Rich O’Connor

About the Author

Rich O’Connor is a former Duke University basketball player whose journey from the court to a life of self-discovery has inspired readers worldwide. In his memoir Taking A Shot: Quitting Duke Basketball, Starting a Life, he chronicles the bold decision to walk away from a promising athletic career, embracing uncertainty and personal growth instead. Drawing from his experiences navigating the pressures of elite sports and the courage required to forge one’s own path, O’Connor’s writing resonates with authenticity and introspection. Now a speaker and advocate for mental health in athletics, he encourages others to prioritize fulfillment over expectations, offering a compelling narrative on resilience and reinvention.