Here I am with Shaquille O’Neal at an NBA function.
Shaq is a great example of “life after the game” for the retired athletes. It’s great to see.
I’ll be working with quite a few former professional athletes with something new that I’m getting underway. The Athletes Playbook http://www.athletesplaybook.com/ (Launching the summer of 2017!)
We’ll be working with former athletes from all sports, and the younger generation of student athletes and their families as we set out to create a “success playbook” for the young student athletes in sports and in life.
As a board member with the National Basketball Retired Players Association, I see upclose on a regular basis the work that needs to be done to better prepare our next generation of up and coming student athletes, especially if they have plans to be a student athlete at the University level as well. The Athletes Playbook offers all the resources necessary to prepare our student athletes for a successful future. Of course, all of the retired NBA players (and WNBA) and fellow former professional athletes, were student athletes once upon a time and will be sharing their personal experiences and giving great insight.
If you’re a former professional athlete and want to be part of what we’re putting together, send me a note and we can talk. You’ll be compensated for your contributions.
If you’re a student athlete (or parent or family of) go to our site and submit your email address, and we’ll send you all kinds of great content to help you be the best student athlete you can be.
And of course, we don’t want to forget all of the coaches out there who work tirelessly with untold hours and practices with the young student athletes. We’ve got a section coming up called The Coaches Corner, and we’re looking for you to come onboard and share your insights and experiences of working with student athletes.
Email me at JamesD@TheAthletesCouncil.com for further information.
Enjoy!!!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
