To Chase a Dream: A Soccer Championship, an Unlikely Hero and a Journey That Redefined Winning

by Paul Kapsalis, Ted Gregory

Growing up in the Midwest in the 1980s, Paul Whitey Kapsalis dreams of playing soccer at powerhouse Indiana University, winner of 8 national championships. But he's got a he is too small, too slow, simply not good enough, and coaches tell him he never will be. What all the doubters failed to consider was that inside the body of this under-sized, humble kid was the heart of a lion. Whitey's book, To Chase A Dream is the inspirational, true story of his journey. Co-written by Pulitzer-prize-winning reporter Ted Gregory, it is about a boy who only wants to play soccer but, through disheartening challenges and uplifting relationships, becomes someone he'd never expected, a leader of men. Along the way, he learns that perseverance, optimism, hard work, kindness towards others and patience can lead to remarkable, transformational achievements and a soccer national championship. He also discovers a new definition of winning, one that has a great deal to do with the spirit of generosity. It took him 5 years, fighting through rejection and a career-threatening injury, but Paul got where he never expected to go. Here is a chance to see how he did it.

231 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2014

Reviews

[Stacey Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for kids and adults alike. So inspiring and such a great story of determination, hard work and the reminder to us all of the value of relationships!

[Nancye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a completely biased, die hard IU Soccer fan. I have been since I was about five years old. That means I grew up cheering for Whitey and his teammates. Those guys were my heroes when I was a kid. We rarely missed a home IU game and Whitey happens to have been one of my favorite players. So when I heard he had a book coming out I was thrilled. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. It took me less than a day to read it and I took every chance I got to pick it up and read some more. I had no idea how much Whitey struggled to make the IU team and then stay on the team. If he hadn't been one of my favorites before he definitely would be now. The fact that he stayed positive through it all says a lot about him. I think everyone needs to pick up a copy of this book and read it even if you aren't a soccer or IU fan. It is motivating and makes you believe in dreams coming true if you work for them. It is the kick in the pants I needed to work harder toward reaching my dreams.