Love Must Mean Something: A Sports Novel

Nicole Harris didn’t have many of the advantages enjoyed by other girls in the highly competitive world of junior tennis. She didn’t have a private tennis court or the latest equipment, and her family certainly couldn’t afford private coaching since her father passed away. Even paying entry fees to compete in weekend tournaments was a stretch. But the seventh grader had an ace in her pocket that money couldn’t buy, and that was an unfailing belief in herself that overpowered any perceived challenges by the outside world. Fueled by the support of her family, friendships with other competitors and guidance from a surrogate father figure, Nicole would ride her positive attitude and passion for tennis to achievements she had only dreamed about.

＂Birk, an Academy graduate, serves an ace with this exciting and inspiring tale of a young tennis player’s struggles and triumphs, and her unwavering love for the game. Love Must Mean Something is truly motivating and fun. It will encourage generations of athletes to strive for their best, no matter what the competition, the obstacles or the outcome. Athletes and sports enthusiasts alike will enjoy this read and hopefully, as the character Nicole did, discover the competitor and dreamer that lies within.＂
-United States Sports Academy

Rick Birk is a former college athlete who has had a lifelong love of sports. He earned his Master’s Degree in Sports Management in 1990, and coached for more than twenty-five years at the grade school, high school, and college levels. In addition, he has more than thirty-five years of financial management experience, including many years in the sports industry. He also has several years of teaching experience and has served as a host for cultural home-stays with individuals from a variety of countries. Rick resides with his wife Terry in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he writes and pursues sports year-round. Rick’s passion and sense of community spirit is demonstrated through his years of volunteer work with groups ranging from youth to senior citizens. He is deeply committed to promoting moral and ethical standards and is a strong advocate of family values.