Aaron Rodgers
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Many people believed NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers would quickly become a star when he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2005. But as the backup to Brett Favre, Aaron didn't get to play much during his first three seasons. When Aaron took over as starting quarterback in 2008, he showed that he belonged on the field. Aaron led his team to the playoffs in 2009. The next season, he guided the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV. Learn more about this amazing quarterback's journey from his childhood in California all the way to Super Bowl MVP.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.
David Beckham
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Soccer superstar David Beckham is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Born in Great Britain, David was playing for England's top soccer team by the age of twenty. David moved to the United States in 2007 and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2011, David led the Galaxy to victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) championship. Learn more about the life of one of sports' biggest stars.
Gabby Douglas
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Although she's just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just sixteen years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Read about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Gabby Douglas
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Although she's just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just sixteen years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Read about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.
Tiger Woods
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Tiger Woods is not just the best golfer in the world. He is also one of the biggest celebrities on the planet. But Tiger has not let success go to his head. He is still one of the hardest-working golfers on the PGA tour. Follow Tigers career from when he first picked up a golf club at nine months old to his most recent major golf championship.
Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has had incredible success playing at the highest levels of football. Andrew helped Stanford University win the Orange Bowl in 2010. He could have gone to the National Football League (NFL) after the season, but Andrew returned to Stanford to get his degree. He was chosen by the Colts with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Andrew quickly made his new team a winner. Learn more about this young quarterback with a bright future.
Mark Sanchez
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is one of the hottest young players in pro football. Chosen with the fifth pick in the 2009 NFL draft, Mark has only played two seasons in the league. But he has enjoyed amazing success in such a short time. Mark led his Jets to the conference championship game in both 2009 and 2010. With Mark leading the way, it seems like only a matter of time before the Jets reach the Super Bowl. Learn more about this talented and hard-working athlete.
Ichiro Suzuki
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has been one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) best players for more than ten years. But Ichiro was a star in Japan long before he came to the United States. When he joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001, Ichiro became one of the most famous athletes in the world. He also proved he was one of the best in the world when he notched his 2,500th MLB hit in 2012. Ichiro joined the New York Yankees during the 2012 season, and his star has never shined more brightly.
Tim Tebow
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Tim Tebow left the University of Florida in 2010, many people didn't think he would be good enough to play quarterback in the NFL. Tim had helped the Florida Gators become national champions in 2006 and 2008, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 as college football's most outstanding player. But Tim was a better runner than a passer in college, and some experts thought his style would not work in the pros. He quickly proved the doubters wrong by leading the Denver Broncos to the playoffs in 2011. Traded to the New York Jets in the 2012 offseason, Tim continues to be one of the most popular athletes in any sport.
Peyton Manning
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the most successful players in NFL history. Chosen by the Indianapolis Colts with the first pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Peyton earned a reputation for being one of the league's smartest quarterbacks. He led the Colts to victory in the 2007 Super Bowl and was named Most Valuable Player of the NFL a record four times. After missing the 2011-2012 season due to an injury, Peyton left Indianapolis to join the Broncos.
Kevin Durant
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Kevin Durant faced high expectations after he was selected with the second pick in the 2007 NBA draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has gone beyond those expectations. Kevin was named the 2007-2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, and he's only gotten better from there. In 2010 Kevin was named the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, where the United States won the gold medal. During his short time in pro basketball, Kevin has proven himself to be one of the best players in the world. Learn more about this amazing athlete's journey to the top.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has had incredible success playing at the highest levels of football. Andrew helped Stanford University win the Orange Bowl in 2010. He could have gone to the National Football League (NFL) after the season, but Andrew returned to Stanford to get his degree. He was chosen by the Colts with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Andrew quickly made his new team a winner. Learn more about this young quarterback with a bright future.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
J. J. Watt
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Houston Texans defensive lineman J. J. Watt is one of the biggest players in the National Football League (NFL). But he wasn't always on track for stardom. J. J. started his college career playing tight end at Central Michigan University. A career in the pros seemed out of reach. But after a transfer to the University of Wisconsin and a switch to the defensive line, J.J.'s hard-hitting talents began to shine. In 2012, J. J. led the NFL in sacks and cemented himself as one of the league's most-feared players. Learn how J. J. beat the odds and rose to fame.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Cam Newton
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is one of the biggest stars of the NFL. In 2015, Cam led Carolina to the best record in the league and a place in Super Bowl 50. Learn more about Cam's journey.
Kevin Love
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Kevin Love knows how to win basketball games. He led the UCLA Bruins to the NCAA Final Four in 2007-2008. Then the 6'10" forward went pro, joining the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2008-2009 season. In 2010, Kevin scored 31 points and grabbed 31 rebounds in one game. No NBA player had so many points and rebounds in a single game in 30 years. Follow one of basketball's most talented players from his childhood in Oregon to NBA stardom.
