On September 8, 2025, San Antonio Academy welcomed back alumnus First Lieutenant Will Tucker, class of 2015, for Alumni Monday. During his presentation, he addressed the boys, sharing lessons learned from his time as a student and his journey as a leader in the U.S. Army.

Will attended The Academy from sixth through eighth grade after his family moved from Corpus Christi. He reflected on the challenges of transitioning to a new school and the lifelong friendships he built through the bond of brotherhood. He credited his sponsor and classmates with helping him feel at home and emphasized the importance of community in times of change. After SAA, Will graduated from Saint Mary's Hall, where he excelled in lacrosse. 

Will highlighted his failures in theater, sports, and leadership, framing each as an opportunity for growth. From forgetting his lines during an eighth-grade audition to struggling on the lacrosse field, he reminded students that preparation and persistence matter more than talent. “Embarrassing yourself over and over again is the only way to get better,” he told them. This was illustrated by his decision to pursue new experiences when he moved to California to attend and graduate from UCLA.

On leadership, Will urged students to shift their focus from themselves to those they serve. Sharing a humorous memory of secretly trimming younger cadets’ hair before inspection, he underscored that true leadership is about raising the standard and caring for others.

Now an Army platoon leader and a reservist, Will said the lessons he learned at The Academy still shape his priorities. “It’s not about me—it’s about my guys,” he explained, encouraging the older boys to practice the same mindset with their younger peers.

In closing, he challenged middle schoolers to take risks and try new things, even if it means failing. “This is a special place to fail,” he said. “Lose those inhibitions, get after it, and really stink at something. You’ll be surprised by what you learn.”

About Alumni Mondays: Each Monday, we welcome an Academy alumnus to speak to SAA boys during chapel. During this presentation, our alumni speakers share meaningful stories and lessons from their days at SAA. View Alumni Monday Showcase