John E. Ingersoll, Director, Federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (today’s DEA), 1968-1973   
“Although his profession is elsewhere, in this book Andrew Dieden is also a teacher. Andy teaches (or, if you prefer, coaches) with authority. He knows both worlds of which he speaks and the connection between the two.  Just read the first chapter.  He doesn’t have to say much more about where he has been.  Like a good coach’s locker room talk when losing the game at half time, he spends most of his time talking about what the team can do and where the team is going, not where the team has been. The rest of the book is about what his intended audience can do and achieve, if they train hard and pay attention. It’s about a better game of life.
When Andy coaches, he trains people in body and spirit to leave behind a negative and reach a positive way of life.  His message, while cast in a huge sports metaphor, is a message of living for anyone struggling with life’s difficulties and it is a message cast in plain language.  It is the message of one who “has walked in your shoes”. The sports metaphor is more than a clever trick to get the reader’s attention.  Andy Dieden truly finds life lessons in every sport and presents them to the sports loving recovering alcoholic as life principles.  Read closely the introductions to each chapter.  All are life lessons as seen through the eyes and thoughts of athletes and their coaches. A worthy book to write and very much worth the read.”  

 Hon. Virginia A. Mellema, PhD. U.S. Federal Administrative Judge, EEOC
“This book is remarkable, managing to treat its compelling subject with all the seriousness it deserves while providing optimism, inspiration and even humor throughout.  Starting with a revelation that demonstrates Mr. Dieden truly knows whereof he writes, he supplies the building blocks for recovery through motivating sports metaphors, incorporating tales of victory over the odds into realistic steps for triumphing over a powerful addiction.  Whether one is a sports neophyte such as myself or a seasoned aficionado, this book is a must-read for anyone trying to preserve his or her relationship, job or even life from the devastation of addiction.” 
 
Mark Cato, former PGA Tour Player, PGA Professional
" As a golf pro, I often hear people compare playing golf to living life.  I believe the comparison is valid.  As is true of many sports, golf tests our virtues, such as integrity, cooperation, honesty, humility and dedication.  The game also exposes weaknesses that we can to work on in order to build confidence and self esteem.  I believe that’s why golf’s lessons are so popular. This book specifically applies sports’ many life lessons to take on addiction, a disease that affects everyone in one way or another.  In this book, the problem and the solution are clearly presented in an inviting, motivational way.  The insightful quotes from sports legends and the historical sports stories provide excellent concrete examples that Andrew Dieden uses as the basis for explaining how the principles of recovery play out.  He has found an entertaining way to digest a very serious topic.  Regardless of whether you struggle with addiction or not, this book will help you better understand recovery and improve your level of play.  The Sports Lovers Guide scores a birdie!”

Ron Fimrite, author, The World Series: A History of Baseball’s Fall Classic;
Birth of a Fan; Pappy’s Boys: The Rose Bowl Years 1948-1949-1950; former columnist, Sports Illustrated

"Andrew Dieden ingeniously and convincingly equates athletic achievement, including successful rehabilitation from injury, with surmounting drug and alcohol addiction.  Both endeavors require inner discipline and determination to succeed, often against overwhelming odds.  The inspirational message is delivered in a lively style, complete with a succession of anecdotes that sometimes surprisingly offer strong support to the author's central thesis. This is an important book."