To Be a Better Coach is both an extremely practical and deeply philosophical approach to working with young developing athletes in any sport. Being both a head coach and employer of close to a dozen other part-time coaches, I would absolutely use this systematic and thoughtful pedagogy to create a team culture where athletes and coaches strive to get better every day in a safe, mindful and uplifting fashion. I would recommend this book to any coach who is looking to improve and educate his or her staff as well as reminding all coaches why our job is so important.

Mark J. Sowa, head coach and owner, Vandal Aquatic Club, LLC, Moscow, Idaho/Spokane, WA

Pete Van Mullem and Lori Gano-Overway’s dedication to quality youth sports shows as the authors delve into all of the key aspects of what makes a great coach. To Be a Better Coach: A Guide for the Youth Sport Coach and Coach Developer provides engaging exercises, real-world scenarios and research-backed advice to encourage coaches to improve at their craft. No matter your role in sports, we can all agree that the impact of a coach on a young athlete’s experience is unparalleled. This book helps us strive towards better youth sports for kids through better coaching.

Kate Nematollahi, director of education programs, National Alliance for Youth Sports

Pete Van Mullem and Lori Gano-Overway have taken decades of knowledge, generally reserved for coaches who have learned through constant trial and error, and provided a well thought out game plan for new and continually evolving coaches. To Be a Better Coach provides step by step processes, real life examples, and thought provoking questions that will assist coaches in growing their knowledge and skill-set in the many intricate facets of becoming a positively impactful mentor. Their approach in teaching coaches the responsibility of being a holistic, big picture, and life lesson impactor will serve as a valuable foundation for coaches passionate about the success of their athletes during competition and beyond. To Be a Better Coach: A Guide for the Youth Sport Coach and Coach Developer is an essential addition to you and your organization's collection.

Heather Stewart, head girls' basketball coach, Christopher High School (CA), USA Basketball Regional Coordinator, Positive Coaching Alliance Certified Trainer, Golden State Warriors Basketball Academy Coach

This publication provides much needed practical guidance and important considerations for those working with youth athletes. The authors incorporate solid theory about effective coaching and youth development as they move quickly into specific examples and detailed descriptions of application in a variety of settings. These examples will keep the reader focused on how to achieve the multiple goals that coaches should attend to as they work with our young people. Most importantly, as it addresses many of the challenges in the youth sports environment, the book is a motivating reminder about how impactful and fulfilling youth sport coaching can be!

Sara Lopez, director for the Center for Leadership in Athletics and executive director for the Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) M.Ed. program, University of Washington

To Be a Better Coach is one of those books that has something for everyone, from the novice coach to the experienced coach, coach educator and parent alike. The “In Action” sections and “Coaching Tips” provide an immediate application of the concept(s) for coaching practice. Authentic scenarios and examples support the literature throughout the book that any coach will be able to relate to. To Be a Better Coach will not only make you a better coach, it will help you be a better person.

Ronald W. Quinn, Ed.D., associate professor and program director, Coaching Education and Athlete Development, Xavier University

To Be a Better Coach is a must read for all prospective coaches interested in working in youth sports. The authors provide a well-researched, detailed, enjoyable, and action-oriented resource that serves as a great reminder about the responsibility that all coaches have to inspire, educate, develop, and care for their athletes in the healthiest and safest way possible.

Shay Boyle, president, Notre Dame College Prep, Niles, IL; volunteer youth sport coach and former NCAA D1/D2 assistant college basketball coach