11 Ways To Get An Edge

Lessons from my journey to help you become a mentally bulletproof, joyful, and educated volleyball beast.

In this book, I recap my volleyball journey and then dive into the eleven most valuable takeaways from my career.

I guarantee you will learn something to help you get an edge on and off the court or your money back.

I cover the mental game, practice, competition, skill development, mindset, confidence, energy, technique, and more. If you're a fan I guarantee you will learn something new from the inside story about my journey in this sport we love.

The life lessons I have learned from this journey also apply to anyone— not just volleyball fans.

My accomplishments include:

• Two-time All-American at Princeton University
• Nine-year Professional Career in Switzerland and Germany (and still going...)
• Three-time German Champion. Two-time German Cup and four-time German Super Cup winner. And an undefeated COVID season, all with the Berlin Recycling Volleys.
• Four-time Champions League participant. Three-time Quarterfinalist.
• USA Men's National Team: 2022 Volleyball Nations League Silver Medalist and 2022 World Championships. 2023 VNL.

Since it is an ebook, I have also included many valuable hyperlinks in the manuscript. Because of all the links I recommend reading it on your computer or phone. It is only available as a PDF, fixed ePUB, or flowable ePUB digital download in English. Feel free to print it out yourself in any format if you prefer reading it that way.

If you leave a testimonial or share the link to my book on social media (please tag me), you will get a code for a free bonus chapter "Stay in the Game: Volleyball Body" with physical tips and ideas on how to keep a volleyball body healthy over many long seasons.

11% of all proceeds from the book will be donated to: Let's Keep the Ball Flying, a volleyball charity focused on providing equal access to the power of volleyball worldwide.

An additional 11% of all the proceeds will go to First Point Volleyball Foundation so that boys in the United States have more access to volleyball.

What people are saying:

"I enjoyed the detailed insights from a professional volleyball player. I love that the book also includes mental tips for becoming a better player. Cody really shows his passion for the game and his super fun and happy personality." - Marcus

"I loved the book my favorite takeaway was it taught me how to stay level headed and focus on my own play and always stay calm and make good decisions" - Sidney

"Cody Kessel is an absolute inspiration for athletes and his book and stories will help you in every way of getting into a professional career. Will recommend this book to every aspiring athlete." - Ole

"Great stuff from beginning to end! You can tell Cody worked really hard writing this book. He gives a detailed insight into the life of a professional vball player and there are so many takeaways from this! Glad I bought the book." - Marti

Introduction

How does a scrawny kid from Colorado Springs, Colorado, an area with very little boys volleyball, who finished DEAD LAST at Nationals at age 13, go on to be an All-American at Princeton, play professionally in Europe for 8+ seasons, and even fulfill a childhood dream by competing for the Men’s National Team on the biggest stages in the world? 

I’m that 31-year-old kid now—and I am still on the journey of becoming the best player and person I can be. I want to share some of my knowledge with you so that you can also become the best you can be.

I have more than 18 years of experience as a competitive player and a wealth of global volleyball experiences and knowledge. This book is full of lessons to help you live your volleyball journey with more understanding, more joy, more love, and more excellence than ever before. 

I want you to experience the best of what this great global sport has to offer—and unlock opportunities you never knew existed. 

I took care to select the most valuable ideas that are going to help YOU become an unstoppable volleyball beast who also loves the game. 

These are the ideas that most set me up for success. That gave me an edge.

Looking back, a big reason I found success is that I am a great learner.

I have also been exposed to a tribe of incredible mentors, teachers, athletes, and coaches along the way. These mental models and lessons helped me become the 1% of the 1%. 

I know they can help you maximize your potential and become the best player (and person) you can be. 

Let’s dive in! 

How did I become a pro? How did I stay one? 

Contents:

My Path

Introduction

Chapter 1: Joy & Love

Chapter 2: Peak Competitive Mental State

Chapter 3: Principles from Dr. Carl McGown

Chapter 4: Your Choice

Chapter 5: Dichotomy of Control—Part 1

Chapter 6: Dichotomy of Control—Part 2

Chapter 7: Getting Clear About Confidence

Chapter 8: Managing Your Energy

Chapter 9: The Game Teaches the Game

Chapter 10: Random Training is Superior to Blocked Training

Chapter 11: On Technique Simple > Complex

Get an edge now!