I had the pleasure of an unexpected, one-on-one breakfast with legendary U.C.L.A. men’s basketball coach John Wooden in the summer of 1974. During his years as head coach, the Bruins won ten national championships in twelve years. I have been a disciple of Coach Wooden since that memorable summer morning meal.

Wooden considered himself to be a teacher above all. He viewed coaching basketball as a form of education. In addition to preparing his teams for national competition, he devoted a fair amount of time and attention preparing them for life. He published a number of books, including They Call Me Coach, One-on-One, Wooden on Leadership, and Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court. He also published a book about his Pyramid of Success, a visual image of building blocks for a better life.

When I think about Coach Wooden, of course I remember his incredible success coaching the U.C.L.A. men’s teams through the years. More impressive than the ten national championships, however, was his unquestioned integrity and his desire to share practical wisdom with his players, and anyone who was open to hearing it.

If you’re not familiar with Coach Wooden, I highly recommend that you do a Google search. You will find ample resources to support my claim that he was one of the most respected men in my lifetime. Wooden passed away on my birthday, June 4, 2010, at the age of 99.

“Make each day 
your masterpiece.” 
Coach John Wooden