Mark Krebs on His Time at Kentucky and His New Project

In the last couple of years, Mark Krebs has become one of my favorite people. He worked hard during his time at Kentucky on the court, but after getting to know him more in the last two years, it is clear he is an even better person off the court. As most of you know, Mark's mother recently passed away and he has spent the last few months working on a project to honor her legacy. I asked Mark to write a bit about what he has been doing, and here are his comments: Since the end of last year’s basketball season, I have been busy with a totally new project. For the last few months, I have been working diligently on writing a book that chronicles, among other things, my four-year run under three coaches at UK all while dealing with my Mom’s well documented fight against cancer. The book, which is set for release on October 1st, is titled: “Beyond a Dream” A mother’s courage, a family’s fight, and a son’s determination The book helps deliver the message about the value and fun of chasing dreams and the challenges of overcoming hardships in life. In the presence of adversity, I used the inspiration from my mother’s courageous fight with cancer to make my lifelong dream of playing basketball for the University of Kentucky a reality. In awe of her astonishing will to live, I went on to make the unlikely rise from a small division III college to the most storied program in the nation, prove myself to three coaches in four years in one of the most turbulent times in Kentucky Basketball history, and earn a scholarship after three years of being a walk-on. Beyond a Dream is not simply about basketball, though. It speaks to the courage, sacrifice, and motivation it takes to overcome obstacles and reach far beyond limitations. It’s not merely about statistics or winning percentage but recognizing the value of life. Of course, without question, Beyond a Dream will answer many questions about the last four years of Kentucky Basketball that are of interest to so many Kentucky fans. The book will help fans understand the differences between the three coaches. The book also offers an opportunity to get a first-person account of what life was like earning a spot on a division I program, withstanding the daily grind of a student-athlete, and riding the rollercoaster from an NIT-bound team to being the #1 team in the nation. Despite my family’s unfortunate loss in late June after my Mom, Terri, succumbed to the cancer that plagued her for nine years, I have many ideas of how to keep my mother’s inspiration alive. With this book and various events associated with it, I plan to start the Terri Krebs Dream Foundation. It will aid kids with cancer and other terminal illness in many different ways. A portion of the proceeds from the book will also be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I always felt there was a reason I got to experience everything I did at Kentucky. There was a reason I survived the coaching changes and eventually earned a scholarship under Coach Calipari. I remain forever grateful for the support I received from the University, all the ‘CATS fans in the Big Blue Nation, and from those who are just familiar with my story. I understand I was blessed with amazing opportunities while playing for the Cats and feel like now it is my turn to give back. Beyond a Dream is just the first step.