Professional athletes are now joining the trend of organizing book clubs for their teammates, adding a unique twist to the popular activity. In the NBA, San Antonio Spurs players Victor Wembanyama and Harrison Barnes are leading a book club, aiming to expand its membership within the team. Similarly, the NHL’s San Jose Sharks have their own book club, with players like Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, and Ty Dellandrea participating, teasing fans by keeping their reading choices a secret.
Athletes from the PWHL and the WNBA, including teams like the Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Toronto Tempo, and New York Liberty, are also engaging in book club activities. Toronto Sceptres forward Claire Dalton shared her enthusiasm for reading, highlighting the role of book clubs in team bonding. Dalton, along with goalie Raygan Kirk, initiated the Sceptres’ book club, utilizing online resources like Google and Reddit for discussion prompts. The club has delved into various books, such as “Gone Before Goodbye” by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben, “The Heir Apparent” by Rebecca Armitage, and “Palm Villa” by Ashley Hartley, attracting around 15 players to participate during the regular season.
In the WNBA, the Toronto Tempo’s book club was inspired by guard Kia Nurse and teammate Nyara Sabally, fostering camaraderie among the new expansion team members. Nurse emphasized the significance of building off-court chemistry through shared activities like book discussions, enhancing team cohesion. The Tempo’s first book selection was the thriller “It Should Have Been You” by Andrea Mara, with their initial meeting taking place on a team flight, underscoring their commitment to the club.
For athletes like Nurse, reading serves as a valuable escape from the pressures of sports, offering a different perspective and a break from the competitive environment. The impact of these sports teams’ book clubs extends beyond their locker rooms, resonating with fans and inspiring community engagement. The Toronto Sceptres’ promotion of reading led to a collaboration with The Children’s Book Bank, culminating in the Sceptres Storytime event where players read to children and emphasized the joy of reading.
By showcasing athletes as reading role models, these initiatives aim to break stereotypes and encourage young readers to explore the world of books. The positive reception from children at the event underscores the importance of promoting literacy and diverse reading experiences. The integration of book clubs into the sports community not only fosters team spirit but also strengthens connections with fans and the broader community.