care to compete
a coach’s guide to connection that wins the margins
*Coming Summer of June 8, 2026
Book Endorsements
"It is easy to lead teams when things are going well. Hunter’s book tackles the most challenging aspects of coaching. It’s an accessible, engaging read that will have you taking notes in the margins and elevating your leadership game. Coaching coaches is something our profession needs more of, and I’m excited to apply his ideas with my own teams in the near future."
Mike Garber
Cross Country Coach
4 State Titles
6 State Trophies
2 Individual State Champions
"This is the book every coach needs to read whether you are a first year coach or thirty year veteran. Hunter Price captures some great concepts for developing quality team culture that any program can benefit from. This is a must read for any coaching staff."
Jay Lipe
Soccer Coach (Boys and Girls)
Girls soccer - 9 state appearances, 2 state titles
Boys soccer - 4 state appearances, 1 state title
"This is a book for every coach no matter the sport, young or old. Written by a coach who has lived it for coaches who are living it. I’ve been coaching for 37 years and even to me this book is helpful in identifying where our players are in their “level of care”. Hunter gives us ways of reaching players where they’re at. He also gives insights on how to help players understand who they are and what they need in order to become a more productive part of their team. This book is a great blueprint for how to become a better coach overall, which will lead to more success. Care to Compete is a must read."
Vondel Edgar
Softball Coach
4 State Championship appearances
2 State Championship titles
“The best coaches don’t go viral for how much they know; they’re remembered for how they made people feel. Read this book. Share it with your staff. And then go coach the game the right way, one relationship at a time.”
Matt Hackenberg
Basketball Content Influencer
Program Building Specialist
“Care to Compete reframes what winning really means. It’s a must-read for coaches and leaders who believe the greatest victories happen in the lives of the people they lead.”
Andrew Wingreen
Head Basketball Coach - New College
Author - Win One Won
“Care to Compete is a powerful reminder that the best competitors are those who care the most about their people, their purpose, and the process. This book challenges leaders and coaches to pursue excellence without losing what matters most.”
Luke St. Lifer
Former CBB player and coach
Northeast Recruiting Director - MADE
Most leadership books tell you what great coaches do. Hunter Price shows you who they are.
Care to Compete is one of the most practical, honest books on coaching I’ve read. Hunter doesn’t deal in theory — he deals in the daily, gritty work of building real connection with the people you lead. He understands that winning in the margins isn’t about X’s and O’s. It’s about whether your people trust you enough to give you everything they’ve got.
This is a manual for coaches who want to be worth following — not just worth working for. If you lead people, read this book.
John Perry
High School Footbal Coach
Author and Podcast Host
‘Never Stop Getting Better’
“The lessons taught in this book are a necessary part of every coach's development. In an era of so much copying and pasting, Care to Compete challenges coaches to truly define their methodology while also affirming belief. For coaches looking to move from imitation to intentionality, this is a must-read. It doesn’t just give you answers, it guides you through finding your own. And in that process, it elevates both the coach and the program.”
Christopher Fisher
Football Coach
Founder of #TXHSFBCHAT
“Every team I ever played on I felt the same quiet frustration... “nobody cares as much as me” For most teams, ‘care’ is assumed but rarely defined. Too many environments are built on winning at all costs, where results and ROI take priority over people, and where the hearts, minds, and souls of people are secondary. This book challenges leaders to stop assuming care and start defining it. When care is clearly named, modeled, and reinforced, it stops being a vague idea and becomes a shared standard—one that shows up in the margins, in discipline, and in how teams truly compete. If you’ve ever felt that gap—like you were carrying a level of investment others didn’t—this book is for you (and your team)”
Tate Unruh
Euro League Basketball Pro
Leadership Speaker and Thought Leader
“Hunter’s Care to Compete puts words to something I’ve seen as a player, coach, and trainer. Talent helps, but care is what actually drives performance. When athletes are selfless and committed to the work, culture starts to form and teams compete at a different level. This book is a reminder that caring isn’t soft. It’s the competitive advantage. If you want to build a team that truly competes, this is a great place to start.”
Herman A Senor II
Euro League Basketball Pro
Basketball trainer and media producer
“Words shape culture, and Hunter doesn’t let us hide behind vague ones. He pushes coaches to confront what “care” really looks like in action. If you’re serious about protecting what’s good in our game, this book gives you the language to lead it.”
Brooke Brittain
Basketball Coach
Author
Army Veteran
“If you as a coach or leader are looking to get better, this book is for you. Hunter provides a clear framework for coaching today’s student-athletes, and maximizing team potential. He shares key leadership principles that can be used to increase buy-in and build a foundation of an aligned and thriving culture. “Care to Compete” can help coaches navigate the leadership challenges and provide a practical roadmap to developing a championship program.”
Skip Brock
High School Basketball Coach
MBCA Hall of Fame
"Rick Warren has said, "Nothing becomes dynamic until it becomes specific." Care To Compete, is dynamic because it's specific. Hunter Price shows you concrete strategies and relatable stories that will help you improve. I especially needed chapter 14."
Jeff Nelsen - Executive Leadership Coach and Pastor
John Maxwell & Jon Gordon Certified
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“Care to Compete is very good, insightful, and practical for a coach. I sent the part on the Heartbeat and leadership to my two heartbeats.”
Matt Brock - University of Illinois Springfield Head Basketball Coach