How We Lost Trying to Win: When winning costs everything. - Paperback

How We Lost Trying to Win is a faith-centered wake-up call for sports families who love competition but are tired of the anxiety, pressure, and calendar chaos that can quietly take over a home. Drawing from real stories-highlight wins, travel weekends, and even the author's sudden cardiac death and recovery-Matt and Marina Krueger expose how a good gift can become a substitute god. With Scripture, honesty, and practical "plays" at the end of each chapter, they help parents, coaches, and athletes reset their priorities, protect family rhythms, and pursue excellence without worshiping the scoreboard. This book will challenge your assumptions, lighten the pressure in your house and car rides, and guide your family toward a deeper, joyful way to compete-where character and Christ come first.

Matt & Marina Krueger are Illinois-based parents of six and passionate leaders committed to faith, family, and formation. Matt is a longtime coach and advisor who helps families plan wisely while teaching athletes to compete with character. Marina is a steady builder of home and community, known for her warmth, creativity, and encouragement. Together they serve their church, invest in the next generation, and write with honest conviction so sports stays a gift-not a substitute god.