As he prepares for his first season at the helm of Navy Men's Soccer, Coach John Hackworth sat down to interview with the Navy Letterwinners Association. Coach Hackworth speaks about winning culture, recruiting, and the recent World Cup.
Letterwinners: What are your first impressions working with the Midshipmen?
Coach Hackworth: There certainly are challenges compared to my previous experiences in college athletics, but I also understand why. The Naval Academy is unique and the demands placed on midshipmen extend far beyond the soccer field. Those expectations are much greater than at most schools and I've come to really admire what every midshipman is asked to accomplish. It's been a tremendous learning experience and I've gained a great appreciation for what it takes to succeed here.
Letterwinners: What major changes, if any, do you plan to instill in Navy Men's Soccer?
Coach Hackworth: The ultimate goal is to return Navy Soccer to consistently competing for championships. What's been encouraging is that many of the foundational pieces are already in place. I've been impressed by the locker room culture, the passion of our alumni, and the overall support surrounding the program. Those aren't things that need to be fixed, but strengths that we can continue to build upon. Our challenge is to maximize those strengths and create an environment that consistently produces winning soccer.
Letterwinners: How was meeting your first recruits during Plebe Summer?
Coach Hackworth: The Plebe Summer Induction Ceremony gave me an even greater appreciation for what makes the Naval Academy so special. People had described the emotions and the experience beforehand, but until I saw it firsthand, I couldn't fully understand it. Watching the plebes and their families go through that transition was incredibly meaningful. My role isn't to make the experience extraordinary; it's to support them through it. It was inspiring and another reminder of how unique this place truly is.
Letterwinners: What changes are you making to the recruiting process?
Coach Hackworth: We're implementing a recruiting process that reflects how our staff wants to evaluate talent, build relationships, and ultimately bring the right student-athletes to Annapolis. We also have to recruit with championship expectations. This program has won a national championship and has a history unlike any other service academy or Patriot League program. We have a winning standard and it's our responsibility to communicate that vision to recruits. Recruiting here is as much about education as evaluation. We're introducing prospective student-athletes to what life as a midshipman is really like: the opportunities, the challenges, and the incredible experience of attending the Naval Academy. When recruits understand that, they see how special this place can be.
Letterwinners: If you had attended the Naval Academy, what would have been your Service Assignment?
Coach Hackworth: I think I would have wanted to become either a naval aviator or a Navy SEAL. I've always been drawn to environments that demand resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under pressure. Both of those paths embody those qualities. I've also developed a tremendous respect for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), especially after learning how many Navy Soccer alumni have pursued that career field. The level of skill and courage required is incredible. But if I had to choose, I'd probably still lean toward becoming either a pilot or a SEAL.
Letterwinners: As a previous coach in the U.S. National Team system, what did you think of the recent World Cup?
Coach Hackworth: I thought the World Cup was a tremendous success. The level of competition was outstanding and it reinforced how much the global game has grown. I was able to attend a few games. One of the biggest surprises for me was watching Cape Verde compete at such a high level against teams like Spain and Argentina. It was a reminder that in soccer, it's 11 players on the field and regardless of a country's size, talent, organization, and belief can allow any team to compete. That mindset applies here at Navy as well. Success isn't determined by size or resources. It's built on having the right people, the right culture, and a commitment to excellence.
Letterwinners: What do the Navy alumni mean to your program?
Coach Hackworth: Everything! Building this program takes the support of our alumni and I've already experienced how invested they are in its success. Whether it's attending matches, mentoring our players, connecting with recruits, or providing financial support, they play a vital role in helping us move the program forward. Their passion for Navy Soccer is one of this program's greatest strengths and we're excited to build on that together.
