Walk-On: Life from the End of the Bench

Realistically describes the role of the non-starter in college athletics; worth reading for the roles of determination, family and faith in an individual's life. Good to share with high school athletes aspiring to play in college. Quick read, not the very best writing, but not awful either.

This book is incredibly inspiring and one that anyone will enjoy reading. I would give it six stars on a scale from 1 to 5!!!!!

Walk On: Life from the End of the Bench, by Alan Williams, is a very inspiring story about perseverance, hard work, and devotion to God through trying circumstances. Alan Williams was a star. While only a sophomore in high school, he once scored over 50 points in a high school varsity basketball game. By the time he was a senior, he was considered one of the best players in Memphis. One knock on him, though, was that he was not much taller than six feet. Even though he was an excellent jump-shooter, he lacked some of the quickness, speed, and overall athleticism required to be an elite player at the next level (college and the NBA). Williams was recruited by some small schools coming out of high school, but he wanted to play basketball at Wake Forest University since he was an infant. Wake did not offer Williams a scholarship, but be was given a chance to compete for a spot as a walk on, partly because of a personal connection that he had (Five Star Basketball Camp's Howard Garfinkle). Williams soon found that life as a walk on was not something that he was used to. As a walk on, Williams' faith was tested tremendously. Firstly, walk on players didn't receive the same treatment as the scholarship athletes. Williams learned this early as he had to wear practice uniforms that were years old, while the scholarship players received brand new gear. This standard of treatment continued when it came to things like team pictures as well. Walk on players were sometimes excluded from team pictures and media guide reports. While these things may seem very minor, the walk on players, who barely see minutes in the games and sometimes even practice, relish those small privileges had by scholarship players. Williams was used to stardom in high school, with everyone knowing his name and identifying him as a great basketball player. At college though, Williams had a hard time coping with the fact that he was treated like he was a little more than a team manager. College basketball had not turned out how he had envisioned it in his dreams. What makes this story great, though, was that Williams was steadfast in his devotion to God despite all of his discouragement. Because of his faith, Williams played all four years and did not quit. He knew that God had a purpose behind him being on the basketball team, and Williams continued to work hard despite the lack of instant gratification. This is an excellent story for anyone who has dreams. While you might not get exactly what you want, when you want it, or how you want it, there is still some value in pursuing your dreams. Just ask Alan Williams.

Alan offers an inside look into the hidden side of big-time college sports. His story shows that the guy whose name rarely appears on the box score struggles more with every aspect of athletics than do those whose name graces every headline. A great story of how a high school star humbled himself to ride the bench and found out that his presence there was more vital than those on the court.

An awesome book for any athlete or aspirant competitor in the game of life. This book exemplifies one's passion to fulfill a dream and the dedication and faith to ensure its possibility.