The Other Side of Glory

"People often forget the road to greatness is rarely a smooth ride. The Other Side of Glory reminds us of the enormous power of persistence and what can be achieved when a group of young athletes takes the journey and finds that a 'team-first attitude' can navigate the rocky road that leads to the ultimate prize." --Tim Miles, head men's basketball coach, San Jose State University.

A compelling story of teamwork and commitment in the competitive world of girls' high school basketball

When the Waconia Wildcats embarked on the 2019 season, their motto was simple: FINISH. It was a mandate to follow through on every play at the basket and a promise to address unfinished business from the previous season, when a one-point loss was all that kept them from reaching the state tournament for the first time in school history.

The Other Side of Glory is a sensitive and riveting portrait of youth basketball in small-town Minnesota, a world familiar to many but brimming with its own characters, quirks, and challenges.

Readers will get to know the players--girls with nicknames like Sauce, Salsa, Raptor, and Snake--as they navigate high school life, struggle to accept their roles on the team, wrestle with self-doubt, and ultimately band together with the goal of vanquishing a 45-year legacy of coming up short.

Inspirational and relatable, this is a must-read for athletes, coaches, and parents everywhere.