My Top Five Coaching Book Recommendations (and Why They Matter to Me)

Books have a unique way of shaping how we think, lead others, and live our lives. The right book at the right time can challenge your mindset, build confidence, or even change how you see the world. I read so many great books last year, but these five books stood out to me and had the most impact on me as a coach, woman, and as someone who wants to leave the world a better place.

These five books span personal growth, leadership, mindset, and faith—and each one offers lessons that extend far beyond the page that will not only impact you, but those that you lead.

1. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

This book completely reshaped how I think about confidence. Instead of treating confidence as something you either have or don’t, The Confidence Code explains that confidence is a skill you can build through action. The authors combine research, real-life stories, and practical insights to show why confidence—especially the willingness to take risks—matters more than perfection. It’s an empowering read for anyone who struggles with self-doubt or overthinking.

For all of the women who read this blog and are in the sports industry, or are looking to break in, you must understand how important confidence is. I work on my confidence daily. Socially, emotionally, and personally. This book was a must for my top five coaching book recommendations for all women in sports.

2. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

This book stands out because of its unique format: a conversation between a philosopher and a student. It introduces Adlerian psychology in a way that’s easy to understand and surprisingly freeing. The core message is that you don’t need everyone’s approval to live a meaningful life. It challenges common beliefs about happiness, relationships, and responsibility, and it encourages readers to take control of their own choices.

This book is highly recommended for my fellow people-pleasers! Recommended to me by a good friend during a troubling time for me, I could not have appreciated this book more. It is helping me find out who I am. To live authentically. And that is a must for any coach.

3. Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson’s leadership style is unlike any other. In Eleven Rings, he shares lessons from coaching some of the greatest basketball teams and players of all time. What makes this book special is its focus on mindfulness, teamwork, and selflessness rather than just winning. Even if you’re not a sports fan, the leadership lessons apply to school, business, and in our day-to-day lives.

I have had the privilege of learning directly from Phil Jackson through my master's program. My biggest takeaway in regard to my coaching has centered on the power of meditation and visualization. I guarantee that you will come away with meaningful action items for you as a coach and human.

Just this year, my offensive line room started to meditate in-season. We saw immediate results and went on a winning streak into the playoffs.

4. Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life by James Kerr

Legacy explores the culture and leadership principles behind one of the most successful teams in sports history—the New Zealand All Blacks. Rather than focusing on wins alone, James Kerr highlights habits like humility, accountability, and personal responsibility. One of the book’s most powerful themes is the idea that leadership starts with character and service, not status. This is a great read for coaches and leaders who want to build strong cultures, lead by example, and leave something better behind than they found it.

Our foundation and shared identity as a group allow us to go to war together. As an offensive line coach, this book has changed how I approach building the foundations of the rooms I lead. What do we need to focus on? And how will that impact the team and its goals?

5. The Bible, Chronological

The Bible is the most influential (and most important) book I’ve ever read. It offers guidance, wisdom, and perspective that apply to every stage of life. Faith in something greater than you (with the intent to serve others) should be the cornerstone of your purpose in this life.

Many people have not read the bible cover to cover. A chronological bible can piece the bible together in a straightforward way that allows one to learn scripture more effectively. 

Whether read for faith, reflection, or moral insight, its stories and teachings encourage purpose, humility, love, and perseverance. It’s a book you can return to again and again and still find something new.

There are free plans and calendars online that can help you read the entire bible in one year. I encourage you to start now.

Ashley Cornwell coaching as an offensive line intern with the Tennessee Titans in 2022.

Final Thoughts

Each of these books has helped shape how I think about confidence, leadership, purpose, and character. Together, they’ve challenged me to grow—not just in what I do, but in who I am. If you’re looking for books that inspire action, help you find your purpose, and help you not only yourself but also the people around you, I recommend you start to read these five books today.