Chess teaches us what about the NFL Draft?

A Note from the CEO

This month, I had the opportunity to lead a leadership development session for the Carnegie Mellon University Football coaching staff. One of my favorite exercises we use in Queenside’s leadership programs for athletes is asking a simple but powerful question: “If you were a chess piece, which one would you be?”

I ask this question because chess teaches us that every piece has a role — and that understanding your strengths, style, and strategic potential is critical both on the board and on the field. It sparks conversations about leadership, self-awareness, and how players and coaches see themselves within a larger team dynamic.

During the session, one of the coaches shared something that really resonated: he said rookies are like pawns. I loved hearing that because not only did he immediately recognize the connection between chess and sports, but he also captured the exact reason I pose that question in the first place. Rookies, like pawns, may start small — underestimated by some — but with time, resilience, and the right development, they can transform into game-changing stars. In chess, a pawn that reaches the other side of the board can become a queen, the most powerful piece. That journey, though, is never easy — it's filled with obstacles, sacrifices, and strategic challenges. 

This connection was especially timely as the NFL Draft unfolded from April 24–26. I've always seen the draft itself as a giant chessboard. It's not just about the rookies (the pawns with potential); it's about how coaches, scouts, and management think and operate.

Scouting players is like mastering your chess openings — it demands research, preparation, and the ability to recognize patterns long before they become obvious. Teams aren’t just making decisions for today; like skilled chess players, they’re planning two, three, even five years into the future. They’re thinking about how a player will develop, how team dynamics will shift, and how today's move impacts tomorrow's strategy.

And just like in chess, the art of drafting is about balancing urgency with patience. You can't force a position simply because you want fast results — that leads to vulnerability. But you also can't wait forever and miss the critical moment to act. Success requires knowing when to strike and when to build quietly, preparing for the long game.

The NFL Draft — and chess — reminds us that real victories aren’t won with one dramatic move. They’re won by thinking bigger, seeing farther, and trusting the journey every piece — and every player — has to make.

xx,

Ashley Lynn Priore

Quote of the Week

"It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul "Bear" Bryant, legendary football coach who would have loved chess training!

Coming Up in the Pod

Empowering Youth Through Chess with Jenny Ingber

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Jenny Ingber, President and CEO of Chess in the Schools, to discuss her career transition from science education to nonprofit leadership, the organization’s mission to uplift low-income youth through chess, and the broader challenges of running a nonprofit. They explore how chess serves as a powerful tool for youth development and education.

Puzzle Solution:

c5

Bxd7, cxd4 (strong openings!)