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WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game
Based on her inspiring, viral 2018 commencement speech to Barnard College’s graduates in New York City, New York Times bestselling author, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion Abby Wambach delivers her empowering rally cry for women to unleash their individual power, unite with their pack, and emerge victorious together.
Abby Wambach became a champion because of her incredible talent as a soccer player. She became an icon because of her remarkable wisdom as a leader. As the co-captain of the 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion Team, she created a culture not just of excellence, but of honor, commitment, resilience, and sisterhood. She helped transform a group of individual women into one of the most successful, powerful and united Wolfpacks of all time.
In her retirement, Abby’s ready to do the same for her new team: All Women Everywhere.
In Wolfpack, Abby’s message to women is:
We have never been Little Red Riding Hood. We Are the Wolves.
We must wander off the path and blaze a new one: together.
She insists that women must let go of old rules of leadership that neither include or serve them. She’s created a new set of Wolfpack rules to help women unleash their individual power, unite with their Wolfpack, and change the landscape of their lives and world: from the family room to the board room to the White House.
· Make failure your fuel: Transform failure to wisdom and power.
· Lead from the bench: Lead from wherever you are.
· Champion each other: Claim each woman’s victory as your own.
· Demand the effing ball: Don’t ask permission: take what you’ve earned.
In Abby’s vision, we are not Little Red Riding Hoods, staying on the path because we’re told to. We are the wolves, fighting for a better tomorrow for ourselves, our pack, and all the future wolves who will come after us.
Abby Wambach became a champion because of her incredible talent as a soccer player. She became an icon because of her remarkable wisdom as a leader. As the co-captain of the 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion Team, she created a culture not just of excellence, but of honor, commitment, resilience, and sisterhood. She helped transform a group of individual women into one of the most successful, powerful and united Wolfpacks of all time.
In her retirement, Abby’s ready to do the same for her new team: All Women Everywhere.
In Wolfpack, Abby’s message to women is:
We have never been Little Red Riding Hood. We Are the Wolves.
We must wander off the path and blaze a new one: together.
She insists that women must let go of old rules of leadership that neither include or serve them. She’s created a new set of Wolfpack rules to help women unleash their individual power, unite with their Wolfpack, and change the landscape of their lives and world: from the family room to the board room to the White House.
· Make failure your fuel: Transform failure to wisdom and power.
· Lead from the bench: Lead from wherever you are.
· Champion each other: Claim each woman’s victory as your own.
· Demand the effing ball: Don’t ask permission: take what you’ve earned.
In Abby’s vision, we are not Little Red Riding Hoods, staying on the path because we’re told to. We are the wolves, fighting for a better tomorrow for ourselves, our pack, and all the future wolves who will come after us.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2019
915 people are currently reading
22236 people want to read
About the author
Abby Wambach
14 books597 followersABBY WAMBACH is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA World Cup Champion, and the highest all-time international goal scorer for male and female soccer players. She is an activist for equality and inclusion and the New York Times bestselling author of Forward: A Memoir. Abby is co-founder of Wolfpack Endeavor, which is revolutionizing leadership development for women in the workplace and beyond through her champion mindset, individualized coaching, and team-bound focus. Abby lives in Florida with her wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,325 reviews
April 11, 2019
I don't usually review books, but as I read through this book I was disappointed, here's why:
-If you watched the commencement speech, you've pretty much read the book. There wasn't a lot of new information or expansion of the ideas brought up in the speech.
-This book could be about half the page count if they didn't have it double spaced and a bunch of blank pages thrown in.
-There were good ideas proposed but no actionable steps to get there.
I feel like as a leadership book, this falls flat. As a rallying cry to look at an issue it is pretty good, but if you have watched her speech, it's not new.
-If you watched the commencement speech, you've pretty much read the book. There wasn't a lot of new information or expansion of the ideas brought up in the speech.
-This book could be about half the page count if they didn't have it double spaced and a bunch of blank pages thrown in.
-There were good ideas proposed but no actionable steps to get there.
I feel like as a leadership book, this falls flat. As a rallying cry to look at an issue it is pretty good, but if you have watched her speech, it's not new.
May 3, 2019
Fuck yeah, Abby.
Listen to this while you clean your refrigerator, when you can't sleep at night, when men are men, when you're eating ice cream; whatever.
"The entire landscape changed all because of the wolves presence. See what happened there? The wolves, who were feared by many to be a threat to the system, became the system's salvation. Now look around you today, see what's happening here...we are the one's we've been waiting for."
Listen to this while you clean your refrigerator, when you can't sleep at night, when men are men, when you're eating ice cream; whatever.
"The entire landscape changed all because of the wolves presence. See what happened there? The wolves, who were feared by many to be a threat to the system, became the system's salvation. Now look around you today, see what's happening here...we are the one's we've been waiting for."
