What holds a team together when the pressure is highest? Talent fades. Seasons end. Records are forgotten. But the soul of a team-its character, identity, and spiritual foundation-endures.
The Soul of a Team explores how Christ-centered leadership shapes athletes and coaches far beyond performance and results. Drawing from Scripture and years of walking alongside teams as a Character Coach, Shan Smith reveals how prayer, humility, and character formation transform locker rooms, leadership, and lives.
Across fourteen chapters-from the theology of competition and the character coach/head coach partnership to leadership formation, mental toughness, and the power of presence-this book lays out a practical, biblical playbook for anyone serving athletes. Each chapter closes with reflection questions, key takeaways, and a prayer. Also included: fourteen ready-to-use Character Moments, seven Chapel Talks for teams, six practical appendices, and a Scripture index.
Written for coaches, athletes, character coaches, chaplains, and ministry leaders, The Soul of a Team challenges teams to pursue growth that endures-on the court and long after the final buzzer. Because the strongest teams aren't built from talent. They're built from the inside out.
Foreword by Roger D. Lipe.
