Home - Author Daryl Anthony

Welcome to the World of
Daryl Anthony

Bringing dreams, laughter, and
humanity to life

Explore the stories of resilience, friendship, and dreams through the vision of Daryl Anthony, where every journey is an unforgettable adventure. His storytelling invites readers to see themselves in every challenge, triumph, and moment of hope.

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The Lot. The Team. The Game of Their Lives.

Step onto the cracked neighborhood lot where legends are born.
Watch the Hot Steppers face rivals, discover their own strength,
and prove you don’t need a perfect field to play a perfect game.

Friendship. Courage. Heart. It all kicks off here.

▶ Watch the Trailers

The Hot Steppers Volume 1

A middle-grade novel by Daryl Anthony

On a cracked neighborhood lot, a group of fierce, funny girls discover the true meaning of teamwork, courage, and showing up, no matter who’s watching.

The Hot Steppers follows Simmie, Maya “Brew,” Trina, and their teammates as they transform an abandoned lot into their own soccer battleground. Through rivalries, street-tough games, and unexpected friendships, they learn that greatness isn’t about fancy fields, it’s about heart.

“Keep showing up and those whispers turn into warnings. They’ll stop saying Who are they? and start saying Watch out.”

The Hot Steppers Volume 2

The Sequel To The Heartfelt, High-Energy Story Of Friendship, Grit, And The Power Of Showing Up.

The Hot Steppers have done the impossible: they’ve qualified for the elite State Invitational. But between fundraising, sponsorships, and their relentless rival, the Vipers Academy, their dream is more pressure than prize. When a demolition notice suddenly appears on the lot that raised them, the team must fight for their home without losing sight of the trophy or each other.

Through raw honesty and street-tough trust, they learn that their chaos, heart, and loyalty are weapons no polished opponent can defend against. Some wins aren’t on a scoreboard; they’re in the dirt you defend and the team you refuse to lose.

“They told us we weren’t built for this stage. But the dirt remembers who built the stage.”

What Readers Are Saying

"An inspiring and heartfelt story! I couldn’t put it down."

Sarah Thompson

"A perfect mix of sports and friendship. Truly uplifting!"

Emily Davis

"The Hot Steppers made me believe in the power of teamwork and resilience."

James Reed

"A must-read for anyone who loves a good underdog story!"

Lily Matthews

"I loved how the characters grew and overcame obstacles. So relatable!"

Chris Brown

"A powerful story of friendship, strength, and soccer. Highly recommend!"

Natalie Lopez

Discover Daryl Anthony’s books, filled with heartfelt moments, humor, and unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

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The Hot Steppers: Vol. II

The heat is back. The stakes are higher.

After earning their spot on the elite state pathway, the Hot Steppers face a season like never before. Between ruthless academy teams, a slick corporate sponsor, and a looming threat to their home lot, the pressure is enough to break them, from the outside, and from within.

With new talent testing old bonds, viral fame turning against them, and the fight to save the only home they’ve ever known, the team must decide what they’re really playing for. Perfection? Or something deeper: trust, identity, and the unbreakable bond that makes them a family off the field.

The Invitational awaits. And this time, it’s not just about winning the game,
It’s about winning each other back.

“Don’t miss what’s next.”

Meet The Characters

⭐ Simmie (Captain)

Struggles with the pressure of the "Elite State Pathway" and the fear of failing her team, eventually learning to lead with connection rather than rigid control.

⭐ Maya “Brew” (The Spark)

Becomes a local celebrity with her #BrewCrew followers but feels the exhaustion of performing a "persona." She eventually drops the act to embrace being her true self, "just Maya."

⭐ Trina (The Reliable)

Having spent the summer honing her skills to "be seen," she remains the team's anchor of perspective, reminding them that their value isn't just in winning, but in their shared identity.

⭐ Zara (The Strategist)

Formally named the "Team Strategist" by Coach Mel, Zara moves from the shadows to lead the team's tactical prep, using her "soul vs. machine" theory to dismantle elite opponents.

⭐ Santi (The Anchor of Precision)

Overcomes her shyness and fear of being "replaced" to become a crucial playmaker. She finds her voice as the team's moral compass, helping Simmie bridge the gap with new teammates.

⭐ Alina (The New Contender)

A mysterious, elite-trained newcomer who joins the Steppers. Despite an initially rocky integration, she provides the "new energy" and "fluid ease" the team needs to compete at the state level.

⭐ Coach Mel (The Mentor)

Navigates the team's move to the Elite State Invitational while simultaneously leading the community fight to save the neighborhood lot from demolition.

⭐ Mr. Otis (The Elder)

Acts as the team’s biggest supporter and unofficial guardian of the lot, providing historical context and encouragement when the girls face their toughest challenges.

Meet The Characters

⭐ Simmie (Captain)

“We don’t need perfect turf. We make the lot perfect.”
(Steady leader who speaks with quiet authority.)

⭐ Maya “Brew” (Comic spark)

“Too much is just enough.”
(Her self-aware, fearless motto—straight from her banter with the team.)

⭐ Trina (Quiet strategist)

“Silence isn’t weakness. It’s how I see the whole field.”

⭐ Jenna (Fierce competitor)

“If the ball’s loose, it’s already mine.”

⭐ Zara (The Vault / secret fact-dropper)

“Ask me anything—I probably already know it.”

⭐ Santi (Graceful playmaker)

“Soccer speaks every language. I just listen.”

⭐ Layla (Underrated finisher)

“I don’t talk much—I let the net make the noise.”

⭐ Coach Mel (Mentor)

“You keep showing up, those whispers turn into warnings.”
(One of her many motivational gems.)

⭐ Mr. Otis (Neighborhood elder)

“Showing up when nobody’s making you—that’s where greatness hides.”

The Hot Steppers

Grit, friendship, and game-day fire, right on a cracked city lot.

When Simone “Simmie” and her crew claim an abandoned blacktop as their home field, nobody expects much. No uniforms. No fancy turf. Just busted sneakers, duct-taped cones, and a dream big enough to fill the whole neighborhood.

But word spreads. Rivals show up. Whispers turn into warnings: Watch out for the girls from the lot.

With every bruising match and late-night practice, Simmie, Maya “Brew,” Trina, and the rest of the Hot Steppers discover that greatness isn’t about the scoreboard, it’s about heart.

When the city tournament bracket drops, they’re staring down the league’s richest, toughest team. Win or lose, the Hot Steppers are ready to prove one thing:

You don’t need a perfect field to play a perfect game.

“Love what you read?”

Welcome to the World of Daryl Anthony

Bringing dreams, laughter, and humanity to life