What parents are saying

“This book is life changing!”

“Wow! A must read for new AND old wrestling parents!”

“Save yourself time and many mistakes…absorb what this book is telling us.”

“I highly recommend it no matter where you are in the journey”

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If you are interested in a bulk order for your team, please contact me

ABOUT THE BOOK

This book contains practical guidance and real life stories from years in the trenches as both a coach and a parent. You’ll learn lessons derived from experiences with thousands of wrestlers and parents.

Also hear from wrestlers who started as kids (most with losing records) and have gone on to national level success in high school and college.

In How to Succeed (and Fail) as a Wrestling Parent, Coach Donovan Panone uses his 28+ years of coaching experience to help you navigate the world of wrestling. He is also the father of a wrestler and shares his unique perspective. You will learn from what he’s seen done right, wrong and way wrong.

Whether you are brand new to wrestling or are deep in the journey, there is something for parents at every stage. The lessons in this book will provide you with the confidence that you can handle anything along your journey as a wrestling parent.

THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU

  • Understand the role you should play as a wrestling parent
  • Learn the process it takes to achieve long-term success in wrestling and life
  • Know what to do, say (and not say) at tournaments and practices
  • Learn how confidence is really built and ways you may be sabotaging that
  • Gain perspectives on training, competing and the importance of embracing adversity
  • Develop ways to strengthen the relationship with your wrestler
  • Enable your wrestler to love the sport and learn valuable lessons they will take into life
Read some excerpts

Phil Arnold

“As a former wrestling coach and current wrestling parent, being on the same page as your wrestler’s coach is paramount to your wrestler’s success on and off the mat. There have only been a few coaches I have trusted with my son, Gabriel. Donovan Panone is at the top of that list. This book is one of the best roadmaps I have seen for a parent to keep their wrestler motivated and moving in the right direction!”

Alyson Weston

“This book is life changing! Getting this into the hands (minds and hearts) of every wrestling parent will have a profound impact on every young & maturing wrestler.”

Bobby Kilic

“As I was reading I found myself nodding in agreement to every subject Coach Panone hit upon in this excellent book.  

If I had this book years ago (and my stubbornness didn’t prevent me from actually taking it in), it would have saved me from a lot of mistakes I made as a “psycho wrestling dad.”   

To save yourself some time and many mistakes, take in and absorb what this book is telling us all.”

Jan Kilic

“As the mother of 4 wrestlers, 2 who wrestled D1 in college and 2 more who are now coaches of wrestlers, I can attest that Donovan does a great job in this book of covering all the areas that we as parents need to be aware of when it comes to the emotion of this wonderful sport.

I highly recommend that you read it no matter where you are in your journey. Even if your child is already on track, all the way through college all of these issues arise continually. It can help tremendously to navigate through your own anxiety to keep the parent child relationship intact.  Your wrestler will grow, both in character and skill, and get the most out of the experience.”

Tai Henson

“Worthwhile read for all parents and wrestlers/athletes. Donovan has always stood apart from others to me for truly just wanting better for the kid with zero notoriety.  The quality of content and wisdom in this book comes as no surprise. 

As a wrestling parent I have always been very conscious about my role in my children’s journey and how to be an asset to them vs. a hindrance.  It’s their journey and I’m honored to be along for the ride.  I would have loved to have had something of this value when they were younger and I am grateful to have it now!

Job well done, Donovan.”

Paul Piccirilli

“This book is great! If parents actually internalize and leave their ego at the door, this book will help them navigate the world of wrestling . I also compliment Coach Panone’s vulnerability and transparency when talking about his own kid and his feelings.”

I hope you find the book invaluable to your experience as the parent of a wrestler. Wrestling is such an amazing sport and teaches incredible life lessons. I’ve packed the book full of wisdom and stories that will enrich the relationship you have with your wrestler and help them reach their full potential.

– Coach Donovan

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