My Athletes Wanted Story – Jeff Schlict
After reading Athletes Wanted everything clicked for me. I never realized how much athletics has shaped my life. The best part of the book for me was part 1 “Benefits of Athletics.” Looking back on my playing career, I now have a greater appreciation for those who influenced me. My parents, teammates, coaches, and many others have helped me become a better person. I still have strong relationships with these individuals. For example I just touched base with a couple of my former teammates that I played travel soccer together. Both of them play at top college programs, Duke and Stanford, and now they are still involved in the game of soccer.
Ali Curtis, 1999 Hermann award winner from Duke, works in New York for Major League Soccer. My other teammate is Corey Woolfolk, a Stanford standout that was drafted in the 2001 by the San Jose Earthquakes, is co-founder of isoccer.org. These are just two players among many that have affected my life.
Another quick example is the reason why I work for the National Collegiate Scouting Organization (NCSA). My former college coach emailed me one day telling me about a job opportunity at NCSA. I followed up with my resume and next thing you know I am changing player’s lives by mentoring them in the recruiting process. I see the effect my parents, teammates, coaches, etc. had on me growing up. Building great character and confidence not only on the field but in life. This is what drives me everyday; having that same effect on the players I work with and seeing their dreams come true.
Athletes Wanted is a must read not only for players, but for parents and coaches!
