Since becoming the Nebraska women’s volleyball coach in 2000, John Cook has led the team to four national championships, seven NCAA semifinal appearances, and the nation’s top winning percentage in women’s volleyball. In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the coaching and leadership philosophy that has enabled him to become one of the game’s winningest coaches. Growing up in San Diego, Cook acquired his coaching philosophy from his experiences first as a football coach, then as a student of the sport of volleyball on the beaches of Southern California. After a stint as an assistant volleyball coach at Nebraska, he returned to Nebraska as head coach in 2000 and won the national championship in his first season. Even with a bar set so high, Cook saw at Nebraska’s tradition-rich program the potential for even greater growth and success. He decided to focus on higher expectations, training, motivation, goal setting, and other ways to build the strongest teams possible. In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the philosophy behind Nebraska’s culture of success and reveals how he’s had to learn, evolve, and be coached himself, even in his fifth decade as a coach. With openness and candor he delivers insights about his methods and passes along lessons that can be used by leaders in any field. Cook also shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Nebraska volleyball moments and players—and how he coaches and teaches his players about life beyond the court.

Since becoming the Nebraska women’s volleyball coach in 2000, John Cook has led the team to four national championships, seven NCAA semifinal appearances, and the nation’s top winning percentage in women’s volleyball. In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the coaching and leadership philosophy that has enabled him to become one of the game’s winningest coaches. Growing up in San Diego, Cook acquired his coaching philosophy from his experiences first as a football coach, then as a student of the sport of volleyball on the beaches of Southern California. After a stint as an assistant volleyball coach at Nebraska, he returned to Nebraska as head coach in 2000 and won the national championship in his first season. Even with a bar set so high, Cook saw at Nebraska’s tradition-rich program the potential for even greater growth and success. He decided to focus on higher expectations, training, motivation, goal setting, and other ways to build the strongest teams possible. In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the philosophy behind Nebraska’s culture of success and reveals how he’s had to learn, evolve, and be coached himself, even in his fifth decade as a coach. With openness and candor he delivers insights about his methods and passes along lessons that can be used by leaders in any field. Cook also shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Nebraska volleyball moments and players—and how he coaches and teaches his players about life beyond the court.

"I know that I'll be evaluated in Seattle with wins and losses, as that is the nature of my profession for the last thirty-five years. But our record will not be what motivates me. Years ago I was asked, 'Pete, which is better: winning or competing?' My response was instantaneous: 'Competing. . . because it lasts longer.'" Pete Carroll is one of the most successful coaches in football today. As the head coach at USC, he brought the Trojans back to national prominence, amassing a 97-19 record over nine seasons. Now he shares the championship-winning philosophy that led USC to seven straight Pac-10 titles. This same mind-set and culture will shape his program as he returns to the NFL to coach the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll developed his unique coaching style by trial and error over his career. He learned that you get better results by teaching instead of screaming, and by helping players grow as people, not just on the field. He learned that an upbeat, energetic atmosphere in the locker room can coexist with an unstoppable competitive drive. He learned why you should stop worrying about your opponents, why you should always act as if the whole world is watching, and many other contrarian insights. Carroll shows us how the Win Forever philosophy really works, both in NCAA Division I competition and in the NFL. He reveals how his recruiting strategies, training routines, and game-day rituals preserve a team's culture year after year, during championship seasons and disappointing seasons alike. Win Forever is about more than winning football games; it's about maximizing your potential in every aspect of your life. Carroll has taught business leaders facing tough challenges. He has helped troubled kids on the streets of Los Angeles through his foundation A Better LA. His words are true in any situation: "If you want to win forever, always compete."

Having grown up in an impoverished environment, Demario Davis found himself leading a life filled with drugs, alcohol, violence, and eventually, jail. With the odds against him at every turn, he continued to pursue his dream of making a name for himself in the NFL. But when given a divine warning that he was dangerously close to hitting his final strike, he began searching for something greater. Journey with him as he shares his story of finding what it means to become a true champion in the midst of what the world may deem defeat. “If you’ve ever had the chance to meet Demario, you will truly understand the common phrase ‘force of nature.’ This title is normally reserved for athletes who are so powerful and agile that it’s overwhelming; you can’t stop it. Demario is like that on the field, but his joy, character, and passion for life might be his most powerful attributes. This book reminds us all that there’s something greater we live for. This might not always show up on a scoreboard or in a bank account, but our wins and losses do not have to define us. God’s call on our lives is the most important. Demario’s life is evidence of this exact thing. This book will be a blessing to anybody who is trying to make a difference in this world. I highly recommend it.” Carl Lentz, lead pastor of Hillsong East Coast “Demario’s story is one that will inspire, encourage, and challenge anyone who reads it. This book is a powerful story from an incredible man, whose faith in God will impact generations to come.” Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback “It speaks volumes when people who have money, power, and influence take time out of their busy lives to focus on the things that matter most. I’m looking forward to seeing what Demario creates off the field through his new book and the insights he’s found through his journey.” Andy Mineo, rapper

