Jun 10, 2025 · 59 min
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