If Gold Is Our Destiny

This book reminds us that we are capable of more than we know, as individuals, as teams, and as institutions. Sometimes all we need is a book like this to spark the inspiration we need to perform at another level.--Scott Bedbury, CEO of Brandstream, author of A New Brand World This is a story about how the impossible was overcome with vision, boldness, huge egos, creativity, talent, a singular common goal, and relentless leadership...and maybe a bit of luck. Sean Murray captures the essence of this epic endeavor. He brings out the colorful personalities, conflicts, and challenges overcome. Ultimately, this dysfunctional group became very functional, and, together, reached their common goal. Two words: Inspiring. Entertaining. It is well written. A terrific read.--Bill Neville, Assistant Coach to the U.S. Men's Olympic Volleyball Team (1984), Head Coach of the Canadian Men's Olympic Team (1976); Former USAV National Coaching Education Director and Former Head Coach of the University of Washington Women's Volleyball Team Sean Murray's deeply reported If Gold Is Our Destiny reveals the inner workings of a team as well as any book I have ever encountered. In telling the story of the 1984 gold medal-winning US men's volleyball team, Murray deftly reveals how a group of individuals were able to set aside individual goals and embrace a single purpose. Terrific sports history!--Glenn Stout, editor of The Year's Best Sports Writing and author of Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World and Tiger Girl and the Candy Kid: America's Original Gangster Couple