Miguel Cabrera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Miguel Cabrera always knew that he wanted to be a baseball player. He grew up next to a baseball field in Venezuela, and most of his family played the game. Miguel became a star with the Florida Marlins, helping the team win the World Series in 2003. He was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2008 and has become one of the most-feared sluggers in the game. In 2012, Miguel became the first player in 45 years to win the Triple Crown in the American League. Learn how Miguel went from a small field in Venezuela to the top of the baseball world.
Bryce Harper
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Bryce Harper always wanted to play Major League Baseball (MLB). He left high school after his sophomore year to chase his dream. The move paid off when he was chosen by the Washington Nationals as the first pick in the 2010 MLB draft. In 2013, Bryce became the youngest position player in National League (NL) history to start in an All-Star Game. Bryce's swing has been compared to Babe Ruth's, so the sky is the limit for his future. Learn more about his remarkable journey.
Michael Phelps
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
By the end of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps had already earned more gold medals than any athlete in the history of the Olympic Games. But at the 2012 Olympics in London, England, Michael won four more gold medals, plus two silver. With twenty-two medals in total-eighteen gold, two silver, and two bronze-from three Olympic Games, Michael is by far the most decorated athlete in Olympics history. Learn more about the swimmer from Maryland who became the Olympic Games' greatest champion.
Ryan Howard
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Pitchers feel nervous when Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard steps to the plate. When he hits a baseball, it often flies over the outfield fence. Ryan proved that he was one of the game's best players when he led his team to victory in the 2008 World Series. In 2011, he helped the Phillies to the best record in Major League Baseball. Find out more about Ryan's amazing journey.
Buster Posey
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey has done it all in his short Major League Baseball career. In 2010, he was named National League (NL) Rookie of the Year. In 2012, Buster won the NL batting title and was named NL Most Valuable Player. But Buster has done more than just collect individual baseball awards. The Giants have won the World Series three times with Buster behind the plate (2010, 2012, and 2014). Learn more about one of baseball's most successful players.
Alex Morgan
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Alex Morgan was eight years old, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. In 2012, that dream came true when she helped the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) win the soccer gold medal at the Olympic Games in London, England. In 2015, Alex and her USWNT teammates beat Japan in the championship match to win the World Cup. Alex is also an author, a model, and much more. Read all about Alex's life and her path to soccer stardom.
Eli Manning
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Eli Manning joined the NFL after being chosen with the first pick in the 2004 draft, many people compared him to his older brother Peyton. After Eli led his New York Giants to victory in the 2007-2008 Super Bowl, people stopped wondering if he was as good as his brother. When Eli was named Super Bowl MVP and the Giants won the big game again in 2011-2012, people began comparing him to football's all-time great quarterbacks.
Ronda Rousey
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
MMA star Ronda Rousey is known for her incredible record of twelve wins and one loss and has been ranked the world's top fighter in her weight class. Learn more about her journey to success.
Joe Mauer
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, catcher Joe Mauer dreamed of playing baseball for the hometown Minnesota Twins. In 2000 his dream came true, and the Twins are glad to have him. In 2006, Joe became the first catcher ever to win the batting title in the American League, and he repeated this success in 2008 and 2009. A fan favorite, Joe was also named the Most Valuable Player in the American League in 2009. Learn more about one of baseball's brightest stars.
Russell Wilson
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Russell Wilson played for the University of Wisconsin, many people thought he was too short to be a starting quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). But he proved these doubters wrong. This Seattle Seahawks quarterback led his team to victory in his very first season, winning the 2014 Super Bowl. Football fans cheer his passing power and leadership skills. Find out more about Russell's journey to the top.
Mike Trout
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Mike Trout's size and speed have made him a standout baseball player, even in his earliest games. But he would not have earned a spot on the Los Angeles Angels without a strong will to work. After being drafted in 2009, Mike started to make his way through the minor leagues. By the end of 2012, he was playing in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and hitting big home runs. Follow Mike's story from his years as a high school baseball fan in New Jersey to superstardom in Los Angeles.
David Beckham
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Soccer superstar David Beckham is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Born in Great Britain, David was playing for England's top soccer team by the age of twenty. David moved to the United States in 2007 and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2011, David led the Galaxy to victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) championship. Learn more about the life of one of sports' biggest stars.
Carli Lloyd
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Soccer hero Carli Lloyd knows how to score goals when her team needs them the most. She is one of the top players on the United States Women's National Team (USWNT). At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Carli scored the winning goal to give the USWNT the gold medal. Then, in 2012, she scored the gold medal game-winner again at the Olympic Games in London, England. In 2015, Carli scored three goals in the World Cup championship game to help her team take the title. Read all about her journey to the top.
