"Never doubt yourself, never stop chasing your dreams, and always believe the impossible." — Carl English

When Carl English was five years old, he was faced with an unimaginable tragedy. The loss of his parents in a fire would change his life as he knew it. But he found an outlet, a comfort zone, a way out of the emotional turmoil he experienced: basketball. He played, hours upon hours, on the side of the highway, in rain, wind, and even snow. As time passed, basketball grew into a passion, and then a dream.

Where would it take him? How big could he dream? And what would he need to make this dream a reality? Hard work, discipline, practice, determination, and most important, self-belief. Basketball has taken Carl all around the world and, in his own words, has blessed him with so much.

Chasing a Dream is the memoir of Newfoundland basketball phenom Carl English. It's an inspirational true story of persevering through hard work and dedication to make a dream become reality. In Carl's case, he always dreamed of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Although he went undrafted through all his years playing, he enjoyed the career of a lifetime playing the sport he loves. The basketball pro from small-town Newfoundland travelled overseas and crushed the European basketball circuit. He became a superstar in his own right, by playing in Europe and for the Canadian national team, and returned to his home province to a hero's welcome.

"Carl English has a story that won't disappoint. Watching his career, I was always drawn to the spark and confidence I could feel through the TV. A hot streak was always right around the corner, and his bravado was magnetic. Beloved by his national team teammates for his sense of humour and quick tongue, everyone's got a 'Carl story.'" — From the Foreword by NBA All-Star Steve Nash

Carl English grew up in Patrick’s Cove, Newfoundland. He attended Fatima Academy and pursued a future in basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas in Toronto and at the University of Hawaii. Carl went on to achieve great success in the sport playing for Team Canada and for various European teams. Today he lives in Paradise, Newfoundland, with his wife, Mandy, and their three children.

Carl English's profile page

Blake Murphy is a staff writer at the Athletic covering the Toronto Raptors and Canadian basketball. Raised in Cambridge, Ontario, he received a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University before studying journalism at the University of British Columbia. His work has appeared at Vice, ESPN, Fangraphs, theScore, and other publications. He lives in Toronto.

Blake Murphy's profile page

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Steve Nash, OC, OBC is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2001, Nash founded the Steve Nash Foundation, which aims to foster health in kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play, and empowerment. It's efforts focus in both Phoenix, Arizona and Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2007, Nash received the Order of Canada in honour of his philanthropic efforts.

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Steve Nash's profile page