“Trust, Commitment, And Love”: Son Of An Army Family, Captain Of An Army Team

Nolan Green was raised in an Army family. Both of his parents, Wayne (USMA 87) and Tara (USMA 94), graduated from West Point. He lived around the world, but considers West Point his home because he has spent eight years of his life at the Academy, both as a high school student and as a Cadet. Nolan grew up with his older brother Jason (USMA 20) and his two younger sisters. He attended James I. O’Neill High School and took advantage of many opportunities in classes and clubs, and by his senior year he was the captain of the soccer team. Even though West Point was always a part of his life, he considered going to college elsewhere to “do something different,” but then realized that even at the Academy he could chart his own path. He majored in Geography and Environmental Engineering and really enjoyed the variety of classes offered in the “Dirt” Department. Like his brother, he joined the Rugby team, although he admits that a fear of failure almost kept him from trying. By his senior year, he was elected team captain by his peers and appreciated the opportunity to develop his leadership, working closely with Coach Sherman to build a winning team. In the spring of 2022, the Rugby Team won their first national championship. Upon commissioning, Nolan will branch Armor and his first assignment is Ft. Bliss, Texas. In this interview, Nolan talks about his childhood and his West Point experiences. He reflects upon how he changed as a Cadet, highlighting areas where he grew as a person and as a leader. He discusses the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing how he and Jason returned from a Rugby trip to California that was cut short, and then spent the rest of the semester living at home with their family. He describes how the Cadets were brought back to West Point in the middle of the pandemic to lead Beast Barracks for the Class of 24. Finally, he shares what West Point means to him.