Heart of a Student Athlete: All-Pro Advice for Competitors and Their Families

A good student athletic career is the start of a good career of life. "Heart of a Student Athlete: All-Pro Advice for Competitors and Their Families" is a guide advocating the power of student athletics and what it has on the young competitors, teaching them core values that are invaluable in any walk of life, while keeping them away from the things that often destroy young lives. "Heart of a Student Athlete" is a very motivational read aimed at inspiring young athletes, highly recommended.

Heart of a Student Athlete should be required reading for any young athlete who is even thinking of competing at the next level. My expertise is in the world of football, so obviously the book hit home for me with respect to the challenges that young people face, persevering through adversity, goal-setting, etc. The current climate for college football recruiting is glorified and magnified by the coverage placed on it through the local and national media, fan websites and message boards, magazines, etc. Meanwhile, Karl's path by starting at a lower level program is actually the norm, not the exception for the vast majority of football players. There are 848 colleges and universities that play football in the U.S., yet only 120 or so of those are Division 1 programs. That means the vast majority of kids who are thinking about playing college ball are faced with many of the same decisions and obstacles that Karl dealt with during those formative years. His story is unique yet powerful. The book flows, and it's not full of inconsistent behaviors and ideologies. It is a blue-print for success, and I am adamant that coaches, parents, and athletes take the time to read it. They'll walk away inspired, enlightened, and challenged. Warren McCarty ESPN Radio Pro Football Writers of America [...]

Karl Mecklenburg shares his inspirational message of family foundation, faith and his keys to success as he became an all-time great defensive player in the National Football League. Karl's journey from a student athlete in Minnesota to his ultimate success as an All Pro Linebacker with the Denver Broncos was not without challenges and struggles. But by sticking to his plan and the support of family and his faith, he got there. In Heart of a Student Athlete, Karl captures what it takes for Adults to be better leaders and role models. He discusses the importance of character. And ultimately, he asks us to share this with our (children) youth to allow them recognize their passions and catch their dreams. This is a great book for any parent, coach, teacher or leader of youth trying to inspire, motivate and promote success. Then, share the book with those you lead!

My son doesn't happen to be a football player. I don't happen to know a lot about football. But this book has provided me with an arsenal of solid information that is helping me to encourage my teenage son to become the best person he can be. For parents of football players or other athletes all the better. Karl Mecklenburg may not look on the surface as though he as overcome adversity, but from his dyslexia through his NFL career, he has overcome all odds and he shares his struggles and lessons with us. It's a pleasure to read a book by someone who is a really positive role model in how he has chosen to live his life. This book is an easy to read guide for people (adults and teenagers) trying to do the best they can on and off the field in whatever walk of life they have chosen. I heartily recommend this book!

Mr. Mecklenburg writes as a family man, with a strong spiritual base, who also happens to be an All-Pro linebacker. While sports fans, and the parents of student athletes, will certainly enjoy "Heart of a Student Athlete, every parent will come away with inspiration and new insights We all struggle to raise our children to become happy, healthy, successful adults. We want them to do better, and have a better life, than ours. Sometimes we press to hard in trying to do the best by our children. This book gives a fresh perspective to our efforts. Once you've read this book, give it to your child. You both will benefit.