About this item
Highlights
- Once nobody noticed Santa Rosa's Thunder.
- Author(s): Jonathan Littman
- 304 Pages
- Sports + Recreation, Soccer
Description
About the Book
Readers follow the story of Santa Rosa's Thunder, a former rag-tag team of girls who--through the discipline and determination of their coach--went on to become champions in soccer and in life. The author weaves in moving insights into the psychology of adolescent girls.Book Synopsis
Once nobody noticed Santa Rosa's Thunder. They were a ragtag team of girls who wanted to play soccer, and no one took them seriously. Their male coach expected little from his "ladies, " and their mediocre performance convinced them he was right.
Then a kind of miracle happened. Emiria Salzmann, Thunder's new coach, a top player herself, knew what it took to win--discipline, relentless drills, thigh-burning sprints, and an inspired passing game. The girls hated it, but their coach never let up. Tough and determined, she showed them what it felt like to be winners--and they loved it. As the momentum grew with a string of victories, the girls thrived on the competition, believing they had the right stuff to become champions.
They were right! With spirits soaring, Thunder won its league on the last day of the season and headed for the state cup, emerging not just as powerful athletes but as strong, confident, emotionally healthy human beings--champions in the game of soccer, and in the game of life.
Review Quotes
"REQUIRED READING! You'll cheer for the girls...and may even shed a tear. Best of all, you'll have found a new set of teammates without breaking a sweat." -- "Sports Illustrated for Women"This is a season inside, an honest look at a girls elite soccer team...worth reading whether you are a soccer player, a soccer parent, or both." -- "Los Angeles Times"A well-balanced journey that celebrates sports, girlhood, and determination." --"San Francisco Examiner"This is a story that should be passed along, girl to girl, mother to mother, dad to dad." --"USA TODAY.com"An exciting book, filled with team spirit, similar to IN THESE GIRLS HOPE IS A MUSCLE." --"Booklist"Well-written, readable...This find book deserves wide readership among both young female athletes and their parents." --"Library Journal