April 28, 2019
It's a short book, but a book doesn't have to be long to be powerful. I read this, curious, because a co-worker was super excited about it - then I saw her talking with Trevor Noah. I found myself underlining one passage in each section - not for myself as much, but for my 12yo daughter. She is a competitive gymnast, can be afraid of her power and her fear of failure - and Abby says a lot about both of those in this book. She's right - as women, we far too often find ourselves *grateful* for what we have, devaluing ourselves and our work in the process. We deserve better, we can be better, and together we can make that happen.
September 10, 2019
GET THIS BOOK FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR LIIIIIIIIIIFEEEEEEEE
June 6, 2019
So grateful I picked this up. I was unfamiliar with the original speech that went viral, so this was completely new and raw and beautifully simple and wholly complex that I need to challenge myself to read it at least annually.
July 17, 2019
Decent empowerment speech / "rallying cry" for women.
I had to Google Abby Wambach when I picked up this book, as I had only the faintest idea who she was. With the recent USA Women's World Cup win, this seemed like a timely read.
Apparently WOLFPACK is basically the commencement address Wambach gave at Barnard College in 2018. At a meager 112 pages, it has some nice quote-ables but not much depth.
Quotes:
“Leadership is taking care of yourself and empowering others to do the same. Leadership is not a position to earn, it’s an inherent power to claim. Leadership is the blood that runs through your veins—it’s born in you. It’s not the privilege of a few, it is the right and responsibility of all. Leader is not a title that the world gives to you—it’s an offering that you give to the world.”
“Failure is not something to be ashamed of—nor is it proof of unworthiness. Failure is something to be powered by. When we live afraid to fail, we don’t take risks. We don’t bring our entire selves to the table—so we end up failing before we even begin. Let’s stop worrying: What if I fail? Instead, let’s promise ourselves: When I fail, I’ll stick around.”
I had to Google Abby Wambach when I picked up this book, as I had only the faintest idea who she was. With the recent USA Women's World Cup win, this seemed like a timely read.
Apparently WOLFPACK is basically the commencement address Wambach gave at Barnard College in 2018. At a meager 112 pages, it has some nice quote-ables but not much depth.
Quotes:
“Leadership is taking care of yourself and empowering others to do the same. Leadership is not a position to earn, it’s an inherent power to claim. Leadership is the blood that runs through your veins—it’s born in you. It’s not the privilege of a few, it is the right and responsibility of all. Leader is not a title that the world gives to you—it’s an offering that you give to the world.”
“Failure is not something to be ashamed of—nor is it proof of unworthiness. Failure is something to be powered by. When we live afraid to fail, we don’t take risks. We don’t bring our entire selves to the table—so we end up failing before we even begin. Let’s stop worrying: What if I fail? Instead, let’s promise ourselves: When I fail, I’ll stick around.”
April 16, 2019
Wow! Wow! Wow! A fierce and powerful read about all relevant issues! How to stand by your side, and finding your tribe. Quick read that is honest and humble! I'm reading it with my kids, giving it to my friends! Thank you, Abby for your message!
April 23, 2019
This was a short book and a quick read. While I agree with many of her principles, in my opinion it doesn't deserve to be a book (I'm glad I checked it out of the library and didn't purchase it). It's more like a pamphlet with some principles to motivate women.
May 20, 2021
the audio of this was fun, but it's just her commencement speech, not really a book. I like her ideas.
February 25, 2020
A step, but not much, above trash. Thankfully it was short.
Read
December 1, 2020A quick read that is based on Ms. Wambach's 2018 commencement speech to Barnard College's graduates.
https://youtu.be/wJe40l2waxs
Ms. Wambach has 8 new rules to live by. She lays out the old rule and provides a new one that allows for growth and motivation.
example
Old Rule: Be grateful for what you have.
New Rule: Be grateful for what you have and demand what you deserve.
https://youtu.be/wJe40l2waxs
Ms. Wambach has 8 new rules to live by. She lays out the old rule and provides a new one that allows for growth and motivation.
example
Old Rule: Be grateful for what you have.
New Rule: Be grateful for what you have and demand what you deserve.
January 14, 2020
I listened to the audio. I need a physical copy so I can mark it up. So. Good.
August 4, 2021
Abby Wambach’s Wolfpack: how to come together, unleash our power, and change the game had me at, “It’s your time.” p. 7
What I really like about this sweet simple concise read is mostly how impactful the guide posts are:
1. Create your own path
2. Be grateful for what you have ANd demand what you deserve.
3. Lead now - from wherever you are.
4. Failure means you're finally IN the game.
5. Be FOR each other.
6. Believe in yourself. Demand the ball.
7. Lead with humanity. Cultivate Leaders.
8. You're not alone. You've got your pack.
The final page before the above list leads me to consider although Abby lists what we can create, she leaves the reader with their responsibility for how with others possessing similar values.
