Hall of Fame inductee Tony Sanneh announced the July 2026 release of his first book, On the Assist, alongside the launch of Operation Elevation SBC. The announcement came on his Hall of Fame day in Minneapolis. The book shares stories of mentors who shaped his soccer career and his work with youth.
Tony Sanneh, a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, made the announcement on May 1, 2026, in Minneapolis. He revealed plans for his debut book, On the Assist: How Significance Finds Us When We Invest Ourselves in Others, set for release in July 2026. The book recounts the profound influence of coaches and mentors during key stages of his life, which contributed to achievements including two MLS Cups, 43 caps for the United States Men's National Team, a starting role on the 2002 World Cup squad, and his Hall of Fame induction. It also covers his efforts through the Sanneh Foundation, founded in 2003, which has supported tens of thousands of youth in under-resourced communities. The narrative emphasizes finding meaning by becoming significant in others' lives, rather than through personal accolades alone. Co-written with John Lenker and Kevin deLaplante, PhD, from LENKER LLC, the book draws on a decade of collaboration to frame Sanneh's philosophy. Simultaneously, Sanneh launched Operation Elevation SBC, a new Minnesota Public Benefit Corporation. The entity aims to expand his work via books, curriculum, training, and partnerships, connecting business professionals with under-resourced youth to foster careers and personal significance for mentors. 'Looking back on my life, what I see is 'the assist' over and over again. The people who showed up for me made me who I am. This book and this company are about spreading that further,' Sanneh said. More details are available at OperationElevation.us.
