In this episode, Alec Emmert interviews Eric Goins, a veteran and current student at Notre Dame pursuing an MBA and a master's in Global Affairs. Eric shares his journey from the Citadel, where he balanced academics, athletics, and military training, to his experiences in the Army, including the challenges he faced in Ranger School. He discusses the importance of resilience, the impact of his military training on his personal growth, and his decision to return to college football while pursuing higher education. Eric shares his unique journey from serving in the Army to pursuing his dream of playing football at Notre Dame. He reflects on the challenges and decisions he faced along the way, including his aspirations to teach and the emotional experience of joining the football team. Eric discusses the transition from being an underdog to playing for a prestigious program and emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief in navigating life's challenges.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Eric Goins
02:58 Journey to the Citadel
06:11 Football Experience at the Citadel
08:53 Transitioning to the Army
11:59 Overcoming Adversity in Ranger School
14:59 Branch Detailing and Career Path
17:52 Life Lessons from Military Training
21:07 Decision to Leave the Army and Pursue Education
28:32 Journey to the Army and Football Dreams
32:49 Transitioning to Notre Dame and Teaching Aspirations
34:26 The Decision to Walk-On to Notre Dame Football
40:45 Emotional Journey of Joining the Team
48:53 From Underdog to Goliath: The Notre Dame Experience
54:47 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Reflections
Additional Resources