Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Sammy Sullivan, a West Point graduate and member of the USA Women’s Olympic Rugby 7’s team! She shares her unexpected journey to West Point to discover a passion for rugby, Sammy's story is one of determination and resilience. Listen in as she recounts the unique experience of applying to West Point alongside her twin brother, both of whom were accepted, and how the supportive environment of the rugby team, encouraged by her father, led her to excel in a sport she had never previously considered.

Sammy is a graduate of Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, NC, Sammy first found rugby while attending Army West Point, one of the premier collegiate rugby programs. Sullivan was introduced to the game at Athletic Day, during basic training and thought she would give it a try, following in the footsteps of her father who also played. Rising through the rugby ranks, Sullivan was honored with the 2019 Prusmack Award, recognizing the top collegiate sevens athletes in the nation.

As part of the World Class Athlete Program, an initiative promoting active service members through sports careers, Sullivan followed graduation by entering the Women's Premier League, sparking an impressive start to her fifteens career that resulted in a roster invite to the 2022 Pacific Four Series with the USA Women's Eagles, debuting against Canada in June of that year.

Sullivan's skill set also caught the eye of the USA Women's Sevens, drawing her back to the sevens pitch and USA residency in the latter half of 2022. Sullivan would make her USA Sevens National Team debut during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, before making her World Rugby Sevens Series debut in Dubai that December. Becoming one of only a few Eagle to debut in both disciplines in the same year.

In this episode, Sammy opens up about the rigorous training regimen of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) and the balance between her intense athletic pursuits and military duties. She provides valuable insights into maintaining a healthy relationship with nutrition and finding time for personal hobbies. Additionally, Sammy shares her advice for young girls chasing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of taking leaps of faith and seeking support. With stories of resilience, inter-gender boxing classes, and the dream of returning to West Point with an Olympic gold medal, this conversation is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system.

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Key Quote:

“The advice I would give to those girls is to take the leap of faith because a lot of my life experiences, applying to West Point, trying for a spot on the USA Rugby team and ultimately getting named to the Olympic team, switching over to rugby has all been leaps of faith. I would encourage them, one door closing is, is another door opening for you and to continue to take up space and go for what you want, and let those around you, know your goals because ultimately you can try to get somewhere on your own, but it's so much better and so much sweeter when you have the help of, of those around you pushing you and encouraging you.”

- Sammy Sullivan

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(00:42) Sammy's Journey to West Point

(03:26) Transition from Soccer to Rugby

(06:33) Life at West Point and Rugby Experience

(08:38) Post-Graduation and WCAP Journey

(17:58) Balancing Life and Training

(22:29) Challenges and Motivation

(31:54) Advice for Aspiring Athletes

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Learn more about Sammy

Support Team USA Women’s Rugby 7s team

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career of Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, beginning with his formative years in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and his decision to attend West Point. Eikenberry shares how a pivotal encounter with Major Tom Griffin, along with the unwavering support of his parents and a dedicated congressman, led him to the United States Military Academy. At West Point, he distinguished himself as a dedicated cadet, excelling in economics and Mandarin Chinese, which played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of international affairs.

Karl Eikenberry is the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and a retired Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army. He is a faculty member at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University. Ambassador Eikenberry also serves on the board of Asia Society Northern California. Previously, he was the Director of the U.S.-Asia Security Initiative at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University and an affiliate with several of Stanford’s research centers. His military career spanned thirty-five years, during which he held various command and staff positions in the U.S., Hawaii, Korea, Italy, and Afghanistan.

Eikenberry’s early military career unfolded during a challenging time for the U.S. Army, transitioning from the Vietnam War era to a volunteer force. He discusses his leadership experiences on the Korean Peninsula and with the 1st Ranger Battalion, highlighting the lessons learned about maintaining high standards and effective leadership. The conversation then shifts to his extensive involvement with China, detailing his early visits and role as an assistant army attaché in Beijing, and emphasizing the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China.

Finally, we discuss Eikenberry's tenure as the Commander of Combined Forces in Afghanistan and his subsequent appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. He reflects on the complexities of leading coalition forces and the transition from military to diplomatic roles. The episode also covers his academic pursuits, contributions to national security through think tanks, and the invaluable role of networking and continuous learning. Eikenberry concludes by sharing his admiration for the young leaders at the U.S. Military Academy, expressing hope for the future through their dedication and enthusiasm.

Key Quote:

“With your time in the academy, if you use this well then what you're doing is you're developing a network of resources of analysts, of people that are the professors, those that have gone back and forth from the world of policy to the academy itself. And these are a group of people that if you try to keep the networks alive, it's really going to be a good investment for you professionally. Too many times that I look back in my life where I was in a very difficult situation, a very difficult problem where I'm reaching out on the phone or by email or texting to a particular professor that I knew several years ago, but I've stayed in touch with. And they're able to come and give me some best advice here.”

-Ambassador Karl Eikenberry

Episode Timestamps:

00:27 Ambassador Eikenberry’s Journey to West Point

03:29 Life as a Cadet

08:37 Formative Military Experiences

13:56 US-China Relations

18:04 Command in Afghanistan

22:12 Transition to Diplomacy

31:15 Academic Contributions and Networking

Learn more about Ambassador Eikenberry

In this episode, COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, and Izzy Wolf, Alumni Services Manager discuss the impact of the 2024 Founders Day events and why they are critical for strengthening the Grip of the Long Gray Line.

COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91 graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After commissioning as an Infantry officer, he served for over 28 years in the U.S. Army, holding leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels. Mark deployed twice to Iraq and was awarded the Silver Star for valorous actions. Now, as the President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, he is dedicated to connecting and serving the alumni community.

Izzy Wolf has been with the West Point alumni network for over five years, working as the Alumni Services Manager. She plays a crucial role in supporting the West Point society groups and special interest groups, helping to strengthen the connections among graduates and their shared commitment to the Academy's values.

During the episode, Mark delves into the rich history of the West Point Association of Graduates, which dates back to its inception in 1825 by Robert Anderson and its formal establishment in 1869. He discusses the mission of the AOG to serve West Point and its alumni, striving to become the most connected alumni body globally. Izzy shares insights into her role, highlighting how she supports various societies and interest groups, fostering a strong and engaged alumni community.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the vibrant Founders Day celebrations held across the country and even in Thailand. These events celebrate new cadets, support older graduates and surviving spouses, and showcase the unique touches each society brings to their gatherings. Mark and Izzy emphasize the importance of these events in connecting graduates and preserving the legacy of West Point and its alumni. Tune in to learn more about the dynamic West Point alumni community and the exciting plans for the upcoming Founders Day celebrations!

Key Quote:

“It goes back again to, our presence, the association's presence at those events are really tied directly again to our mission and vision. We're there to serve. We're there to communicate the incredible programs and services and activities inside of alumni support. Here in our organization that are ideally for the benefit of all of our graduates, but we're here to serve and we're here to connect. So, our presence at those locations, one, we, consider ourselves guests of the society, um, and, very special visitors, but, again, we're there to, serve and connect.”

- COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91

(00:34) The Mission, Vision, and Impact of WPAOG

(07:50) The Global Reach of Founders Day Events

(19:00) Engaging with Your Local AOG

(23:40) Lasting Impacts of Founders Day

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Connect with Mark Beiger

Connect with Izzy