I want to show you how you can be a champion in almost anything you put your mind to. Marcus Rashford MBE is famous worldwide for his skills both on and off the soccer field – but before he was a Manchester United and England soccer player, and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just a kid from Wythenshawe, South Manchester. Now the nation's favorite soccer player wants to show YOU how to achieve your dreams, in this positive and inspiring guide for life. Written with journalist Carl Anka, You Are a Champion is packed full of stories from Marcus’s own life, brilliant advice and top tips from performance psychologist Katie Warriner. It will show you how to be the very BEST that you can be. It shows kids how to: - Be comfortable with who you are – you can't be a champion until you're happy being you! - Dream big - Practice like a champion - Get out of your comfort zone and learn from your mistakes - Navigate adversity in a positive way - Find your team - Use your voice and stand up for others - Never stop learning With an afterword by Tim S. Grover.

Have you ever choked during a performance? Have you ever been told how much talent you have, yet you're not reaching it? Are you self-conscious or doubtful during performances? Does your level of concentration fluctuate wildly? Do you feel overwhelmed at times? We all dream of overcoming our challenges. We dream of the perfect job, achieving new wealth, of living the life we choose in harmony with the people we love. For many of us, the dream stops there. We wonder what leads some extraordinary people to confront and exceed their goals and compete at the highest level, while others run in place, distracted by fears and a sense of intimidation. We seek the insights that will liberate us from anxiety and self-doubt. In this book, Jim Fannin shares a collection of ideas and daily exercises that transform everyday performers into true champions. Using the secrets of Fannin's time-tested S.C.O.R.E. System (Self-Discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment), S.C.O.R.E. for Life shows you how to balance and apply these five principles in every arena of life. The result: more moments, days, and years performing and thinking in the state of flow we call the "Zone," and more of the results and success that matter. Every chapter includes reader-friendly tests and exercises, like the "90-Second Rule" (a lesson in discipline) and "The Palm Tree Versus the Oak Tree" (a lesson in adaptability). For more than thirty years, Jim Fannin has coached hundreds of top-performing athletes and business leaders, who testify to what the S.C.O.R.E. System can do. It is a tried and proven blueprint for realizing our extraordinary human potential and overcoming the fears and worries that hold us back. With commitment and consistent use of this success formula, you will blaze new paths to personal and professional achievement.

As a teenager, Ladainian Tomlinson made three promises to his mom: he would go to college, play professional football, and make her the proudest mother in the world. Loreane Tomlinson tells the story of how all of these once seemingly impossible dreams came true.

Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion celebrates the life of one of Wisconsin's most inspirational leaders and activists. Born with an intellectual disability as the result of fetal alcohol syndrome, Cindy Bentley spent much of her childhood at the Southern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled. No one expected her to learn the skills necessary to live on her own. To everyone's surprise, including her own, she did that and much more. With the encouragement of a teacher at Southern Center, Cindy realized she had a deep passion for sports, and the discipline to train and compete. She began participating in Special Olympics, and gained confidence as she worked with teammates to earn medals in tennis, track and field, and even snowshoeing. Chosen as a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics International in 2000, Cindy has had dinner at the White House with two different American presidents, traveled around the world, and given speeches in front of thousands of people. In these pages, young readers will learn what gives Cindy her champion spirit, and why she gave away some of her gold medals. Today, Cindy is still competing in Special Olympics. She also continues to advocate for people with disabilities, and helped to start People First, a statewide organization that encourages those with disabilities to speak up for their rights.

Seth and Jimmy have the kind of friendship you can't put into words-thekind you think only happens in books and movies. They both live and breathebaseball, but while Seth struggles to be good enough to make the varsityteam, Jimmy, a natural, looks like he's on is way to becoming a major league star some day. 0n and off the field, their passion for "A the game gets them through some of life's bitterest struggles and unites them in a once in a lifetime friendship that is meant to last forever...

What makes a champion? Olympic champion Bob Richards says it's the will to win no matter what the odds. In The Heart of a Champion, he shares the incredible stories of athletes who have overcome hardship, disability, racism, sexism, and more to become the best the world has ever seen. A celebration of hard work and the indomitable human spirit, this book captures Richards's contagious enthusiasm for individual greatness as well as the beauty of working as a team. These inspirational true stories have been loved for fifty years. Now repackaged for a new generation of athletes and coaches, The Heart of a Champion is poised to influence thousands more with its message of hope and perseverance.