The Department of Leader Development and Research (LDR) conducts a two-day Leader Development Encounter in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for U.S. Naval Academy varsity team captains. The Leader Development Encounter is set against the backdrop of one of the most significant military engagements in our nation's history to facilitate an immersive experience for incoming varsity team captains to convey meaning, purpose, and operationalization of athletic team leadership at USNA. During the academic year and competitive seasons, the LDR Department facilitates team captain leader development through team captain seminars and reflection on the unique challenges presented as well as the opportunities these exceptional leaders provide to the Brigade of midshipmen.