Tracking Identity: A Memoir By Brad Gilbert

by Brad Gilbert

From being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (aka Brittle Bone Disease) in 1976, Brad Gilbert experienced a series of events which has propelled him to personal and professional success. Witnessing the murder of his mother at the age of three, enduring a childhood of broken bones and constant domestic unrest, Brad was unknowingly on a path to realize his personal potential despite the limitations that most would have placed on him. At the age of 14, his father would gift Brad an in-studio recording documentary that would direct Brad's life and career path.

Against most expectations, Brad found his independence in college and graduated while enduring more broken bones and the suicide of his father. Driven once again, he set out to use the events in his life to fuel his dream to become a record producer. Producing nearly two dozen independent records fresh out of college, Brad was gaining momentum. Although the indie record label failed, Brad (who then was dubbed with the name Simon Illa) set his sights on bigger and better.

After moving to the east coast from rural Illinois, the now Simon Illa, rapidly gained notoriety and at one point was dubbed "Philadelphia's Hottest Producer" by Blender Magazine. Artists and magazines began flocking to Simon from all angles as did encounters with adversity. Being overbooked and back to back flights and busy travel schedules, Simon began realizing his dreams.

Mastering his physical and business challenges, Simon began to observe and contend with personal challenges related to love and relationships. All the while, his career growing, Simon relocated, once again, to Atlanta where he currently resides. This is where he wrote this memoir.

"After so many years of friends, family and artists told me I should write a book... in true artist fashion, I procrastinated. After some very deep personal experiences over the past few years, I was finally compelled to dig in and write this, my first book..."

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2016

About the author

Brad Gilbert is an American former professional tennis player, influential coach, author, and commentator whose analytical approach to the sport has shaped the careers of numerous top athletes. Raised in California, he developed a reputation early on for his competitive spirit and strategic clarity rather than relying on raw power, a distinction that defined both his playing style and later his coaching philosophy. Turning professional in the early 1980s, he accumulated 20 ATP singles titles and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 4, marking him as one of the most consistently formidable players of his era. His success was built on intelligent point construction, mental discipline, and an ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, qualities that earned him respect throughout the tennis community. After stepping away from full-time competition, Gilbert became one of the sport’s most sought-after coaches. He worked with Andre Agassi during a career resurgence that resulted in multiple major titles and a return to the No. 1 ranking. He later coached Andy Roddick to a US Open championship and contributed to the development of several other notable players, including Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, and Coco Gauff. His coaching is distinguished by practical problem-solving, psychological resilience, and an emphasis on winning through adaptability rather than style alone. Gilbert also built a prominent media and literary career. As a longtime ESPN analyst, he provides commentary grounded in clear tactical breakdowns, often emphasizing what players need to adjust in real time. His books, including Winning Ugly and I’ve Got Your Back, articulate his belief that understanding the mental and strategic layers of the game is as crucial as physical training. Widely recognized for his contributions, Gilbert has been inducted into multiple halls of fame and continues to lecture, consult, and teach within the sport. His legacy extends beyond match results, influencing generations of players and coaches who embrace the idea that success often depends not on who hits the best shots, but on who thinks the smartest, prepares the hardest, and competes with the greatest resilience.