Game Changers: Inspirational Sports Stories: An Empowering Playbook for Teens to Build Resilience, Crush Goals and Cultivate Exceptional Character

GOLD MEDAL WINNER — 2025 Readers’ Favorite Book Award Recognized with the GOLD Medal in Non-Fiction: Sports in the 2025 Readers’ Favorite International Book Competition—one of the world’s largest book award contests—Game Changers: Inspirational Sports Stories isn’t just another sports book. This debut book by author Dan Gold inspires teens with unforgettable stories of athletes who turned losses into lessons, failures into fuel, and pressure into power. What if the greatest lessons in life weren’t taught in a classroom—but on the court, the field and the track? Game Changers is more than just a collection of sports stories—it’s an empowering playbook for teens who want to rise above setbacks, crush their goals and become the kind of leaders the world needs. Inside, Gold spotlights legendary athletes who didn’t just play the game—they changed it. From overcoming doubt and disability to breaking barriers and building character, these unforgettable stories offer blueprints for resilience, courage and growth. You'll meet: Tom Brady, the overlooked draft pick who became the NFL’s GOAT through grit and self-belief Michael Phelps, who turned ADHD into Olympic gold with laser focus and mental strength Abby Wambach, who led by example on the field and off—fighting for inclusion, equality and team over ego Serena Williams, who silenced critics and smashed records with power, purpose and poise Michael Jordan, who turned failure into fuel and pressure into performance Yuna Kim, the South Korean figure skating icon who brought elegance, strength and advocacy to a global stage And that’s just the beginning. With over forty compelling stories, plus interactive reflections and practical exercises at the end of every chapter, Game Changers helps readers put the lessons into action—on the field, at school and in life. Whether you're a young athlete chasing a dream or a parent looking to inspire your teen, this is the ultimate guide to building confidence, character and unstoppable momentum. READ THE OFFICIAL CONTEST REVIEW: Athletes are respected because they inspire people from all walks of life. In Game Changers, author Dan Gold presents the stories of some of these extraordinary sportsmen and sportswomen who not only left a mark in their respective sports but changed the world through their resilience, determination, leadership, and perseverance. Serena and Venus Williams' rise to fame came at the cost of training every day on subpar courts while navigating economic hardships as they grew up in the gritty neighborhood of Compton, California. Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was eleven years old when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Apart from being exemplary athletes, soccer player Marcus Rashford and tennis player Naomi Osaka have also been fierce advocates for change. AFL footballer Ben Cousins and soccer legend Maradona went through their own redemption arcs. Game Changers is a book any sports fanatic would love. From tennis to soccer, hockey to basketball, author Dan Gold shares the remarkable stories of these real-life athletic superstars who overcame their unique challenges to leave legacies that transcend their sports. Gold does a masterful job of connecting these narratives to emphasize the lessons that readers can learn from these exceptional people. At the end of each chapter, you will discover detailed action plans inspired by the deeds of some of the world's most renowned athletes that young readers can implement in their own lives right away. This book is a treat for any sports lover. If you're looking for something inspirational, engaging and illuminating, we highly recommend Game Changers!