When the Dream Became Reality: The Journey of a Professional Soccer Player and the Push for Meaning, Purpose, and Contentment

In this candid memoir, former professional soccer midfielder Warshaw describes his journey from being an insecure soccer-playing boy from Mechanicsburg, Pa., to realizing his dream of playing the sport professionally. After graduating from high school, Warshaw made the U.S. Men’s Youth National Soccer Team in 2005, earned All-American honors, and won a scholarship to attend Stanford University. Warshaw became the captain of the well-respected Stanford team, though he continued to doubt his abilities. He was the university’s lone selection to the MLS Combine, and was a first-round draft pick for FC Dallas. His three years at FC Dallas were complicated by feuds with the coach and the frustration of playing a backup role against teams with star-studded lineups such as David Beckham’s L.A. Galaxy. Not wanting to ride the bench in Dallas, Warshaw moved abroad to play in Swedish and Norwegian leagues, but some of the old feelings of self-doubt crept in. He eventually returned to Pennsylvania and played for the local Harrisburg City Islanders. Warshaw, now an analyst at MSLsoccer.com, earnestly probes the psychological and physical effort it takes to become an elite athlete. (BookLife)