P. 92
So don't just asking yourself, “What do I want to do?” ask yourself: “Who do I want to be?”
The most important thing I’ve learned is that what you do will never define you for long. Who you are always will.
We are the Wolves.
There is magic inside us.
There is power among us.
Let’s unleash and unite.
Let’s storm the valleys together, and change the game forever.
This is a compact short book. Reminds me of Make Your Bed, by Admiral McRaven. This book is a shorter, different autobiographical narrative, but the same enthusiasm to succeed through personal and societal cliffs and valleys with a circle of others we trust.
Overall enjoyed this book. I'd had it on the shelf since March. Felt compelled to #JustDoIt today. Glad I did. Felt a little like a sabbatical from books that usually take days.
Although began in print, switched to Audible to be with the author one on one since Ms. Wambach is the narrator. Listening felt a great depth of relationship to her story and how it relates to me, the reader, and my journey.
Like two friends hanging out. Teammates encouraging the other. Might sound weird, but for some authors I listen to this is the image I'm getting from them.
If you are a man or woman, either or this would be a great book to feel encouraged, tone-setting, an eight-point guidepost to reset for the goal post :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🚀
What I really like about this sweet simple concise read is mostly how impactful the guide posts are:
1. Create your own path
2. Be grateful for what you have ANd demand what you deserve.
3. Lead now - from wherever you are.
4. Failure means you're finally IN the game.
5. Be FOR each other.
6. Believe in yourself. Demand the ball.
7. Lead with humanity. Cultivate Leaders.
8. You're not alone. You've got your pack.
The final page before the above list leads me to consider although Abby lists what we can create, she leaves the reader with their responsibility for how with others possessing similar values.
P. 92
So don't just asking yourself, “What do I want to do?” ask yourself: “Who do I want to be?”
The most important thing I’ve learned is that what you do will never define you for long. Who you are always will.
We are the Wolves.
There is magic inside us.
There is power among us.
Let’s unleash and unite.
Let’s storm the valleys together, and change the game forever.
This is a compact short book. Reminds me of Make Your Bed, by Admiral McRaven. This book is a shorter, different autobiographical narrative, but the same enthusiasm to succeed through personal and societal cliffs and valleys with a circle of others we trust.
Overall enjoyed this book. I'd had it on the shelf since March. Felt compelled to #JustDoIt today. Glad I did. Felt a little like a sabbatical from books that usually take days.
Although began in print, switched to Audible to be with the author one on one since Ms. Wambach is the narrator. Listening felt a great depth of relationship to her story and how it relates to me, the reader, and my journey.
Like two friends hanging out. Teammates encouraging the other. Might sound weird, but for some authors I listen to this is the image I'm getting from them.
If you are a man or woman, either or this would be a great book to feel encouraged, tone-setting, an eight-point guidepost to reset for the goal post :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🚀
April 9, 2019
I pre-ordered my copy of Wolfpack so that it was delivered the day it was released, which was today, by the way. And not 10 minutes after it arrived on my doorstep, I was already reading it. This book is teeny, tiny. I read it in like an hour. But it's contents are huge. Abby Wambach has incredibly important things to share with this world. It's definitely worth taking the time to read this powerful little message.
December 20, 2020
It is absolutely no secret that I love Abby and the women’s national team. I’ve been meaning to pick this up for awhile and decided to do the audio because she reads it herself. It’s only about an hour long but I found it to be really impactful. I remember that “hell yeah” feeling after hearing the speech that this is derived from (though I think I heard a snippet and not the whole thing?). So while the messaging was familiar, I felt no less inspired.
September 2, 2022
I can't be the only one who had to Google this name. I feel kind of bad - a lot of the book was her talking about herself and how famous she is and how she has changed sports forever? And I'm over here like SHRUG NEVER HEARD OF YA.
This came recommended on a list about "hype" books, especially for working out. I liked the intro, but the "rules" part didn't feel very interesting or innovative. Women gotta be wolves, k got it.
So apparently I was not the target audience.
This came recommended on a list about "hype" books, especially for working out. I liked the intro, but the "rules" part didn't feel very interesting or innovative. Women gotta be wolves, k got it.
So apparently I was not the target audience.
April 22, 2019
Quick, short read. I really enjoyed it, especially because it was easy to digest. Even with that, it was packed with insightful content.
April 24, 2019
I am obsessed with Abby’s in-real-life Wolfpack so these stars are for her extraordinary efforts to raise up women. The book is just an intro.
