Eyes Up!

”““TJ Kostecky has done us all a favor with his delightful book Eyes Up!, in which he shares simple yet profound ways to experience the world and its possibilities anew … Reading this book is like getting great advice about life from a supportive, enthusiastic, wise, and humble friend.”” —Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategy and Policy, Bard College,and former Strategist, Office of the Secretary of Defense ““With Eyes Up!, TJ Kostecky shares his vivid personal account of a life enriched by his Vision Training soccer program and the transformational leadership workshops that have evolved out of it. TJ has traveled the world espousing a life of ‘look, listen, learn’ and formed a grateful appreciation for what makes each of us unique—at a time when community and connectivity are needed most.”” —Joseph A. Machnik, PhD, World Cup TV Soccer Rules Analyst, NationalSoccer Hall of Fame ““A highly relevant, thoroughly enjoyable read for people of both sporting and non-sporting backgrounds. TJ weaves his strong personal values through fact-based leadership strategies aimed at improving one’s perspective and experiences.”” —Adam Janssen, High Performance Director, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and former Goalkeeper, Canadian Olympic Team “”Eyes Up! provides an inspiring road map to expand your perspective and deepen your impact on the people and community around you. Drawing on personal stories from decades of player-centric coaching, TJ shares tangible practices that all leaders can apply on the field and in life.“” —Michael R. Minogue, President and CEO, Minogue Consulting, LLC; Chairman, Michael and Renee Minogue Foundation; and retired Chairman, President and CEO, Abiomed, Inc. ““TJ weaves his personal philosophy, psychology, and insights about the ‘beautiful game’ to help readers appreciate connections throughout their lives, both on and off the field … He challenges us to see the world with fresh eyes and shows us how to find deeper meaning and purpose in the everyday.”” —Tracy Trevorrow, Professor of Psychology and Director, Center for Medical Psychology, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Author, The Fourth Foundation “”Eyes Up! delivers real-life tools for success whether you’re a coach, student-athlete, parent, or corner-office executive. It’s a book full of thoughtful lessons to inspire us in our daily decisions, to make the world a better place, and to become kinder, happier people along the way.“” —Terry Wansart, Director of Athletics, Hunter College, NY”“TJ distills lessons and concepts from his experiences of interacting and connecting with others and brings them to life in the most compelling manner. The lessons emphasize that growing our values and priorities involves a broad range of positive interactions with others. We never know when the most routine and ordinary encounters will bring true insight and meaning.”” —Dave Simeone, Director of Education Programs, United Soccer Coaches of America””Eyes Up! is a book about soccer and how to play the beautiful game. But it is so much more. It is philosophy, anthropology, memoir, advice, metaphysics, physiology, ethics, and psychology … TJ has demonstrated—with fascinating and wide-ranging stories about coaching, family, work, and relationships—how meaning, connection, and purpose bring us into the fullness of life.“” —Paul Marienthal, Dean for Social Action and Director of the Trustee Leader Scholar Program, Bard College, NY, and former Captain, Stanford University Men’s Tennis“

TJ Kostecky is the lead innovator of Vision Training for Life, a leadership developmental program which empowers individuals to discover their full potential and form meaningful connections through subtle shifts in perspective. In an academic career spanning three decades and six universities, he has served as a coach, athletic director, professor, and entrepreneur. TJ is currently the head men’s soccer coach and assistant athletic director for leadership at Bard College. He resides in Tivoli, NY, where his play involves longboarding through the village streets, hiking the Catskill Mountains, and engaging everyone he meets in conversation. He is the proud father of two young women who both work at the Savannah College of Art and Design.