Walk-On Warrior: Drive, Discipline, and the Will to Win

This is a very good book. Overall, Walk-On Warrior is easy to read, uplifting, and motivational. John touches on a number of values and characteristics he found were important in life that he learned through basketball. Walk-On Warrior gives a depiction of what it is like being on an NCAA D1 Basketball team as a walk on, rather than a scholarship player. He describes in detail all of the sacrifices and lessons learned through his NCAA experience that stay with him to this day. The book was also very refreshing as it gives an "insider" look at college athletics with extremely authentic, real, and truthful stories, observations, and opinions.As someone who grew up in the same town as John, I can relate on many levels. He captures and writes about his experiences as a Midwest small-town kid with a basketball dream perfectly - I am positive many readers will relate. Whether you are in high school or college athletics, looking for an enjoyable quick read, or are looking for leadership takeaways, Walk-On Warrior is a must read!

I would highly recommend this book! John does an amazing job transitioning through the periods of his life and he does an exceptional job sharing his incredible stories of perseverance, hard work, discipline, and just how amazingly resilient he is. The book is inspirational, motivational, and teaches so many great life lessons about how putting in maximum effort can put out some amazing opportunities for success. John's love for basketball goes layers deep, but it's his passion for life and seizing the moment through each opportunity he's presented with that makes you want to keep reading page page after page. The book created opportunities to do some reflection and gives a reader the chance to go behind the scenes of what it takes to build a premier athlete and all the sacrifices it takes a long the way. I'm so blessed to have come across this book and I will continue to recommend it to family, friends, and clients.

I just finished the book and as a father that aspires for his children to play college sports, I can't wait to have them read it. The difference between this book and so many other basketball books is that it's raw and authentic: John literally took me into the weight room, the practice gym, and the day to day life of being a student athlete at Marquette. As a parent, I gained a unique perspective that I didn't always fully appreciate, and that is playing division 1 basketball is HARD! There is a silver lining to so many stories, and I loved how John's journey came full circle with his work for Rick Majerus. What a personality! I loved the story about eating sausage sandwiches in his hotel room....just like I would've pictured him! Overall, this is a wonderful story and guide to the mentality needed to play sports at that level and ultimately succeed in life. Highly recommend it.

This book is a great read I would recommend for anyone looking for some motivation. John's story is inspiring and shows how hard work and following your heart can pay off, even when the odds are not in your favor. His writing style makes this book relatable, easy to read, and entertaining.This book would make a great gift for an athlete of any age, anyone chasing a dream or starting on a new endeavor, or a basketball/college athletics fan interested in hearing an insider's view. I hope that John will continue on as an author and look forward to reading more of his material!

It's a great short and easy read, with an amazing story. John Willkom does a good job to put into perspective how hard it is to be a D1 student-athlete. It is filled with funny and emotional stories and moments that make you realize that if you put your mind in something you're passionate about, you will be successful at it. Lastly, it shows how basketball, and sport in general, help you prepare for the real world, and how connections made through playing sports, could later provide you with new opportunities. I strongly recommend this book to not only those who enjoy basketball but also people that are looking for an inspirational book.