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support this Christian ministry by purchasing books for kids you know.
All proceeds go into printing books to give away to kids. I'm a co-author but KB Briley, teacher and coach, is the primary author. Etsy.com link below.
Faith, fire, softball in new children’s book
A
heartwarming and faith-filled new children’s book, “All I Need is a
Glove...and God,” has been released, telling the powerful true story of
KB Briley, a former softball player from Sterlington and Louisiana Tech
whose perseverance and unwavering trust in God are inspiring young
readers.
Briley’s
book blends sports, faith, and grit in a story aimed at young
athletes—especially girls—facing challenges of their own. Told in an
accessible and encouraging voice, the book invites readers ages 6–11 to
walk with KB through real-life setbacks, including a cracked back,
multiple shoulder injuries and surgeries, hitting slumps, and a season
stolen by COVID, all while chasing a dream she refused to quit.
“This
book is really my heart on the page,” Briley said. “It’s for every kid
who’s ever been hurt, overlooked, sidelined, or told they weren’t
enough. I want them to know God can still do big things through their
story.”
Briley
was a star for the Sterlington High Panthers before playing collegiate
softball for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. After earning academic honors
at Tech, she returned home to Sterlington, where she now serves as head
softball coach at Sterlington Middle School and teaches sixth grade
social studies.
“God
brought me home to Sterlington and to the Panthers and I’m blessed to
be here,” she said, noting she has coworkers who taught her just a few
years ago.
“It’s
been a tough few years, trying to stay healthy and overcome so many
roadblocks to my softball career,” Briley said. “I’ve been the girl
crying in a dugout. I’ve been the one going through physical therapy
instead of practice. But I’ve also been the girl who got back up—with
God’s help. I hope this book reminds kids that setbacks aren’t the end.
They’re just part of the journey.”
“My
glove—my passion, my calling—coupled with God’s direction led me
through all those barriers,” Briley said. “Sometimes I wondered where
God was leading me with all the obstacles, but I trusted him.”
“Sometimes chasing your dream will break your heart before it blesses your life,” she said.
Briley’s
32-page book is both encouraging and relatable to kids but can inspire
any age. With its mix of playful illustrations, reassuring quotes, and
honest reflections, “All I Need is a Glove and God” is already
resonating with families, coaches, and athletes.
Describing
the book, Briley said, “It’s a little book with a powerful story. It’s
all about giving the credit to God and explaining how kids can have a
relationship with God.”
“Softball
taught me a lot—but my faith taught me more,” Briley added. “That’s
what I want kids to take from this book: toughness isn’t about never
falling. It’s about getting back up—and knowing you’re never alone when
God is by your side.”
“All
I Need is a Glove and God” is now available through etsy.com, with
plans for school visits, church events, and team devotionals where
Briley hopes to speak directly to young readers. Briley considers the
book a ministry and all sales go back into purchasing more books to
distribute to kids. Etsy link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4366437146/
