The US Lacrosse Magazine book club is here to help you spend your newly found free time wisely.
We’ve already highlighted for you the best social media accounts to follow and the best things to watch while practicing social distancing. Now, we’re back to recommend some of the best books on lacrosse, leadership and sports.
Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy in your favorite chair. It’s time to read.
Did we miss any? Email Kenny DeJohn at kdejohn@uslacrosse.org with your book recommendations.
Note: All titles are available on Amazon. Many as audiobooks or Kindle versions, too.
Lacrosse Books
“American Indian Lacrosse: Little Brother of War”
This 376-page book dives into the deep aboriginal roots of lacrosse. Author Thomas Vennum describes the cultural significance of lacrosse to the Native American people, delving into the spirituality and religious aspects of the game.
“Lacrosse Legends of the First Americans”
Also be Vennum, this book pulls together 13 legends from five tribes — the Cherokee, Ho-Chunk, Senece, Ojibwa and Menominee. It describes the role of the Creator’s Game in tribal culture.
“The Spirit in the Stick”
This fiction book by Neil Duffy tells the story of Robbie Jones, a 14-year-old boy who receives a 200-year-old lacrosse stick that has been passed down through several generations. The stick takes him on a journey he couldn’t have anticipated.
“Lacrosse the Globe”
Author Nick Marrocco forecasts what the game could look like in 2030. As lacrosse continues to grow and take a foothold in other nations, Marrocco asks if the sport is the next sport to hit big globally.
For more books on lacrosse, BookAuthority.org has compiled a list of 39.
Motivational Books
“I Hope You Will Be Very Happy”
Hall of Fame coach Dom Starsia writes, in a series of short essays and anecdotes, what made him and his Brown and Virginia teams successful during his coaching career.
“The Talent Code”
This book by Daniel Coyle is all about how top-level athletes develop the skills that make them great. Through repetition, athletes can get to the next level. This book will make young athletes want to put in the work.
“Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success”
Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson won 11 NBA titles. In this book, he explains how he handled egos, managed personalities and led the Bulls and Lakers to history.
“The Score Takes Care of Itself”
Bill Walsh, a three-time Super Bowl champion coach and two-time NFL coach of the year, writes in this book that coaches and players should control what they can control. “Do the right things and the right things will happen.”
“The Energy Bus”
Jon Gordon, a speaker and author who played lacrosse at Cornell under Hall of Fame coach Richie Moran, wrote a book that Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney deemed “required reading.” This is about 10 secrets for approaching life and work in a way that leads to true accomplishment.
“Stay Positive”
Also by Gordon, this book will help infuse your day with positive energy. This collection of inspirational quotes and anecdotes can be a great resource during trying times.