From the Desk of AD #31

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.

The new academic year is officially underway! Cadets are back in class, and fall sports are already in action. It's been an energetic start to the year, and I'm excited to share several key updates with you in this edition.

Black Knight Awards
One of the highlights of every year is coming together to celebrate the best of Army West Point Athletics at the Black Knight Awards, presented by USAA. It's a special night where we recognize not only athletic achievement, but also the leadership, character, and service that make our cadet-athletes stand out.

This year, our Team of the Year honor — the Class of 1970 MacArthur Cup — went to Men's Swimming & Diving. Their season was nothing short of historic: capturing the program's first Patriot League title in 24 years, defeating Navy, and sending multiple athletes to the NCAA Championships. Freshman Johnny Crush and junior Kohen Rankin both qualified individually, while also helping power our 400-medley relay team to a 15th-place finish nationally — earning the first All-American honors in that event in program history.

It was an unforgettable reminder of the excellence happening across all of our programs!

We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024-25 season with our annual Black Knight Awards this week ??

Award Winners ? https://t.co/ypiefKesSL pic.twitter.com/CxT5TwHYpC
— ArmyWestPoint Sports (@GoArmyWestPoint) August 19, 2025

Back in Action

Our fall teams have wasted no time getting started. Both men's and women's soccer are underway with their leadership and energy embodying what it means to represent West Point at the Division I level, and I'm proud of the way our cadet-athletes continue to set the standard on and off the field. I can't wait to support the soccer doubleheader on Thursday as the men's team kicks off its season at 4 p.m. vs. Fairfield, and then the women's team takes on Air Force at 7 p.m. from Malek Stadium!! Show up and support our two programs!!

Men's Soccer schedule
Women's Soccer schedule

New Tradition: Black Knight Fridays

We're launching a new tradition—Black Knight Fridays—starting this Friday, August 22! Every week, we encourage our community—fans, alumni, cadets, and staff—to wear Army West Point apparel as a show of Black Knight pride. It's a simple but powerful way to unite us and elevate the Bear, Black, and Gold nationwide. Be sure to tag your looks on social media and help make this a lasting tradition across the Long Gray Line.

March Back

The March Back tradition remains one of the most symbolic events of the West Point experience. This year's event was no different, as the Class of 2029 "held the line," completing their journey from Cadet Basic Training and officially beginning their four-year experience at the Academy. Many Athletics staff members and I made the 13-mile hike alongside them in support! The motto for the Class of 2029 is "Hold The Line." This motto was displayed for the first time during their March Back, symbolizing unity and continuity among cadets.

SAMI
As part of the Academy's unique traditions, cadets recently completed a Saturday AM Inspection (SAMI). It's always impressive to see their discipline and attention to detail shine through — qualities that serve them just as much in the classroom and on the field as in the barracks.

A-Day
Acceptance Day (A-Day) marked a major milestone for the Class of 2028, as they officially joined the Corps of Cadets. This powerful ceremony, full of history and meaning, reaffirms the commitment of our newest cadets to the Long Gray Line.

This week, we celebrated the affirmation of our nine fantastic cow cadet-athletes!

A big milestone for the Class of 2027! pic.twitter.com/Ccilrme2a5

— Army Baseball (@ArmyWP_Baseball) August 20, 2025

Hall of Fame Class of 2025
We're thrilled to announce the newest members of the Army West Point Hall of Fame. This year's class highlights the incredible history of success and service that defines Black Knights athletics. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, September 19th. You can read the full release and learn more about the honorees.

Black Rifle Coffee Partnership
We're proud to share the news of an expanded partnership with Black Rifle Coffee, furthering our mission to provide extraordinary experiences for our cadet-athletes and fans. This collaboration reflects our shared values and commitment to excellence.

Read more in the official release

Army Partners with DIRECTV
Army West Point is proud to be part of a new multi-year collaboration with DIRECT V, joining Duke, Ohio State, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas. Through this partnership, DIRECTV will use Army's logos and marks in national campaigns and create fan engagement opportunities across football, basketball, and more.

This alliance provides another platform to share the Army story on a national stage while connecting fans everywhere to the excellence of our cadet-athletes.

National Security Spotlight at West Point

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Superintendent's Awards Convocation, where Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine joined our Dean, Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves, for a fireside chat on national security. The discussion, in front of the Corps of Cadets, faculty, alumni, families, and supporters, highlighted the evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the importance of defense innovation, and the capabilities needed for the next generation of warfighters.

Gen. Caine spoke directly to our cadets about their future roles as leaders in the Joint Force, recognizing their commitment to selfless service and the critical responsibility they will shoulder after graduation. It was inspiring to see our cadets engage with the nation's highest-ranking military officer on the issues that will define the future of our security.

2025 Football Media Guide

The 2025 Army West Point Football Media Guide is now available. Packed with history, records, and features on this year's team, it's a must-read for any Black Knights supporter. Do you have your tickets for Friday, August 29th, yet? TICKETS

You can access the guide here.

Upcoming Schedule and Results

Our fall sports are getting under way!

Take a look at the competitions coming up this week for our Black Knights! pic.twitter.com/DNUG97P13P

— ArmyWestPoint Sports (@GoArmyWestPoint) August 18, 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: AthleticDirector@WestPoint.edu
X: @TT_Army_AD

Army West Point Athletics

New Tradition: Black Knight Fridays

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