In the summer before his senior year of high school my son kept talking about how excited he was to be captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team in his senior year.  I finally said to him, "You know, you haven't officially been named captain. What happens if you're not made captain?"  Without any hesitation or concern he replied, "That's ok. I can still be a leader."
What's challenging is that a leader can't be made, you can only provide an environment that allows and encourages a leader to sprout and grow.  Team sports are good for that.  And what a glorious parental moment when our children show that they get it.
Thanks, Heather, for another great post!