Chase Your Dreams: How Soccer Taught Me Strength, Perseverance, and Leadership

by Julie Ertz

Go for the Goal!
 
World Cup–winning soccer player Julie Ertz inspires kids to lead a life of faith and virtue as she shares her own stories and the lessons she has learned in childhood and now in her illustrious playing career. 
 
Each chapter focuses on a character trait essential to success on and off the playing field. Children will discover the value of sacrifice, hard work, and having a good attitude. They will gain a trusted mentor in Julie, who encourages them through personal examples to be winners in life.
 
Packed with engaging photos and filled with timely wisdom and biblical truth for tweens, this book will help boys and girls chase their dreams with passion and purpose.
 

Genres: Soccer, Nonfiction, Memoir, Sports

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was a really good biography. It showed the events of her life, obstacles, and how she overcame them.

[Samantha Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, I love Julie Ertz so much! Being Julie's age, I am definitely not the target audience for this book. With that being said, I would have LOVED this book when I was a tween. There was a lot of sound advice about one's perspective and attitude toward life that even as an adult was a refreshing reminder. A little repetitive as an adult, but I still enjoyed this read. Definitely will reach for this book again.

[lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read, this time from my 14 year old self. Julie Ertz is just so, so inspiring (like pretty much every member of the USWNT) and I loved this book.

[Emily Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a collegiate soccer player myself, I absolutely love reading any member of the USWNT books-however, knowing that Julie is a woman of faith, I was even more excited to read her book. This book’s target audience is definitely for younger readers, but I still very much enjoyed it. What Ertz has to say as a world class athlete is inspiring for a person of any age. Thanks Ertz for sharing how chasing after your dreams, especially with God going before you, can lead to accomplishing all you’ve ever dreamt of and more.

[lydia hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Ertz
This Book Was Great! I Love How She Talked About Different Things And How To Grow Your Faith And Christ. Again Great Book!!! Not Only Did She Not Talk About Soccer, She Talked About How She Got Where She Is Right Now!

[D. DeTo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all young female athletes who desire to go to the next level. Julie talks about her sacrifices, hard work and the support of a loving family to take her to where she is today. It is a quick read and enjoyable. I read it on the way back from the Women's World Cup.

[Lmao · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were mistakes in the book

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth reading, with some notes. Also, admittedly I am not the right age group for this book, I just love Julie Ertz as a player.

The religious theme was a bit of a bummer in that I wouldn't want my child reading this and thinking they needed religion in order to be an elite athlete, but Julie was being true to herself so ultimately I respect that.

I would've loved for this book to include more about Julie -- her stories, what was going on in her head during various soccer events, the inside scoop! Maybe I just want her to write an actual memoir :)

This book covers lots of topics that are beneficial to the appropriately aged reader but I personally would've preferred they had more depth, even if that meant covering fewer topics. I think we get the best out of our youth by challenging (and encouraging) them to be better, just like Julie playing up an age group helped to improve her soccer skills, so I would've liked to see these topics spoken about more maturely which in turn encourages the reader to approach a topic more thoughtfully and introspectively.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are several grammatical errors and typos. Clearly it was not edited very well. I would’ve liked if there were photos, but there were none. Also, I did not know much about this book going in to it, but it was geared a lot towards middle school - college kids, and I am almost 30. I thought it would’ve been more about her career and soccer than the way she grew up, her family, and religious beliefs. It was still a good read!

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories of encouragement and advice for young folks in this book by one of the best soccer players in the US. I say for young folks but I think most everyone can identify with many of the lessons!

[H.Czech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book. I would recommend this to people who play soccer and want to take soccer into a career. This book tells and explains leadership. To persevere threw hard things in life and chase your dream. Again a really good book.

[Kellyyyylynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always nice to learn more about the person and how they got to where they are. Well done Julie.

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. I wasn't blown away. She's a much better soccer star than an author.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ this Book. Julie Ertz is my favorite ❤️ soccer player and I got to know her so much better then I did befor, I read the book.❤️😍😁😜🤩🥳🤪😄😆😃😂⭐️

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 11-year old daughter Claire wanted me to read this, it was fun and fast. She loved it. Perfect for her age.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

vere good

[Jenna K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great for young kids. not a book i would have non athletes read

[kt r · Rating 4 out of 5]

was definitely not the target audience for this book however it was gifted to me by my coach and I could definitely tell which sections he wanted me to read