Raising A Pro”: A Comprehensive Guide to Nurturing Young Athletes by LaKita Gantz
Courtesy of LaKita Gantz
In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of youth sports, the role of parents and coaches is more pivotal than ever. LaKita Gantz, a seasoned expert in sports leadership, is delighted to announce the release of her latest book, “Raising A Pro.” This self-help guide is tailored to parents and coaches, offering invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the complex world of youth sports and fostering positive development in young athletes.
One of the key aspects covered in “Raising A Pro” is the importance of creating a supportive and encouraging environment at home. LaKita shares practical tips on how parents and coaches can contribute to building a positive atmosphere that enhances a child’s confidence and self-esteem, both on and off the field or court.
Communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships, and in the context of youth sports, it is crucial for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike. The book explores effective communication strategies that promote open dialogue and understanding, strengthening both parent-child and coach-parent relationships.
Navigating Success and Failure: “Raising A Pro” delves into the critical aspect of teaching resilience and coping skills to young athletes. LaKita draws on her extensive experience to provide guidance on helping young athletes navigate both success and failure with grace and determination, contributing to their overall emotional well-being.
Striking a balance between academic and athletic commitments is a common challenge for young athletes. The book offers practical tips for parents and coaches to assist young athletes in managing their time effectively, promoting a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle that supports both their academic and athletic pursuits.
Mental toughness is a key component of success in sports, and “Raising A Pro” explores techniques to develop this quality in young athletes. LaKita provides actionable exercises and insights to help young athletes overcome challenges, stay focused, and perform at their best under pressure.
LaKita Gantz has crafted a user-friendly guide that combines expert advice, real-life anecdotes, and actionable exercises. Whether readers are new to the world of youth sports or seasoned sports parents and coaches, “Raising A Pro” proves to be an indispensable resource for anyone looking to support their child’s athletic journey while fostering personal growth.
Availability: “Raising A Pro” is now available for purchase on LaKita Gantz’s official website, www.lakitagantz.com, as well as major online retailers such as Amazon. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into this comprehensive guide and empower the young athletes in your life with the tools they need for success on and off the field.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
