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

Notre Dame Mendoze MBA Admissions