To Chase a Dream: A Soccer Championship, an Unlikely Hero and a Journey That Redefined Winning (Meyer & Meyer Sport)

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.

We had the good fortune of hearing Mr Kapsalis tell his story in person when we attended the Ohio HS Soccer All-Star banquet in January. My son was wrestling with the reality of giving up soccer as he was headed to a D1 school who has a soccer team in the national top 10. But after hearing this story he decided to try walking on himself and currently has a spot as a practice player with the hope of becoming a full time player in the spring.After hearing Mr. Kapsalis tell his story I purchased this book and read it in two days. I have since passed it on to my son as it is the perfect book to read for his current situation. This book is an easy read and a testament to what can be done with determination, perseverance, and commitment to your goals.

Good Rudy-like story. A little overly dramatic at times, I believe; however, I can never truly opine on the emotions and reactions of another. A good book to share with your child athlete who desires to reach a high level of competition. The dedication and work that is necessary to get to the position that Whitey Kapsalis reached is impressive and a dose of reality for those desiring to play a college sport at the division 1 / elite level.It also provides hope for those who might not have as much natural athletic ability. Although, Whitey was no slouch athletically, he apparently did not have the natural physical traits that would afford him success at the level he ultimately performed at. It was his heart, endless work ethic, and refusal to take 'no' for an answer. Such a story gives hope for similarly situated athletes.

As a member of the IU Soccer Family, I confess that my Review might be viewed as a bit bias, but when you read the book, you will get an insider's view of the camaraderie, effort, and team work that it takes to make a championship sports team. Written in the first person, Whitey Kapsalis opens up his heart to the reader to reveal the raw edges of his disappointment and despair as well as his remarkable endurance, which reminds all of us of the roller coaster of emotions that lies at the core of our journey through the College Years. The lessons he learns about himself and that he shares with his readers are well worth the ride. IU Soccer was a great part of my life, especially because of the friendship of my teammates and our joint commitment to reach for each challenge offered by one of the great coaching teams of our time, Jerry Yeagley and his wife Marilyn. Thanks Whitey for a view from your unique vantage point.

A heartfelt story about perseverance and overcoming insurmountable odds. Whitey’s story is the soccer version of Rudy…an underdog with the heart of a lion that you can’t help but root for. Great read for all ages!

My husband ordered this book and when I picked up from the mailbox I started reading it and was immediately hooked. Finished it in 2 days and really enjoyed it. I have 4 daughters playing competitive soccer and hope that as they each read this book they are inspired to search inside themselves for the passion that the author writes about and exhibits in the book. Very inspiring story!

Incredible story of perseverance and leadership. Very well-written and captivating story that will be enjoyed by any soccer fan, sports fan, or anyone who roots for the underdog. I truly enjoyed reading the book and am giving a copy to my 14 year old son to read, as Whitey is a great role model to follow.

First review ever. thoroughly enjoyed this book. Saw the book recommended on a blog about must read books for any athlete. The story is gripping and the insights are fantastic. Recommend for any athlete of any sport with any sort of aspiration to play at a high level. As a parent, I really liked the numerous life lessons imparted that extend beyond the field. Great story, great insights.

Paul "Whitey" Kapsalis' attitude is amazing and his persistence is enviable. I grew up in Indiana playing soccer and attended IU, so this book was wonderful for me, though I would recommend this for anyone who likes soccer.