In PlayFreely®: The Spiritual Key to Athletic Excellence, author Denise Holland boldly illuminates a profound truth often overlooked in the world of sport: that human beings are, first and foremost, spiritual beings. She reveals how our psychological, physiological, and behavioural experiences are created—one thought at a time—through the formless gifts of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness.

Much like Viktor Frankl’s assertion in The Doctor and the Soul that a physician who neglects the spiritual dimension of a patient risks reducing their role to that of a veterinarian, the same principle applies to the realm of athletic performance. Coaches and players who overlook the spiritual foundation of the human experience miss the true essence of growth, excellence, and fulfilment in sport.

As both an elite athlete and national team coach, Holland brings a rare and credible voice to this exploration. Through compelling stories, memorable insights, and heartfelt reflections, she not only makes a robust case for the spiritual core of athletic excellence but also shares her own transformative journey. Her vulnerability and wisdom remind us that behind every celebrated performance is a human being—striving, learning, and awakening to the innate guidance system of love and wisdom that resides within us all.

This book is a gift to athletes, coaches, and anyone seeking to live—and play—with greater grace, clarity, and compassion.