Captain: The Athlete's Guide to Being an Exceptional Team Leader

by John O'Sullivan, Jerry Lynch

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

John O'Sullivan is the author of Changing the Game The Parents Guide to Raising Happy High-Performing Athletes and Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids and Every Moment Matters: How the World's Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and Build Championship Teams. He is a consultant for numerous sport governing bodies around the world including the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, US Ski and Snowboard, USA Swimming, PGA Golf, Ireland Rugby, as well as a frequent contributor to CNN, ESPN, Outside Magazine and other sports publications. He is the founder of the Changing the Game Project, and has spent over two decades involved as both a soccer player and coach at the youth, high school, college and professional level. John received his BA from Fordham University and his MA from the University of Vermont.

Reviews

[Landon Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich and value-packed book full of tools and wisdom for all ages of athlete. For the school age and college athlete, it’s a must-read. The insights represent a cheat code for new and emerging team leaders that could not be attained in three lifetimes. Come for the great sports stories and stay for the packed toolkit,tips, and exercises.

[Kenzie Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My head coach gave this book to me and my fellow captain and we have been meeting up and talking about it. The reflection questions at the end of chapters are great ways to connect what you have read to your real life situations. Lots of things in this book I have experienced and now I know better ways to deal with it. I definitely recommend to anyone who wants to become a better leader!

[Christine Primm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for athletes and coaches a must read for all!!