DALLAS, TX, (November 12, 2013) Athletes train hard physically to get ready for games. In football, basketball, and numerous other sports it takes dedication and determination to be the best player one can be. Oftentimes, however, many athletes focus most or all of their attention on the physical aspects of the sport they are involved in, but fail to focus as much attention on the game of life. Just as there are certain principles and strategies to follow in sports, there are similar principles to follow in life. 

Lee Sheppard lays out some of those crucial principles of life in his new devotional book for athletes, Before You Leave the Locker Room. Using Scripture, stories, examples, and anecdotes to speak to issues relevant to athletes both on and off the field, Sheppard reminds athletes of what is really important in life. He challenges readers to not only get physically ready but to get mentally and emotionally ready for the short-term game on the field and the long-term game of life. 

Before You Leave the Locker Room covers the topics of: Unity, Courage, Endurance, Intensity, Focus, Determination and many others. Included in each chapter are important quotes to remember and an ending prayer. Coaches and athletes alike will love the simple, yet challenging words of motivation in this book.

Here is what others are saying about Before You Leave the Locker Room:

"Each player must determine the source of his own strength to be successful in the game.Before You Leave the Locker Room is a reminder of the greatest source of strength there is." 

- Coach Rodney Walker, 

GACA 2014 Hall of Fame Nominee 

"These devotions have been inspirational to our team. Before You Leave the Locker Roomwill encourage you, lift you up, push you forward, and motivate you to be a better person and athlete." 

- Coach Brian Nelson, Head Football Coach, 

Mary Persons High School, Forsyth, Georgia

Lee Sheppard is the Senior Pastor of Mabel White Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. A straight forward communicator who believes his ministry is to equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ; Lee's passion is to see lives transformed. His relevant biblical messages connect with both the unbeliever and the believer. His philosophy of ministry is to evaluate the methods but never compromise the message to impact the culture for Christ. Within every message he weaves the answers to real life issues and a clear presentation of how a personal relationship with Jesus can change your life. With over thirty years of ministry experience he has planted two churches and been pastor of three others. Lee has served on various boards and committees on the associational, state, and national level. In 2002, he was recognized by the Baptist College of Florida and presented the distinguished alumni award. He has been married to his wife Gina for over twenty-five years. They have three children: Matthew, Megan, and Micah.

For more information about Lee Sheppard, visit: www.LeeSheppard.net.

To book Lee Sheppard for speaking engagements and/or book signings, please call (478) 474-7577.

Before You Leave the Locker Room is available wherever fine books are sold, including:Amazon.com and Amazon Kindle.