Writing a Book on Player Development
My first book will be released here in a couple of days! I am so excited to share the lessons I’ve learned with y’all and hopefully see generational impact spread around the world. In this blog I will talk about why I wrote the book, and what to expect from reading this book. Sitting here writing this blog, I am still amazed that all this is happening. Enjoy the blog.
WHY
In the process of writing there were moments where I doubted myself and the need for this book. I asked myself WHY do I need to begin this book or WHY do I need to continue. As time went on in this process, all the WHYS were answered. The following will express the reasons why I felt this book was necessary.
My own experience
As some of you may know from previous blogs, I had no clue what player development was when I was hired into this position. I was told to build relationships, get in the community and find summer jobs. But the question for me was always, how do I develop them? I searched for information all over the internet for descriptions of player development and found little to nothing. Thankfully, I stumbled across student-athlete development and was able to find related information and practices there. In writing this book, I wanted there to be a source for those who found themselves like me or those who have an interest in the position.
Help define player development
Player development is defined in so many ways. My hope is that this book will bring a deeper look into the way that departments define this position. I also hope that with a better definition of the role, more resources will be afforded to those in the position so they may have greater success in developing student-athletes.
Help bring exposure to the benefit of the position
I feel deeply that this position is beneficial on many levels in many sports. The opportunity to have someone that is around the team developing the players is one that can create great reward. In my role, I am given all-access to the team and am able to see the growth in many areas of the student-athletes. In saying this I believe that this position does not and should not take away from the student-athlete development departments that are set up at most colleges and universities.
Professionally advance the position
There are incredible individuals in player development positions around the country. We have gotten together multiple times this past year on Zooms and such to help each other grow. The player development position is a new one, but one that I believe is making an incredible impact in programs. My hope is this book brings pride to those in player development positions and shows others that we are committed to the development of those we serve.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Books that I enjoy reading usually have two qualities: they are deep but easy reads and they provoke action(s).I wanted this book to model other books I have enjoyed. My hope is that the readers will say the book brought deep thoughts that inspired practical action. I wanted this book to have enough detail but enough freedom for the reader to create their own plan.
The Beyond the Field Program, like literally the blueprint
The book does have some of my philosophies and ways I would do things, but it lays out the BTF Program for you. I wanted to make sure the reader could learn about the program and see areas where they can implement programming.
A greater understanding of player development
This is detailed in the why above.
A note taking experience
I believe this book will create pages of notes for the reader. I believe that there are many ways to develop student-athletes. I feel that readers will use this book to help what they are already doing. I feel that some readers will take what’s in the book and create something greater. Either way, legal pads will be stretched to the max.
An introspective experience/evaluation
This book will challenge the reader to evaluate how they are creating impact in the position they are in. The evaluation is one that is more encouraging than convicting. The book will illustrate that generational impact can happen in many forms.
A greater understanding of Generational Impact
The reader will be able to understand the passion behind making an impact that benefits others. The reader will also understand the role that they can play in generational impact. This book helps illustrate actions that can be used to create generational impact.
There it is. The reasons why I wrote the book and what you can expect from the book. I am so thankful that you have taken the time to support me during this time. I am no guru or GOAT, I am just one who wants to trailblaze and make the path smoother for others. I am fortunate to be placed in the position I am in. I have made it my mission to take full advantage of this placement by giving incredible effort, energy and excellence to the role. In writing this book, I know that there are many other programs and individuals who develop student-athletes at a high level. I am grateful to have relationships with many of those people. I just want to share what has worked for me and I am thankful for your interest in my journey.