I consider Peter to be an elite soccer coach for players of all ages and genders as he genuinely cares about the player from a holistic point of view. Peter is a true professional with a great sense of humor. He has had a major influence on both the growth and development of the game of soccer in the USA.
— Michael Dickey, director of coaching and player development, Mockingbird Valley Premier Soccer Club; National Coaching Education and Scouting Staff, United States Soccer Federation; former head coach of Jordanian Women’s National Soccer Team
As a former youth baseball coach, I was excited to hear that Peter was writing another book. Peter has an incredible depth of wisdom to share with grassroots coaches—insights into how coaches should interact with their players so that learning how to play while experiencing the joy of playing can be achieved by everyone involved. “A player’s mistake is a signal to the coach to where this person can be helped,” makes a lot of sense to me. Grassroots Coaching: Using Sports Psychology and Coaching Principles Effectively has tons of information and philosophy that would have helped me during my coaching endeavors. This is a book for every coach’s library but there is more here than just advice to coaches. There are thoughts and concepts for anyone who would like to improve their leadership skills.
— Philip Hurley, former youth baseball coach
Through Peter’s mentorship, I was able to grow my ability to coach and lead a team. He has an incredible ability to break down information into actionable tools and strategies that I continue to use daily. Peter’s focus has and always will be on the players and how we, as coaches, can create an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves.
— Sarah Leiby, Dartmouth College Women’s Soccer assistant coach and United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30, Class of 2019
Peter is a scholar, leader, and educator. He views the educational landscape as an opportunity to set goals for his students and himself, along with a plan to achieve those goals. Making a difference is always a goal for Peter.
— Marcy Weston, Hall of Fame college administrator, instructor, and coach; NCAA National Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officiating (retired)
Awesome, a coaching book written by a coach! Peter’s wide range of coaching experiences will positively impact coaches at all levels with practical insight and strategies. Grassroots Coaching: Using Sports Psychology and Coaching Principles Effectively is a resource to help your players and teams grow faster and find real joy in playing their sport.
— John Bonamego, senior coaching assistant and 2022 Super Bowl Champion, Los Angeles Rams, NFL
What is the recipe that transforms a good coach into an exceptional coach? For five years, my two boys had the awesome experience of training with Coach Peter, the most exceptional coach we’ve ever worked with. Energetic and fun, caring and supportive; he is a truly amazing teacher. He helped our boys build their athletic skills while simultaneously building their motivation to put forth their best effort. He celebrated their victories with them and helped them through their tough moments. He taught them the value of being part of a team. Best of all, through the personal connection he was able to create with them, he helped them believe in themselves, which is the greatest gift someone can give to another person. Come to think of it, “exceptional” is not a strong enough word. What word could possibly measure up? All I know is that Coach Peter’s positive influence deeply touched our lives, making them better overall, and we will be forever grateful.
— Deb Mead, mother of Sean and Jacob, former TOP soccer players at Midland Soccer Club
In a sports world that has become a bit obsessed with specialization, technical training, and analytics, even for our younger athletes, this book offers a fresh perspective that brings us back to an earlier time. The authors turn back time and explore how a grassroots approach that helps to build both the athlete’s mental and physical skills can greatly improve coaching and teaching effectiveness. I personally have over thirty years of experience in the intercollegiate athletics industry and would recommend this book as a great read for anyone seeking creative ways to re-think their approach to coaching and personal development.
— Kevin Buisman, director of athletics, Minnesota State University
Peter J. McGahey and Peter S. Pierro provide a thought-provoking book to help you lead yourself first as a coach. Powerful, research-based psychological principles are discussed that are proven to lead to success. With this book, you will be able to lead your team and players more effectively. I would recommend this book for any coach that is looking to take their own performance to the next level.
— Cindra Kamphoff, mental performance coach and author of "Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High-Performance Edge"
I am excited to dive into this work from Coach McGahey. As a passionate leader, educator, and voice for coaches of all levels, his take on the pedagogy of sport is worth your time and energy. In every step of Coach McGahey’s coaching career his focus has been on the holistic development of the athlete. His commitment to education and transformational leadership makes him the perfect person to help coaches everywhere be at their best.
Teaching life skills through sport has always been Coach McGahey’s superpower. I look forward to continuing to learn from him as he turns his focus from student-athletes to coaches and provides resources for leaders, teachers, and coaches across all levels and sports. As a husband, dad, educator, and coach Peter has always used his passion to serve others. I have no doubt Grassroots Coaching will be a tremendous asset to coaches everywhere as we all search for ways to become the best version of ourselves.
— Joanna Lane, senior director of education and program development, National Fastpitch Coaches Association