Seasons: What College Athletes Need to Know About Their Future

by Ryan Sprague, Mark Richt (Foreword)

Finally a book to prepare students for college and life beyond that they will actually want to read. What College Athlete's Need to Know About Their Future is a book written for student athletes by a former student athlete. And unlike its more generic counterparts, this college guide addresses specific issues the student athlete will face. With chapters talking about money, decision making, relationships, coaches, goals, leadership, the media and social media, integrity, and more Seasons introduces helpful ways for the student athlete to think about life. Another unique aspect of Seasons is how its written. After hearing from university administrators that it's hard to get athletes to read this kind of book, the author designed a new breed of book. Seasons merges non-fiction with fiction in the form of a story focusing on an athlete about to enter college. Instead of a typical essay about life, Seasons offers interesting characters, lively conversation, and an engaging story to communicate the timeless wisdom student athletes need to prepare for college and their lives after graduation.

238 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[David Gwartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a book a couple months ago titled Grateful by Ryan Sprague. Sprague was a member of the 1999 National Championship football team at Florida State University and the book recounts his journey from walk-on to starting tight end his Senior season. I enjoyed reliving many great memories of that season and Sprague’s insights into being a part of that team.

Now Sprague has written a second book, Seasons. Seasons remains in the world of college football, but takes an entirely different perspective on the subject – this time imparting wisdom to the athlete who is about to embark on college life. But this wisdom is communicated in a unique way. Seasons is the story of a recent high school grad named Justin Foxe. J (which is how everyone knows him in his town) has received a football scholarship to the state university. But before the summer ends and two-a-days begin, his grandfather has planned a day for a number of different people to come spend some time with him, talking about how to prepare himself for life as a student athlete. The advice ranges from dealing with adversity given by a local college coach to faith dispersed from a professor to leadership from a CEO. Other topics include dealing with the media, decision-making, and integrity, among others. The book’s storyline makes for an enjoyable and engaging read.

While written specifically for student athletes , the book contains welcome advice for any high school grad advancing to their next phase of life. In fact, being well past my own college days, there is much in the book that served as great reminders for jobs, relationships, and life goals. Seasons has application well-beyond the narrow target audience.