, Graf strives to be the best leader he can through a relentless work ethic and a dedication to bettering himself and those around him. Ask his coaches or teammates and they will all tell you the same thing: Graf earns respect by being the hardest-working individual day in and day out. “Work harder than everyone else and you'll be respected and rewarded,” Lehigh men's soccer coach Dean Koski says. “James is that kind of leader. His teammates look up to him because he doesn't give any lip-service, he just does it the way it should be done.”
The way it should be done, according to Graf, is to make sure he sets the right example for his teammates. After all, if everyone else sees him busting his butt in practice and in games, it becomes much easier for his team to follow suit.
“I believe one of the best traits a good team captain should have is always being the hardest worker in practice and games,” Graf explains. “A good team always needs someone that brings a full effort every time they play to push the team towards becoming the best they can be.”
His teammates agree.
“James is very demanding of himself,” junior back Jordie Ciuffetelli explains. “That makes it easier for us as teammates to demand just as much from ourselves.”
According to Graf, his skills as a leader have been somewhat of a work in progress over the years. That's not to say that his leadership has ever been in question – because it hasn't – but rather that over time, his ability to lead has aged and matured like a fine wine.
“I have always been a leader by example but there are certain aspects of leadership that I've learned over time,” Graf admits. “Communication skills and being able to put other people before you is definitely something that developed over time. That's just a part of growing up, which leads me to believe that being a leader is not something fully innate.”
The Schwenksville, Pa. native traces his ability to lead to a combination of relationships that he had as a young man. On the one hand, he credits a great deal of his personal manner to a youth soccer coach who instilled in him the virtues of responsibility. On the other hand, he is quick to point out that his family also played an integral role in forming his character.
“At a young age, my youth coach, who coached me for almost eight years, always put a lot of responsibility on me in leading my team,” Graf admits. “I guess I was sort of an apprentice to him in becoming a leader because when you have to deal with the responsibility of always doing the right thing and exemplifying good virtues, it begins to become a part of you. That forced me to grow as a leader.”
He continues, “My biggest inspiration is definitely my parents. They have played the largest role in shaping who I am as a person. I wouldn't be where I am now without them. Also, having an older brother and sister helped engrain a certain competitiveness within me.”
This competitive nature helps fuel the fire behind Graf's tireless work ethic, which translates off the field as much as it does in practice and in games. “James loves hanging out with the team and building team chemistry on and off the field,” Ciuffetelli says. “He knows there is much more to a team than being able to play soccer together.”
Koski echoes the sentiment, “James does all the things a Lehigh student-athlete should be doing. He goes to class, participates, does his work and gets good grades. He also stays involved with Lehigh athletics by attending other sports contests and spending time with other athletes.”
Koski is particularly impressed with Graf's ability to communicate the feelings of his team to the coaches when he meets with the staff each week. “He is responsible, thoughtful in his manner and words and confident in his presentation,” Koski says. “He represents his teammates as well as any captain I've ever had.”
Pretty lofty words considering Koski has seen his fair share of captains in his 19-year career with Lehigh.
“It's important to have an open mind and good communication skills,” Graf explains. “A team needs to have the ability to express itself to keep the camaraderie and morale up. You need players to trust you and be able to talk to you.”
Graf's work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed among Lehigh's other sporting circles either. This summer, Graf decided to workout with several football players in a grueling exercise program. His commitment was immediately noticed and respected.
“James worked out with the football players because, for one, he could handle it,” Koski says. “And two, they valued his commitment and work ethic.”
A sociology and social psychology major, Graf “always has his mind right,” according to Ciuffetelli. “He stays on me mentally so that I stay focused for entire games. Playing with James has made me a better player.”
For Graf, it's all in a day's work.
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