“At the end of the day, the most important thing for athletes is what they learn about life. You can do more than you think you can. Don’t be afraid to be really good. Especially for Athletes really helps athletes be cognizant of what they want to get out of athletics. Players, coaches, parents, everyone can get caught up in wins and losses. But they need to get ready for life and the more they are aware, the better chance they have.”

“People will think you are cool because you can throw a football, but it’s about more than that. It’s about being a good person. Especially for Athletes helps people of all ages realize that like no other program I am aware of.”

“When I heard the passion behind E4A I just knew I had to be a part of it. I really do think people should ask themselves why not and make the Especially for Athletes promise. Eyes Up to me means recognizing without God none of this would be possible.”

“Thank you for taking us through the program Monday. I will look for those needing a friend and be one. I’m going to wake up earlier everyday and run more and I’m committing to getting my grades where they should be. I can get all A’s. Thank you for helping me realize I can do more “

“If you follow the principles taught through E4A I know that you will be able to be a positive influence on your team, in your family and in your community. I can’t think of a better guide for young athletes to use to help relate athletics to life. Use that “Sport Light” to be a great person, a great athlete, and influence others for good. Especially for Athletes, and the programs and events being organized around its principles will help you in that quest.”

“As a coach and a dad of two sons who are athletes, I agree with the E4A principles. What a responsibility we have to teach young athletes early on to take seriously the responsibility they have to use their God-given gifts to help bless the lives of those around them. Especially for Athletes will be used as a blueprint for parents who want to teach their kids how to use sports to help learn valuable life-lessons, and a tool to assist athletes in becoming their best.”

“Although Especially for Athletes was created for a distinct group, the leadership lessons are applicable to a much larger audience. Using the power that comes with success to make a positive impact on the world around you is not just a lesson for athletes—it’s a lesson for all of us. We are responsible for changing the world for the better. Today’s leaders have that responsibility, as will the leaders of tomorrow. These principles are a perfect primer for helping them on their way!”

“My young son has taken the Do the Work with your Eyes up message to heart and it is changing the way he approaches his life. As an athlete, a son, a brother, a student, a classmate and a neighbor, he says “Mom I’m happier when I am looking up and doing the work.” He has a band on his wrist that says Do the Work with Eyes Up and he absolutely loves the challenge. Thank you!”

“I have heard the challenge issued from E4A to hundreds of athletes at two separate football camps and the athletes where so engaged and excited to get to work it was amazing! It was very, very neat to witness.”

“Thank you for meeting with us. This Program has changed my life. Ever since I started living these principles I have been such a better person. You asked us to write something that we could do the work on and improve. I wanted to improve on being more of a friend to people I don’t know and try and find greatness in the new people I meet and be a person that everyone can trust and be friend with! Thank you so much for everything, E4A has forever blessed my life.”

“My name is Austin. After you came and met with our football team I was shocked about the bullying and suicide facts you shared with us, so I have been going around and sitting by kids at lunch and talking to them and just becoming friends with people that I normally wouldn’t talk to. Also I have been slacking in the classroom this year and this quarter I am going to finish strong and get a 4.0. Some of my goals for this year are, to become a varsity starter and help the team as much as I can, to become more compassionate to the people around, win another state title, soften my heart, and I would like to strengthen myself mentally, physically, and spiritually.”

“I am so motivated to do more. I took a kid I didn’t know who usually is by himself to lunch today. He is a great kid and we will be good friends. Thank you. Eyes Up- Do the Work”