June 10, 2021
4.5 stars- a super quick and powerful book about believing in yourself, not being afraid to fail, and working with your “Wolfpack” to be the best you can be. I could definitely read this book again with a highlighter for pearls of wisdom to display prominently in places for reminders. I found myself thinking- oooh, I should write that down. Whether you agree with the author on every issue or not, this book is filled with insight. And I loved it. Also- I am not a soccer fan and have no idea what she has or hasn’t accomplished in her sport. You really don’t have to care about soccer to love this book and appreciate her wisdom.
April 29, 2019
Read Harder 2019: Business Book
This book is super short (<100 pages) and a very fast read, but I really enjoyed reading a book on leadership from a uniquely female perspective. Many of the ideas Wambach outlines are ways that I (hopefully) already lead. And I finished the book feeling reminded that I need to seek out my pack - I need to work to feel less lonely and surround myself with women who are learning their own best way to lead.
I especially like Wambach's assertion that just like environmentalists were worried about introducing wolves into Yellowstone - only to find the whole ecosystem flourished with them, our world is afraid of the power of women and it's exactly what our world needs to flourish.
If this book had been longer - with perhaps some concrete suggestions for how to implement some of these ideas - I would have given it four stars. Even as is, it merits three stars for the way these ideas encouraged and inspired me.
This book is super short (<100 pages) and a very fast read, but I really enjoyed reading a book on leadership from a uniquely female perspective. Many of the ideas Wambach outlines are ways that I (hopefully) already lead. And I finished the book feeling reminded that I need to seek out my pack - I need to work to feel less lonely and surround myself with women who are learning their own best way to lead.
I especially like Wambach's assertion that just like environmentalists were worried about introducing wolves into Yellowstone - only to find the whole ecosystem flourished with them, our world is afraid of the power of women and it's exactly what our world needs to flourish.
If this book had been longer - with perhaps some concrete suggestions for how to implement some of these ideas - I would have given it four stars. Even as is, it merits three stars for the way these ideas encouraged and inspired me.
July 18, 2019
The presentation is a little cheesy, but the message is solid. It's a short book, which allows it to be to the point and pack a lot of punch. I appreciate how she illustrated her points with personal examples. The idea that we are all leaders whether we realize it or not, hit me hard. This is a book that came to me at an ideal time. It's entirely positive and motivating. I listened to the audio book, which probably gave it a little more emotional heft. Since it's just about an hour long, I plan to listen to it again before it returns to the library, so I can remember some of the lines that resonated with me most.
August 8, 2020
I am not a soccer person... or really a sports person... but I needed this book after hearing about Abby's mission to create change in our world. This is a must read for EVERYONE. Everyone. It's short, impactful lessons on how everyone can be a leader and a better human. Concise but still packed with important words. I can't wait for the young readers edition so I can share this with my kids.
December 18, 2019
I don’t follow soccer nor know much about the author, but I picked this up at the recommendation of Brene Brown. There were many touching and inspirational moments, but ultimately this super slim book wasn’t all that necessary. You can just watch the commencement speech upon which it was based.
August 27, 2021
I liked the suggestions Abby gave but I just didn’t feel very connected to the book. She used soccer references (understandably) for everything which made it feel like I needed to play soccer to truly relate to the lessons she was teaching.
January 15, 2023
This is the sort of self help that usually doesn't resonate with me much - very inspirational, and Abby Wambach is an absolute icon, but the content of the book itself didn't feel like a revolution. Nonetheless, glad I gave her a gander!
May 7, 2019
If I could give this 10 stars, I would.
August 20, 2019
This book was laughingly short, I couldn't find much to glean on. A very generic life coaching self-help book.
July 29, 2019
This short guide for women claiming their power is so inspiring. Abby Wambach, the highest scoring professional soccer players ever, gives practical, down to earth tips while sharing her own experiences. This would be a great gift for any woman starting out on a new adventure.
Find Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game at Westminster Public Library today!
If you enjoy Wolfpack, you might also like Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Both books inspire one with the courage to act to do great things.
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
Quotes:
"There was a moment in every soccer game when I'd feel the energy shift toward me. Whether it was a morale boost, a momentum swing, or a goal that we needed- it was my job to make it happen. When I felt that shift, I'd say silently to myself: Let's go, Abby. It's your time."
Find Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game at Westminster Public Library today!
If you enjoy Wolfpack, you might also like Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Both books inspire one with the courage to act to do great things.
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
Quotes:
"There was a moment in every soccer game when I'd feel the energy shift toward me. Whether it was a morale boost, a momentum swing, or a goal that we needed- it was my job to make it happen. When I felt that shift, I'd say silently to myself: Let's go, Abby. It's your time."
April 28, 2024
Queerness, womanhood, and leadership. Holy shit; read this now.
January 13, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Short, inspiring and memorable. Be sure to follow it up by watching her commencement address. Also she should be in the Oval Office.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,325 reviews