Captain Kirk Urso: A Legacy of Leadership

Jeff Janssen, Carolina Leadership Academy

Compelled, Compassionate, Humble, Servant, Appreciative, Passionate, Purposeful

Some people have the special ability to lift themselves, others, and teams to a higher level. We call them leaders.

Kirk Urso earned the title of "LEADER" and then some. He exemplified and epitomized leadership on and off the field.

I can remember early on Kirk's passion for his UNC men's soccer team. He and his team came so close to winning a national championship several times during his career as the Tar Heels advanced to the College Cup in each of his first three seasons.

Captain Kirk was not going to be denied his senior year. He was a man on a mission. He was compelled to win a championship. Not for himself - but for his TEAM.

Captain Kirk was both a Leader by Example and a Vocal Leader. He led by his words and backed it up by his deeds. He trained with a relentless work ethic. He inspired and built a coalition of like-minded leaders. He challenged and supported his teammates. He created a culture of success.

And finally and fittingly in his senior season, inspired by his leadership, Captain Kirk and his UNC men's soccer team won the NCAA national championship. He said proudly, "My whole college career has been awesome, but there was something extra about this team. To cap it off with this is something I'm going to remember the rest of my life."

Shockingly and sadly, the rest of Kirk's life was just a mere 8 months...

It is said that if you are still alive your purpose here on Earth is not yet complete. The only way I can make sense of Kirk's untimely passing is that he completed his purpose in life.

Kirk lived a life of purpose and accomplished more in his 22 years than most accomplish in a more traditional lifetime of 82 years. Kirk's short yet significant life is an excellent example for all of us of a life well-lived. It was one filled with passion and purpose.

Captain Kirk, you taught us how to lead. Captain Kirk, you taught us how to live. While your work is unfinished, your life was complete.

It is our job now to honor your legacy of leadership and apply your example. By leading like you - compelled, compassionate, humble, servant, appreciative, and with tremendous passion and purpose - your spirit will live on through so many of us who you inspired and impacted.