Professional athletes are now joining the book club trend, a surprising twist in the world of literature gatherings. In the NBA, San Antonio Spurs players Victor Wembanyama and Harrison Barnes are leading a book club and encouraging more teammates to participate. Similarly, the NHL’s San Jose Sharks have their own book club, with players like Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, and Ty Dellandrea, who humorously keep their reading choices under wraps.
Athletes in different leagues, such as the PWHL and the WNBA, including teams like the Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Toronto Tempo, and New York Liberty, are bonding over books. Claire Dalton, a forward for the Toronto Sceptres, initiated a book club inspired by her previous experience with the Montreal Victoire. Teaming up with goalie Raygan Kirk, they organized book discussions over coffee during the season, selecting diverse titles like “Gone Before Goodbye” and “The Heir Apparent.”
The Toronto Tempo, a new addition to the WNBA, kickstarted their book club following the lead of guard Kia Nurse, who recognized the bookish interests of teammate Nyara Sabally. This initiative fosters camaraderie and team chemistry, essential for a newly formed squad like the Tempo, assembled through drafts and free agency.
Engaging in book discussions provides athletes with a refreshing escape from the pressures of sports, offering a different dimension to their identities. Kia Nurse highlights how books allow her to delve into new worlds and connect with characters on a personal level, a sentiment echoed by many athletes finding solace in reading.
The impact of these sports teams’ book clubs extends beyond their locker rooms. Social media buzz surrounding the Toronto Sceptres’ book club led to community engagement, with The Children’s Book Bank collaborating with the team for a special event called Sceptres Storytime. This event, featuring goalie Kirk and Jessie McPherson, inspired young readers and emphasized the importance of diverse reading role models in promoting literacy among children.
