Legendary Coach Scored in Life

Loving college basketball isn’t a requirement to score in life through the valuable life lessons from UCLA’s revered basketball Coach John Wooden.  Since his passing on June 4th,  print articles continue saluting him, televised tributes light up the airwaves, and dazzling digital billboards sparkle with Coach Wooden’s wisdom.

It is not unusual to romanticize a dearly departed loved one. What is different about Coach Wooden, are the accolades, praise and honors he received while living.

People who knew him, from his former players, to coaches, fans and friends, couldn’t refrain from beating the drum for this coach at every opportunity.  No one ever spoke of him without reverence; it was unanimous. The world experienced a love affair with John Wooden. Maybe because he loved humanity with his whole heart. There is little more that can be written about the coach dubbed the ”Wizard of  Westwood.”  My personal glimpse is a summary of an extraordinary life: Coach, Contributor, Leader, Teacher, and Humanitarian.

A few years ago, I was fortunate to emcee an event featuring the Coach and Andy Hill, co-author of their book Be Quick—But Don’t Hurry, as the keynote speakers.  Listening to him share his life philosophy was all the motivation needed to ask to interview him for an association’s famous speaker’s series.  Equally impressive, the coach then on the road to 94 years old, was on the speaking circuit.

A few weeks after the event, I was sitting beside him at his home in Encino, California,  gaining insights to the qualities that made John Wooden.  Not only a championship coach, he was a man with lasting positive influences on his former players, audiences, fans and anyone he touched personally. His inspirational messages can be found in any of the 8 books he authored. To hear how he wanted to be remembered in his own words, click on our podcast. Even if you didn’t know him, listening to an excerpt from our interview as he expresses his life’s philosophy,  you will feel as though you did.

His “Do the best that you can do,” attitude attributed to his star making qualities. His ethics, integrity and character made him a star, although his humility didn’t allow him to think of himself in such a manner. His sense of what’s right was not just something he preached, he lived it. In today’s world, as CEOs, politicians, athletes and entertainers crumble when they say one thing and deceive the public, fans and voters with their actions, John Wooden stood out as  a man of  honesty and integrity.

He loved life and people, but no one more than Nell, his cherished wife of 53 years. He loved teaching, humanity and helping people develop the best of themselves. His inspirational leadership encouraged others to do the right thing and contribute their best effort. He taught and lived his beliefs both on and off the basketball court. For Andy Hill and many players, he became a father figure, the most affectionate tribute of all. Coach Wooden will continue to inspire us through his books and the contributions he made to humanity. Who ever coined the phrase, “We won’t see of the likes of him again,” must have been thinking of John Wooden.

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