Teen Author Releases "Soccer Dreams" Book to Coincide with 2003 Women's World Cup

16-year-old author, Leah Lauber, has released her first book, "Soccer Dreams," that describes her true adventure following the U.S. Women's Team, as a fan and 12-year-old Junior Reporter for the St. Petersburg (FL) Times, as the National Team prepares for, and wins, the history-making 1999 Women's World Cup. Illustrated with more than 200 color photos, this 92-page book takes sports enthusiasts to games, training sessions, and news conferences, as seen from the eyes of a 12-year old hero-worshiping fan/reporter.

(PRWEB) September 26, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Petersburg, FL (PRWEB) September 26, 2003--“Soccer Dreams” - a new 92-page book written by Leah Lauber, who followed the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team as a 12-year-old fan and Junior Reporter for the St. Petersburg Times during the history-making 1999 Women’s World Cup, has been released by WCI Press.

Leah, today a 16-year-old junior at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, wrote the book four years ago when she had incredible access to her heroes as the Team prepared for, and ultimately won, the Women’s World Cup in a tournament widely regarded as a worldwide milestone for women’s sports.

With the 2003 Women’s World Cup back in the United States, the Lauber family, which has self-published “Soccer Dreams,” believes the book will have great interest to soccer fans of all ages, especially the millions of young soccer players in the United States. Self-publishing became the best option after the family had difficulty generating interest from established publishers.

Playing before 90,185 spectators at the Finals against China, and an international television audience, the 1999 Women’s World Cup is especially memorable for its climax -- Brandi Chastain’s penalty kick sealed the win for the U.S. Team in a thrilling shootout.

Leah attended games, training sessions, and press conferences, recording interviews and comments from nearly every member of the 1999 team. “Soccer Dreams” describes her adventures from the stands, on the field, in the locker room, and under the press tent. “Soccer Dreams” is amply illustrated with more than 200 color photos (initially shot by her father, a professional photographer, for the family photo album).

“Soccer Dreams” is divided into three sections. The first section describes Leah’s love of the game, her acceptance on the X-Press Team of the St. Petersburg Times, and her initial encounters with the U.S. Women’s National Team, including a trip to Atlanta for the Gold Medal game in the 1996 Olympics.

Section Two describes Leah’s eight-month journey from her first interview with National Team player, Danielle Fotopoulos, at her youth soccer club to the post-Finals Victory Rally in Los Angeles. All five of Leah’s feature articles in the St. Petersburg Times are also included.

Section Three demonstrates exactly how much access Leah had to her heroes. It includes unedited interviews, comments and quotes from each session Leah was fortunate enough to record. It is a treasure trove of insights - and historical account - in the players’ own words.

“I am thrilled to see my book in print after I wrote it so long ago,” Leah said. “Just as my heroes’ dreams came true in 1999, on a much smaller scale, my dream came true as well, being there to witness sports history. Now, with my book in hand, yet another ‘Soccer Dream’ has come true!”

While Leah’s dream of attending the Finals was realized, publishing her book became a four-year unfulfilled vision -- until now.

Leah’s dad, Chris Lauber, explains, “After seeing Leah put so much effort into sharing her story, I contacted several publishers. They doubted a 12-year-old could write a book anyone would be interested in reading. When I told them I also had a wide collection of photos to illustrate the book, the conversations came to a quick end. I fully understand why they were doubtful - a 12-year-old author, with her father as the photographer.”

But, just as Leah’s adventure four years ago was an unlikely sequence of events, fate stepped in again. The 2003 Women’s World Cup was originally scheduled to be played in China, but the SARS epidemic forced FIFA, the international sanctioning body, to pull the tournament from China and stage it once again in the United States.

Recognizing that interest would increase substantially for women’s soccer, Leah’s family decided to self-publish “Soccer Dreams.” With a unique combination of skills and abilities, and the 2003 Women’s World Cup to increase interest, the Lauber family explored the possibilities, including the financial commitment.

“We still had our doubts,” Leah’s dad said, “but one day I was reading Julie Foudy’s comments in the interview section. She was discussing the people who doubted the staging of the ‘99 tournament in a large stadium. Julie said ‘If they tell you ‘you can’t,’ just smile, and say ‘you can.’ Take a risk, because risk brings rewards!’ I knew we had to give it our best effort,” Lauber explained.

Anyone who has ever had a hero - athlete, musician, artist or actor - has dreamed of seeing their hero perform, getting an autograph, and/or talking with them. Leah has enjoyed all those scenarios. What makes “Soccer Dreams” universally appealing is that her incredible adventure takes place while her National Team of heroes is on the world’s largest stage in their home country before the largest audience to witness a women’s sporting event in history.

"Soccer Dreams" is available for immediate purchase at the book's website: http://www.SoccerDreamsBook.com or by calling toll-free (888) SOCCER3.

CONTACT:

Chris Lauber

(727) 347-4440

(888) SOCCER3

http://www.SoccerDreamsBook.com

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