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The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance, the Unlikely Architect of the Greatest College Sports Dynasty Ever

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Description

Former Sports Illustrated senior writer Tim Crothers took a year off to write a book; that year became a five-year odyssey chronicling one of the most successful coaches in the history of sports. The Man Watching reveals, for the first time, the story of the man, Anson Dorrance, who built the University of North Carolina soccer program that Sports Illustrated hailed in 2003 as "The Greatest College Sports Dynasty Ever." Dorrance, in 2004, was named one of the top 25 coaches of the past 25 years by an expert panel at ESPN. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ann Arbor Media Group


Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2006


Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 376 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 158726434X


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 44


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.63 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #1,501,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #639 in Soccer Biographies (Books) #1,806 in Soccer (Books)


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, Aug 17

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Extraordinary biography of an extraordinary coach
Format: Hardcover
This is a great book for anyone who intrigued by the personalities behind successful coaches. Dorrance has an unprecedented rate of success not only as 'the man watching' on the sidelines, but in his influence on his players who go on to coach women's soccer. The author's thorough background research and countless hours spent with Dorrance himself combine to make a satisfying and intriguing read. The charges of sexual harassment that haunted Dorrance are discussed and put into a plausible light, though the specifics and motivations may never be clear. The mystery of why this initially reluctant recruit into the world of women's sports has achieved unprecedented success is explored through this in-depth literary portrait, though the mystery remains satisfyingly unsolved. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2013 by Woodburner

  • Great read
Format: Hardcover
As a male coaching women, sometimes you are stuck scratching your head as to what to and to not say to your athletes. Can't tell you how many revelations I had reading Dorrance's philosophy of coaching and how much it helped me this past season. One of those book you need to read before every season to help get your mind in the right spot when it comes to communication and team chemistry! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2013 by Martin D. Plum

  • Good read. Coach shares his email and phone--he responds ...
Format: Hardcover
Good read. Coach shares his email and phone--he responds to every email and text
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2017 by Russgladd

  • Would recommend it more for a player than a coach
Format: Hardcover
As a previous review noted the first half of the book, which dwells on the coaches life, is much more of a "biography" than the second half. The second half is more of a description of the "feel" of the UNC program, which based on the writing, seems authentic. The programs description doesn't really add much to the biography unless you have an opinion about the UNC program. The rituals and idiosyncracies of the program are no more interesting or poignant than any other D1 successful sports program. I believe this book, through its many quotes and reprinted letters, gives a sense of what the emotions of college soccer are like for the athletes. As a coach of male and female soccer players, I would recommend it for female players who wonder what college soccer is like. Of course, any fan of the UNC girls program would find this an inspiring read since it holds true to the title and praises the program at length. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2007 by Aztec1

  • Awesome Read!
Format: Hardcover
If you ever wanted to know what really happens on the other side of the pitch ....
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2016 by Robert P.

  • Five Stars
Format: Hardcover
Just fantastic
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2018 by Kindle Customer

  • Great book about super coach
Format: Hardcover
Great book about one of the most successful coaches in history. Anson's story is fascinating. Great read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2007 by William Bolen

  • A Fascinating Journey Inside the Life of the Man Who Watched
Format: Hardcover
I've been a college coach my entire life working with male and female athletes at the Division One level. Over a 30 year career I've read many many books on leadership, motivation, management and relationship building. Walk into any book store- there's thousands of them. This book stands apart in my mind as one of the best simply because it takes you inside the UNC program that Dorrance built and shares his thoughts, observations, beliefs and practices. What is so powerful about the man and the story is the simple things he values most and how he reinforces them over and over within his teams daily regimen. If you coach college sports at any level, this is a valuable read. If you coach female athletes at any level, especially high school or collegiate, this is a must read. No two people ever think alike and Anson's style is unique to him. But the lessons that any leader can take from this book will be well worth the time spent. There are certain universal truths that all coaches have to come to grips with if they hope to be successful. It's clear from the beginning to the end of this read, that Anson's ability to grasp these truths and consistently weave them into his daily life lessons to his players is what sets him and the UNC program apart. His style may not appeal to everyone, his approach may not be your cup of tea, but it's hard to read this well written book and not come away with a sense of admiration for way he molds his athletes into champions. This book is well worth reading and for anyone in the coaching profession, it will force you to re-evaluate how you approach your mission. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2007 by Karen McCloskey

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