Description

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This collection of endearing, heartfelt stories is from an NCAA Division I basketball coach who overcame life’s everyday obstacles—poverty, violence, bullying, and heartbreak—to find success on and off the court. North Carolina Central University head coach LeVelle Moton shares personal stories to help inspire and motivate. Looking back at his adolescent years, where he was an outstanding athlete, he shares tales about life that relate to sports, while not always directly involving action on the playing fields. Stories deal with making wise choices, overcoming failure, abstaining from sex, finding mentors, and preparation. Every chapter has a takeaway for readers in the “Inside the Locker Room” and “Chalkboard” sections. Rather than developing the next superstar athlete, Moton is more interested in teaching life’s hard lessons. He looks back at his relationships with his grandmother and mother, strong women who helped him navigate a turbulent childhood. He shares stories about growing up without a father and reflects on several mentors he found as a young man trying to find his way. His stories are sincere, funny, and humbling. They take an honest look at growing up struggling with the world working against you and finding a way to the life you dreamed for yourself. The book is moving for adults and poignant for youth, informative for basketball fans, and relevant and engaging to all. As part of the authors' ongoing commitment to support youth in their community, a portion of proceeds from all book sales is being donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

About the Author

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LeVelle Moton is the head basketball coach at North Carolina Central University, where he earned a master's degree in special education. He is the founder of Velle Cares Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit with a mission to serve and assist community-based organizations that promote health, education, and life skills for children and families in at-risk situations. He lives in Durham, North Carolina. Edward G. Robinson III is a sports journalist and a contributing writer for The Washingtonian Magazine. He has written for The News & Observer, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, and other newspapers. He is the recipient of the 2014 Dateline Award for Excellence in Local Journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists and was a finalist for the 2012-13 Nieman Foundation Fellowship at Harvard University. He lives in Washington, DC. Mike Krzyzewski is the head coach at Duke University. He lives in Durham, North Carolina. Mark Gottfried is the head coach at North Carolina State University. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Roy Williams is the head coach at University of North Carolina. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mike Tomlin is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Praise For…

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“LeVelle Moton’s story is truly an inspiration. He’s become an extremely successful college basketball coach by focusing on transforming the lives of the people that matter most: his players. LeVelle’s message of turning adversity into triumph is a valuable lesson that everyone can learn from.”  —Shaka Smart, head coach, Virginia Commonwealth University

“When you are faced with extreme choices it takes uncommon action to persevere and advance and that's what happened here. LeVelle’s story didn’t happen on accident. It happened because he faced his fears and struck them down.”  —Dave Telep, draft scouting coordinator, San Antonio Spurs

“There are few people who epitomizes the phrase 'The Worst Times Are the Best Times' better than LeVelle Moton. His story is honest, emotional and sincere. This book mirrors a reflection of passion, courage, and perseverance. In a world where only the strong survives, he is a true role model that should be appreciated by everyone in any walk of life.”  —John Calipari, head coach, University of Kentucky

“LeVelle Moton is the quintessential 21st century renaissance man. Coach Moton, a man of integrity, pulls on all aspects of his personal life, as he courageously shares his story in an attempt to expand his reach to positively transform lives. Coach LeVelle Moton knows the right plays to call to earn a championship on the hardwood and the right moves to make to ensure the members of his team become leaders in a hard world.”  —Dr. Debra Saunders-White, chancellor, North Carolina Central University