Reach for the Summit

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing, Reinvigorating & Really Worthwhile
Review: Being a girl's basketball coach, I first thought I would gain some insight into how to build a winning program. While Pat Summit's book gives you the elements of that, she does a far better job of explaining how to "bake the cake" than simply what to put in it. This book is excellent for people in management positions (that's right, coaching is management)and appropriate points are made relevant to sports, business and life in general. Simply put, clear instructions, clear focus on the ultimate goal, and hard work are an unbeatable combination, that usually result in not having to make excuses or explanations.
I treasure this book as something to utilize along with Coach Wooden's "Pyramid of Success". If you're looking for a new style offense or a secret to better defense, forget it. If you're interested in developing the most out of your players as athletes, and more importantly, people; this book is a must.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing, Reinvigorating & Really Worthwhile
Review: Being a girl's basketball coach, I first thought I would gain some insight into how to build a winning program. While Pat Summit's book gives you the elements of that, she does a far better job of explaining how to "bake the cake" than simply what to put in it. This book is excellent for people in management positions (that's right, coaching is management)and appropriate points are made relevant to sports, business and life in general. Simply put, clear instructions, clear focus on the ultimate goal, and hard work are an unbeatable combination, that usually result in not having to make excuses or explanations.
I treasure this book as something to utilize along with Coach Wooden's "Pyramid of Success". If you're looking for a new style offense or a secret to better defense, forget it. If you're interested in developing the most out of your players as athletes, and more importantly, people; this book is a must.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL!!!
Review: First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on a successful season and on your teams championship. Reach for the Summit was a great inspiration to myself and my co-workers. It demonstrats leadership, confidence, and it is highly motivational. This book makes you think about who you are, where you come from and makes you re-evaluate your work ethics and whether you give it 100% everyday and whether you have room for improvement. As a competitor, athlete, and leader I appreciated the book. P.S. As a non-resident fan, I believe Pat Summit's coaching methods should be "emulated". Her student athletes graduate with a degree and her program is successful!!! If the student athletes are willing to work hard and give it all they have to reach for a goal that many dream of...NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS...and learn through the process, let it be. Once again, Congratulations!!

Rating:
Summary: A valuable read for anyone in pursuit of excellence!
Review: For the first time I have read a motivational book that breaks ideas down into easy digestable pieces. As a college coach I am impressed with Coach Summitt's philosophy and execution. I share her ideals and focus. My 10 year old daughter's comment was, "Gee, Dad there are other coachs like you!" If she ever decides to play basketball I hope Pat is around to coach her. This has become required reading of my players at Claremont McKenna. Success is easy, you just have to work for it.

Rating:
Summary: Reach For The Summit
Review: For the first time I have read a motivational book that breaks ideas down into easy digestable pieces. As a college coach I am impressed with Coach Summitt's philosophy and execution. I share her ideals and focus. My 10 year old daughter's comment was, "Gee, Dad there are other coachs like you!" If she ever decides to play basketball I hope Pat is around to coach her. This has become required reading of my players at Claremont McKenna. Success is easy, you just have to work for it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent real live stories that give you motivation
Review: Great book especially for sports fans and fans of life in general. Refreshingly honest and no nonsense instructions for each of us. There's no easy way to be successful but only through hard work and determination. One of the most inspirational books, I've read. Really makes you reevaluate whether you've taken the easy road or made the most of your life.

Rating:
Summary: Should Be Required Reading For EVERYONE
Review: Having long been a fan of Pat Summitt & the Tennessee Lady Vols, I finally got around to reading this book and I must say it was a real eye-opener. You've seen pictures of Pat on tv & in the newspapers, usually in some player's face during a crucial moment of a game & you might think, "this woman is really tough on her players." Well, guess what? She IS tough, and many of the players that she's been toughest on went on to be championship players in the WNBA after getting their degrees at the University Of Tennessee. Other than building championship teams, Pat's main goal is seeing that her players get their education & graduate. Everyone on the team must sit in the 1st 3 rows in their classes and pay attention. After reading this book, I came away with the realization that she really does care about these young women and always made it a point to assure them of this. At times when she knew she'd really have to lean on a player, Pat would contact their parents to give them a heads up so that there would be no misunderstanding. Pat Summitt grew up tough but fair, not afraid of hard work and expecting alot from others. Her Definite Dozen System is easy to apply in any job, in all walks of life. You just have to be determined to overcome adversity and to face every challenge that comes your way. Highly recommended reading for everyone, not just fans of women's basketball.

Rating:
Summary: definitely an "old shcool" coach
Review: Having long been a fan of Pat Summitt & the Tennessee Lady Vols, I finally got around to reading this book and I must say it was a real eye-opener. You've seen pictures of Pat on tv & in the newspapers, usually in some player's face during a crucial moment of a game & you might think, "this woman is really tough on her players." Well, guess what? She IS tough, and many of the players that she's been toughest on went on to be championship players in the WNBA after getting their degrees at the University Of Tennessee. Other than building championship teams, Pat's main goal is seeing that her players get their education & graduate. Everyone on the team must sit in the 1st 3 rows in their classes and pay attention. After reading this book, I came away with the realization that she really does care about these young women and always made it a point to assure them of this. At times when she knew she'd really have to lean on a player, Pat would contact their parents to give them a heads up so that there would be no misunderstanding. Pat Summitt grew up tough but fair, not afraid of hard work and expecting alot from others. Her Definite Dozen System is easy to apply in any job, in all walks of life. You just have to be determined to overcome adversity and to face every challenge that comes your way. Highly recommended reading for everyone, not just fans of women's basketball.

Rating:
Summary: Should Be Required Reading For EVERYONE
Review: Having long been a fan of Pat Summitt & the Tennessee Lady Vols, I finally got around to reading this book and I must say it was a real eye-opener. You've seen pictures of Pat on tv & in the newspapers, usually in some player's face during a crucial moment of a game & you might think, "this woman is really tough on her players." Well, guess what? She IS tough, and many of the players that she's been toughest on went on to be championship players in the WNBA after getting their degrees at the University Of Tennessee. Other than building championship teams, Pat's main goal is seeing that her players get their education & graduate. Everyone on the team must sit in the 1st 3 rows in their classes and pay attention. After reading this book, I came away with the realization that she really does care about these young women and always made it a point to assure them of this. At times when she knew she'd really have to lean on a player, Pat would contact their parents to give them a heads up so that there would be no misunderstanding. Pat Summitt grew up tough but fair, not afraid of hard work and expecting alot from others. Her Definite Dozen System is easy to apply in any job, in all walks of life. You just have to be determined to overcome adversity and to face every challenge that comes your way. Highly recommended reading for everyone, not just fans of women's basketball.

Rating:
Summary: As a teacher, I wish all my students would read this book.
Review: I am an English teacher. I have long been a fan of Pat and wish all my students would read her book. In fact, I plan to keep a copy on my desk so it will be available for them to read. No wonder she has won so many awards. She teaches life skills.