CLEVELAND, GA – [May 22, 2025] – TMU Press, the publishing arm of Truett McConnell University, proudly announces the release of its latest publication, Counting the Cost: Raising & Coaching Elite Athletes—an industry-leading resource offering faith-based, practical strategies for guiding young athletes to success both on and off the field.
Crafted by a powerhouse team of authors—Rick Fowler, Ed.D., Stacy Hall, Ph.D., and Holly Haynes, Ed.D.—this transformative guidebook equips parents, coaches, and mentors with Christian-centered insights to navigate the evolving journey of developing elite athletes. Drawing from decades of experience in sports, psychology, education, and ministry, Counting the Cost addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges that often accompany high-level athletic pursuits.
“Whether you are an athlete, parent/caregiver, or coach, Counting the Cost gives principles and advice that will help a young athlete not only perform at a higher athletic level but also to excel in life far beyond athletics,” said Jay McSwain, President & Founder of PLACE Ministries and Chaplain for the Atlanta Braves.
Inside this essential playbook, readers will find:
- Proven training strategies and burnout prevention techniques
- Guidance on navigating the mental and emotional toll of elite sports
- Insight into the vital role of the parent and how to lead with love and wisdom
- Real-world tips for managing the monetary investment in youth athletics
- Approaches leadership, discipline, and character development from a Christian Worldview
In addition to the main text, a powerful companion workbook—A Coach’s Toolbox—is now available. This dynamic resource is packed with highly effective assessments to help coaches and parents better understand their young athletes in order to unlock their full potential.
Whether you’re shaping the next sports legend or simply walking alongside a young athlete through life’s pressures, Counting the Cost offers a timely and transformative roadmap grounded in Scripture and real-life application. It’s more than a book—it’s a mission to raise the next generation of athletes with excellence, purpose, and faith.
Books are available now at TMOutpost.org/books.
About the Authors
Rick Fowler, Ed.D. has authored or co-authored fifteen books and serves as the lead graduate professor of professional counseling and sport psychology at Truett McConnell University. He has previously served as a university head basketball coach, sport psychology consultant and counselor to college and professional athletes, and keynote speaker at numerous sports conferences.
Stacy Hall, Ph.D. brings 27 years of experience in the sport industry as a coach and administrator. His track record includes stints at the high school level, NCAA Division I level, and as a collegiate athletic director at the NAIA level. His graduate work includes a master’s degree in sport management, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in sport administration. He and his wife have raised three collegiate athletes. Dr. Hall has been very involved in supporting Fellowship of Christian Athletes and coaching local youth sports. He currently serves as the Vice President for Advancement and as an Associate Professor of Business at Truett McConnell University.
Holly Haynes, Ed.D. holds a doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Pillar Research Institute at The Jacob’s Ladder Group, where she designs and conducts outcomes-based research on the Interpersonal Whole-Brand Model of Care®. Dr. Haynes has over two decades of experience in higher education and previously served as the founding Dean of the Leonhard Schiemer School of Psychology & Biblical Counseling at Truett McConnell University. She and her husband have raised three soccer-playing children whose athletic pursuits give her firsthand insight into the practical applications of sports psychology principles and the unique challenges faced by young athletes and their families.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or speaking engagements, please contact:
Stacy Hall, Ph.D.
shall@truett.edu | 706-244-8481
Truett McConnell University is a private Christian liberal arts and sciences university located in Cleveland, Georgia, and has been ranked by Best Value Schools as the #1 Christian College in Georgia. TMU offers 80+ different programs of study including baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The University boasts a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while 100% of incoming students receive financial aid. For more information about Truett McConnell University, visit www.tmu.edu.
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