From Sports to Life!

“I feel like we need to continue using sports as a tool to reach young people because it teaches them the qualities and what it takes to be successful in life, not just in sports. Sports have taught me how to work hard to succeed and that learning in failure is just as important as winning.” JAXSON HAYES, LOS ANGELES LAKERS CENTER

“Sports and coaching matter to me because they are a gateway to possibility. Well-trained and caring coaches meet kids where they are and create safe spaces for kids to try without judgement.” RENATA SIMRIL, CEO OF LA84 FOUNDATION

“The relationship between a coach and a player is like no other. For most young men and women, it’s the first time they put their trust into an adult that they’re not related to.” LESTER BODIFORD, WATTS RAMS COACH/LAPD OFFICER

“Using sports to reach young people is powerful because it teaches life lessons that extend outside of the basketball court. We can emphasize that it’s not only about what it takes to win on the court, but also about what it takes to win off the court.” JUSTIN RHONE, IPLAYILEAD ACADEMY COACH

“This book is valuable to people of all ages, helping you not only to win within your respective sport and corporation, but also to win in life.” JONATHAN FRANKLIN, UCLA ALL-TIME LEADING RUSHER

“Marc and I often discuss the fact that football is the carrot that captures the attention of young people, and from there, we can wrap our arms around them, help develop their character, and inspire them to dream beyond their current realities.” MOLLY HIGGINS, LA RAMS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY IMPACT & ENGAGEMENT

From Sports to Life challenges the conventional view of youth sports, urging coaches, mentors, and educators to redefine success beyond the scoreboard. This transformative guide reveals how sports can be a powerful vehicle for holistic youth development—physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally.

Drawing on insights into adolescent brain development, the book explores how intentional coaching can cultivate essential life skills, including resilience, leadership, and emotional regulation. Discover how to create trauma-informed, equitable, and values-driven programs that prioritize character over wins, transforming every practice into a lasting life lesson.

Through practical frameworks, real-world examples, and compelling youth perspectives from the iPlayiLead Academy, this book equips adults with the tools to build cultures of trust, belonging, and growth. Learn to transform young athletes into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in the bigger game of life. This is not just about coaching better players; it's about shaping better humans.