What You're Made For
Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports
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What You're Made For
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Narrated by:
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JD Jackson
About this listen
Orphaned at just thirteen in a still-segregated Washington, D.C., George Raveling was introduced to a relatively unpopular sport—basketball—in high school. The rest, as they say, is history. Raveling went on to become one of the winningest coaches of all time, a mentor to legendary athletes, and a confidant of the sport’s greatest coaches, including Bob Knight and John Wooden. He convinced Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on the Air Jordan. He led the 1984 U.S. men’s Olympic team to their ninth gold medal. He even once owned the original, handwritten copy of Dr. King’s most famous speech after an unlikely stint as a bodyguard during the famous March on Washington.
Here, Coach Raveling tells the story of his extraordinary ascent, sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his days working with the best in the game. But this book is more than a memoir—it’s a manual for life that presents surprising methods for harnessing your potential from a man who shaped the careers of so many legends. Raveling imparts lessons learned from his grandmother, his long career in basketball, and his lifelong habit of reading—to which he credits all his success.
Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, a parent, a student, or simply seeking to mold your raw talent into greatness, What You’re Made For is a blueprint for your life.
©2025 George Raveling and Ryan Holiday (P)2025 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
“This is a must-read book.”—Charles Barkley
“George Raveling has led one of the most incredible lives in sports—maybe of all time.”—Manu Ginóbili
“Coach is an inspiring testament to resilience, reflection, and the pursuit of purpose. His journey spans seismic historical shifts, victories, and near-fatal challenges, yet his unique introspection and shared lessons have helped me connect more deeply with my own journey and potential.”—Paul Rabil, cofounder of the Premier Lacrosse League and author of The Way of the Champion
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