“As a mom of three young boys, I love finding books that go deeper than just entertaining—they teach character, confidence, and perseverance. Dream Big with Coach AW Hamilton is a perfect example of this. Coach AW has a special way of encouraging kids to believe in themselves while reminding them that hard work, kindness, and resilience are what truly lead to success. It’s an inspiring read that sparked great conversations with my boys, and I know we’ll come back to it again and again. It proves everything he preaches in his camps and is clearly a core value to him. It's an integral part of being a young athlete, but an even better person. I highly recommend it to any family looking to encourage big dreams and even bigger hearts!!”

 – Mackenzie Neal, Mother of Warner Neal (Kindergarten) & Calvin Neal (2nd grader)

"My kids and I absolutely love this book! It encourages them to work hard, set goals, and never give up on the things they want in life. More importantly, it teaches them how to be a good person and make a positive impact while on that journey. The book includes wonderful, real-life examples that bring each of the five lessons to life and make them easy for children to understand and relate to. It’s an inspiring book that teaches valuable lessons they will carry with them for many years."

– Willett Family, (Grayson, Charlotte & Emmery)

“Dream Big with Coach A.W. Hamilton is an inspiring book for children and families alike. Coach Hamilton's passion for making a positive impact shines through on every page.”

 – Matt & Julie, father & Mother of Maisy Ward (3rd grader)

“What I love most is that Coach A.W. Hamilton doesn't just encourage readers to improve themselves—he inspires them to positively impact others too. The lessons in this book teach the importance of character, perseverance, and treating people well, which are some of the most valuable lessons anyone can learn.”

 – Aubrey Lowery, 9 years old (4th grader)

“Coach A.W. has always been great with Adrian. He teaches these kids a lot more than just basketball. Dream Big does a great job of putting those lessons into words that kids can understand. It’s a great book with some even better life lessons, and I know Adrian will carry those lessons with him as he gets older”

 – William Thompson, Father of Adrian (1st grader)

“I have never had a better leader in all my years of coaching than A.W. Hamilton.  He’s an excellent coach and teacher of the game of basketball.”
 – Billy Hicks, Former Head Coach, Scott County High School

“A.W. Hamilton is the definition of consistency and effort.  He understands the value of hard work and treating people right, all while getting the best out of everybody around him on a day-to-day basis.  His attention to detail and competitive edge will be seen through his players by how hard they play for each other and Eastern Kentucky University.”
 – Kevin Keatts, Head Coach, North Carolina State University

“A.W. Hamilton is an outstanding hire by EKU.  His track record in prep school and path to becoming a head coach is identical to current N.C. State Head Coach Kevin Keatts.”
 – Adam Finkelstein, Scout/Recruiting Analyst, ESPN

“A.W. Hamilton is one of the elite recruiters and young coaches in the country.  His connections with AAU programs have boosted his ability to land marquee recruits at Hargrave, along with N.C. State.  Eastern Kentucky will flourish under Coach Hamilton’s leadership.”
 – Evan Daniels, Former 247Sports National Recruiting Director 

“Dream Big is a beautiful reminder that big dreams begin with believing in yourself. A.W. Hamilton is a true example of what it means to inspire kids, cheer them on, and encourage them to never stop dreaming, growing, and reaching for what’s possible.”

 – Jamee Carper, President & CEO, Telford Community Center YMCA

“We absolutely love the book Dream Big with Coach! The kids are so proud to know Coach and love seeing him write such a special book. They take turns reading it every night, and it has quickly become one of their favorite bedtime stories. It’s such a sweet reminder to dream big, work hard, and believe in yourself!”

 – Jesi Denton, Mother of Cooper, Conrad & Emmerson Denton

“Thank you for teaching me to Dream Big and to always use my words to make others feel good. I love encouraging my friends and teammates and helping them feel special. You have inspired me to work hard, be a great teammate, and become a better basketball player.”

 – Jada Caldwell, (3rd grader)

“Coach A.W. pours into every child.

Dream Big. He teaches that no dream is too big when it is backed by faith, discipline, and relentless effort.

Never Ever Quit. Coach A.W. teaches these kids that perseverance is what separates those who wish from those who achieve.

Use Your Words for Good. One of the most powerful moments each year is watching campers encourage one another, building confidence instead of tearing others down. In a world that desperately needs more kindness, Coach A.W. is raising a generation that understands the power of their words.

Be a Great Listener. Coach teaches that growth begins when we listen—to our coaches, our parents, our teammates, and to one another. Listening isn’t just a basketball skill; it’s a life skill.

Punch Your Opportunity Clock. This lesson may be my favorite. Coach reminds these kids that opportunities don’t wait forever. Success belongs to those who show up, are prepared, and take advantage of every chance they’re given.”

 – Bridget Foster, Mother of Aubrey Foster (3rd grader)

“I like how it brought in Coach’s real world life, the illustrations are very good, and I like how it teaches you to dream big.  And I also like how the words flow really well.”

