“Yup, I’m In… I’m Going To West Point”: A Hockey Team Captain Commits To The Military Academy And The Army

Michael Sacco was born in November 1999 and grew up in Syosset, New York, with his older brother and two younger brothers. His father, David, works in commercial flooring construction and his mother, Christina, is an elementary school teacher who works with special needs students. Growing up, Michael and his brothers were into “all types of sports” and were always playing together, occasionally checking each other into the basement walls while playing indoor hockey with mini sticks. In high school, Michael played lacrosse but became increasingly serious with his hockey, playing on a travel team throughout the year. He started playing defense, but soon gravitated to center, a position that better suited his size and style of play. After graduating from high school in 2017 he played Junior League hockey for the Canadian Alberni Valley Bulldogs, the Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, and the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton (PA) Knights. While in Texas, Coach McKelvie scouted him and, after a visit to West Point, Michael committed to the Academy as soon as the coaches made an offer (he did not even need to think it over). His years playing junior hockey helped improve his game, increase his speed, and work on his weaknesses. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he returned home to Syosset and his close-knit Italian family. He reported to the Prep School with the Class of ’21, and COVID restrictions kept the Cadet Candidates sequestered on the USMAPS grounds until Christmas. He worked on time-management skills and appreciated the honest feedback from his instructors. To keep physically fit, he joined the USMAPS Lacrosse team, and key injuries elevated him to a starting position. In the summer of 2021, he reported for R-Day at the Military Academy and felt more prepared than he had been the year before. He majored in Law and Legal Studies, influenced by Marshall Plunkett (USMA ’22), and enjoyed the rigorous academic program because “doing hard things is the purpose” of the Academy. Through his major, he was able to complete an AIAD in Washington D.C. with the Secret Service. He enjoyed field training, especially the team-oriented CLDT, and did “pretty well” militarily. He feels that the physical pillar is his strength. He completed CTLT at Ft. Cavasos with an Air Defense unit, and felt that his sponsor Lieutenant set a good example. At the Academy he is in Company C1, which he describes as a “great company.” When he was a Cow, he was selected to be the Hockey Team Captain, and appreciates the culture of “hard work and grit” on the team. He views his mandate as holding others accountable. He likes working for Coach Riley, who “challenges you, believes in you, and demands excellence,” and Coach McKelvie, who “makes time for you, always,” noting they have had a tremendous impact on him. This season’s five rivalry victories (4 victories against Air Force and one against RMC) are memorable highlights of his career. He discusses the NCAA transfer portal and notes that, in a way, it works to West Point’s advantage because where other colleges get players constantly transferring in, the Cadets play with the same teammates for 4 or 5 years, building a great team unity. He describes the Academy culture and hockey culture as mutually supportive, both being gritty and tough, and he notes that Cadets stick together – “[we’re] not afraid to fight.” He branched Infantry and is looking forward to the challenges, the team environment, and being “the best Platoon Leader I can be.” “Be in shape” is the advice he offers young people looking at the Academy, and “have a positive outlook and be a good teammate.” Reflecting on what West Point means to him, he says he “can’t describe the impact,” and notes that the relationships and bonds he's developed are extremely important. He is committed to something bigger than himself, and looks forward to a lifetime of service to the nation.