Venus & Serena Williams
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
The Williams sisters have been close since growing up together on the tough streets of southern California. But when Venus and Serena face each other on the tennis court, they each play to win. With their amazing talent and star power both on and off the court, the Williams sisters are among the biggest celebrities in the sports world. They're also two of the best tennis players to ever set foot on a court. Learn more about Venus and Serena's incredible journey to the top of the tennis world.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has had incredible success playing at the highest levels of football. Andrew helped Stanford University win the Orange Bowl in 2010. He could have gone to the National Football League (NFL) after the season, but Andrew returned to Stanford to get his degree. He was chosen by the Colts with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Andrew quickly made his new team a winner. Learn more about this young quarterback with a bright future.
Serena Williams
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Tennis superstar Serena Williams won the Wimbledon singles title in 2015-her fourth Grand Slam tournament victory in a row-completing her second "Serena Slam." Learn all about one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Aaron Rodgers
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Many people believed NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers would quickly become a star when he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2005. But as the backup to Brett Favre, Aaron didn't get to play much during his first three seasons. When Aaron took over as starting quarterback in 2008, he showed that he belonged on the field. Aaron led his team to the playoffs in 2009. The next season, he guided the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV. Learn more about this amazing quarterback's journey from his childhood in California all the way to Super Bowl MVP.
Calvin Johnson
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was chosen by the Detroit Lions with the second pick in the 2007 National Football League (NFL) draft. In 2011, Calvin set an NFL record by scoring two touchdowns in each of his team's first four games. Even better, the big wide receiver from Georgia helped lead the Lions to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
Clay Matthews
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has had incredible success in just a few years in the NFL. When he was named to the 2009-2010 Pro Bowl, he became the first Packers rookie since 1978 to be selected for the game. In 2010-2011, Clay led the Green Bay defense to victory in the Super Bowl over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John Wall
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
John Wall's NBA dream came true when the Washington Wizards selected him as the first overall draft pick in 2010. As one of the best point guards in the game, he helped turn the Wizards into a winning team.
Mikaela Shiffrin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin won her first world championship in slalom in 2013, then won a gold medal in the same event at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Learn more about this bright young star.
Abby Wambach
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Right out of college, Abby Wambach shot to fame in the United States soccer scene. In 2002, she was picked second in the Women's United Soccer Association draft by the Washington Freedom. She also became a leading scorer on the US Women's National Team. After winning the 2012 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award and two Olympic gold medals, Abby is still going strong. She holds the world record for international goals. Follow Abby's story from her beginnings at University of Florida to becoming an international soccer superstar.
Alex Ovechkin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin entered the NHL for the 2005-2006 season, he didn't waste any time. He immediately became one of the game's best players. Alex scored 52 goals during his rookie season, and he hasn't slowed down since. In 2007-2008 Alex scored 65 goals, the most in the NHL in more than a decade. But Alex and his teammates have an even bigger goal in mind-winning the Stanley Cup. Learn more about Alex's amazing journey from his birthplace in Moscow, Russia, to the top of the NHL.
Dirk Nowitzki
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki didn't grow up with a basketball in his hands. Dirk was born in Wurzburg, Germany, where soccer is the most popular sport. But as a teenager, Dirk discovered that he was a natural basketball player. After being selected in the 1998 NBA draft, the powerful 7'0" forward quickly proved that he is more than just a tall player. In 2011 Dirk was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA Finals as Dallas beat the Miami Heat to become world champions. Learn more about Dirk's unusual journey to the top of the basketball world.
Stephen Strasburg
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was picked first in the 2009 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, some people called him the most-hyped young pitcher ever. Stephen quickly proved that he deserved the hype by striking out 14 batters in his first game. After missing most of the 2010 and 2011 seasons with an elbow injury, Stephen is back at the top of his game. He led the Nationals to one of the best records in baseball in 2012. Learn more about this young pitcher with a rocket arm.
Maria Sharapova
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Maria Sharapova won the Wimbledon tennis championship when she was just 17 years old. When she won the French Open eight years later, Maria became the tenth woman in history to complete a career Grand Slam by winning all four major tennis tournaments. She also won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Maria's movie-star looks have helped make her one of the most popular sports figures in the world. But she's proven time after time that she's more than just a pretty face. Learn more about this stylish star at the top of her game.
Andrew McCutchen
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Growing up, Andrew McCutchen dreamed of playing Major League Baseball. In 2005, those dreams came true, he became the Pittsburgh Pirates' center fielder. In 2013, he led the Pirates to the playoffs and was named National League Most Valuable Player.