 – Elyse Fohl, (6th grader)

“Coach A.W. Hamilton’s Dream Big Basketball Camp lesson can now be learned in the form of a book! This book has lessons that teach you to have big dreams, persevere, and it teaches you how to be a great human.”

 – Madelyn Gilliland, (7th Grader)

“My son, Jack has been going to the Dream Big Basketball Camps for 6 years. He looks forward to it every year. Along with basketball skills, he learns life lessons too. Coach Hamilton emphasizes the five messages in the book to all the campers. He engages the kids and teaches them examples and ways to incorporate those messages in their everyday life. We hear so much negativity every day and these 5 messages are a reminder that you can be inspiring, a good friend, kind to others and chase your dreams. These 5 messages are powerful and applicable to everyone, not just kids!”

 – Gretchen Boehm, Mother of Jack Boehm

“My son Mark attended the Dream Big Basketball Camp, where I first had the chance to hear Coach A.W. Hamilton speak to the kids. I was honestly impressed by how motivational and inspiring he was. After reading his book, I could really feel that same message and energy throughout its pages. Dream Big is about much more than basketball — it encourages young athletes to believe in themselves, work hard, and carry those lessons beyond the court. I really enjoyed the book and its message!”

 – Anna Stanton, Mother of Mark Stanton

“We absolutely loved Dream Big! After Hayden attended all four weeks of A.W. Hamilton’s basketball camp this summer, this book felt especially meaningful to our family.

Coach Hamilton has such a gift for encouraging kids to dream big, believe in themselves, and understand that success is about so much more than basketball. Hayden looked forward to camp every week, and it was clear that the coaches were not only developing her skills on the court but also encouraging confidence, character, hard work, and perseverance.

Dream Big is a wonderful reminder for kids to believe in what they are capable of and to keep working toward their dreams. Knowing the positive impact Coach Hamilton and his camps have had on Hayden makes this book even more special to us. I would highly recommend it to any young athlete—or any child with a big dream!”

 – Melanie Grey, Mother of Hayden Grey

"Dream Big encourages young readers to believe in themselves, dream boldly, and never give up on their goals. Coach A.W. Hamilton uses his life experiences to remind children that hard work, perseverance, and confidence can help turn dreams into reality. My girls love seeing the positive message they’ve heard at Coach Hamilton’s Dream Big Basketball Camps come to life on the pages of this children’s book!"

 – Alice Cox, Kindergarten Teacher, Mother of Amara and Kinleigh Smith

"Coach Hamilton’s electrifying energy jumps off every page of Dream Big with Coach A.W. Hamilton! This book is more than a story... It’s a challenge to every child to dream bigger, believe in themselves, never quit, and make a difference. Coach Hamilton has a heart and gift for inspiring young people, and that gift shines through in every lesson. A powerful and uplifting message that every child needs to hear: Dream big. Believe big. Live big."

 – Dr. Kevin Presnell, Principal, Boonesborough Elementary

“Being around Coach for as long as I have has allowed me to see firsthand that he truly lives by what he says. The goals and lessons throughout this book are things that anyone can apply to their daily life, not just children. Getting to see this book come to life, especially as I have a little one of my own growing up, has made the experience even more meaningful to me.”

 – Bryce Watts

“Coach Hamilton knocked it out of the park with Dream Big with Coach A.W. Hamilton! He’s an incredible motivator to all and that really shines throughout the entire book. If you’re looking for a way to set your young ones up for a lifetime of success, I highly recommend Dream Big with Coach A.W. Hamilton!”

 – Ben Veshi

“This book is a great reflection of the values Coach has always believed in and lived by. As a father of two daughters, I really appreciate the lessons throughout it and the positive message it gives kids as they grow. Knowing Coach for so many years makes it even more meaningful to see those values put into a book that families can share together.”

 – Steve Lepore

“A.W. Hamilton is one of the most intense, knowledgeable and hard working EKU coaches that I have had the pleasure of working with in my more than 50 years in the Eastern athletics department. His preparation and attention to detail sets a high standard for the teams he puts on the court. He brings an energetic presence to the sidelines that our players and our fans respond to.  He navigates this recruiting world that surrounds Division I basketball as best he can to put the best Rosicrucian on the court that he can. I count him as a close personal friend and wish him only the best as he strives to reach his professional and personal goals!”

 – Karl Park

“Coach Hamilton is truly one of a kind. Everything you read in his book is exactly how he lives his life. He sets goals and accomplishes them while motivating everyone else around him to do the same! I spent 5 years as Coaches right hand man, he’s impacted everyone around him including myself for the better. He’s the reason I set goals for myself and attack them daily. I love you Coach and thankful for our friendship! #DreamBig”

 – Corbin Maynard

“Coach Hamilton’s book perfectly embodies his entire message & view on life. Coach has always used his words for the betterment of others and doesn’t shy away from talking about his battles in life to inspire others to continue to work hard, be respectful of one another and above all else, keep dreaming big.”

 – Blake Harris