Life's A Dance - by Cliff Ellis (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

GREAT LEADERS MAKE BIG MOVES - ELLIS WAS WILLING TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING FOR EQUALITY

In Life's a Dance, Cliff Ellis - a four time Basketball Hall of Fame Coach and one of the winningest coaches in Division I history - opens up about his philosophies, challenges, and triumphs throughout his career as a former rock 'n' roll star and basketball coach - giving readers a unique perspective into the very heart and mind of an incredible leader. Ellis was willing to give up his career to protect his players and his team and fight for equality within the game.

Learn how to build a successful team - Strong Work Ethics, Respect, Empathy, a Positive Mindset, and more. This book contains fundamental steps that will resonate far beyond the basketball court. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a business professional, or passionate about personal development, Life's a Dance is for you! Join Coach Ellis on his inspiring journey to discover how you can master the dance of life by following his lead.

Review Quotes

"This book is a testament to the intertwining rhythms of sports and music, two passions that helped define Cliff's extraordinary journey as a celebrated figure in college basketball. As one of the NCAA's winningest men's basketball coaches and a former Rock 'n' Star, Cliff blended the discipline of being a high-level basketball coach with a soulful expression of music, creating a unique narrative that both inspires and educates."

Coach Mike Krzyzewski - 5 Time National Champion at Duke University and 6 Time Gold Medalist Head Coach of the US Men's National Basketball Team

"I coached against Cliff for ten years while he was at Clemson. At one ACC spring meeting, we got him on stage to test his love of singing Rock 'n' Roll. He put on a show, and you quickly realized how much he loved coaching basketball to give up his dream of singing. His accomplishment of winning 831 Division I games is incredible, and his book Life's a Dance will show you how he did it."

Bobby Cremins, Former Appalachian State, Georgia Tech, College of Charleston

"Cliff Ellis is the epitome of a Coach. His record speaks for itself, but his passion and love for the game have defined his career. His ability to bring human a element, whether by song or helping others, separated him from the pack. It's a must-read."

Kevin Sampson, Head Basketball Coach, University of Houston

"Cliff Ellis is one of the best coaches the game has seen, and he did it with programs that needed to be built. How he did it was amazing! I have known Cliff my entire career. What a journey! This book is a must-read!"

John Calapari, Head Basketball Coach, University of Arkansas

"Cliff Ellis' book, Life's a Dance will take you on the exciting journey he took to becoming one of the winningest college coaches ever. Cliff is a good friend and mentor to me. I love listening to him talk and sing. But now I understand and appreciate his decision to go from performing as a singer in a band to coaching basketball. You can feel the rhythm and flow of his book as if you were playing or watching Cliff coach a basketball game.

Tubby Smith, (former coach at Kentucky, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Memphis)

"I have known Coach Ellis for over 20 years and we coached against each other while he was head coach at Auburn. To this day we have remained close friends. His book, Life is a Dance is a journey through his life and career. It is a book filled with life lessons. The ups and downs, highs and lows in life and in his career. It is a road map of what success looks like and how to persevere and overcome obstacles. It is a book that will inspire you."

Billy Donovan, Head Basketball Coach, Chicago Bulls

"Cliff Ellis has been a friend of mine for a long time, and I was delighted to get my copy of his new book, Life's a Dance. It might be hard to imagine that being in a rock and roll band has anything to do with being a successful basketball coach. Yet Cliff is able to draw on both experiences to explain the valuable life lessons that anyone can appreciate, especially in the business world/"

Jimmy Rane, Chairman, President & CEO YellaWood/Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated

"'Life's a Dance' captures the spirit of Cliff Ellis, who is above all else a Hall of Fame person in addition to being a Hall of Fame basketball coach. There is so much wisdom to be mined from his journey. Those of us in the coaching profession - and really those in all walks of life - can benefit from his outlook on life and what it truly means to find joy in the journey."

Dabo Swinney, Head Football Coach, Clemson University