5 lessons young athletes can still learn from the legendary John Wooden

When you once played alongside John Wooden, life may be left with regrets. It took Andy Hill a quarter-century of parting ways with his time at college to comprehend the full impact Wooden had on him. Looking back, those 25 years were an lost opportunity for Hill to benefit even more from the teachings of the late UCLA men’s basketball coach.

“I’m the punch line of the joke,” Hill, a guard who seldom saw action on three of the Bruins’ national championship teams during the early 1970s, reveals to USA TODAY Sports. “Twenty-five years? Seriously?” Hill mistook Wooden’s lack of attention to him as evidence that he held no value as a reserve. It seemed as if Wooden was a demanding father rather than a supportive coach. While it’s clear that Wooden devoted more time to his starters, when Hill grasped the broader scope, he recognized that Wooden was educating all his players equally.

Once Hill became President of CBS Productions, he finally realized that the most valuable life lessons were taught to him by his coach. It was then that Hill reached out to Wooden… a quarter-century later. Subsequently, the two collaborated on a best-selling book on leadership, “Be Quick – But Don’t Hurry!” in 2001. Their enduring friendship lasted until Wooden’s death at the age of 99 in 2010.

As they grew closer, Hill voiced his regrets to Wooden, expressing how he felt uncared for during his time at UCLA. “I apologize,” Wooden replied. “I should have done better.” Wooden, who coached UCLA from 1948-1975, believed that part of the recipe for success meant that you never quite arrive; it’s more so about the journey of self-discovery. Every day was an opportunity to improve, not only to win.

“He was a curious guy,” Hill, now 73, marveled in a recent interview. “He was always inquisitive about people. That’s why, most of the time, when I would take people to his apartment after breakfast, I’d walk them out and they would start to well up. John Wooden was asking me about these things? He knew more about them than they knew about him.”

More than 13 years after Wooden’s passing, one is compelled to ponder what the legendary coach, with a record 10 Division I men’s basketball national titles, would think of the current sports landscape. After all, amateurs are increasingly monetized, and the thirst for victory often overlooks instilling sportsmanship among players, particularly at the youth level. Still, we can learn from Wooden and think of sports, specifically youth sports, as a passage to self-discovery rather than merely focusing on the outcomes.

Here are five traits embodied by Wooden that could empower your child to thrive in today’s sports world:

1. Emphasize character over reputation
Your character holds more significance than your reputation does. Wooden often comes to mind when I consider a recent 14-and-under baseball tournament my son participated in. I observed a player on the opposing team, under the instruction of his coach, call a timeout to tie his shoelaces and adjust his batting gloves for approximately 30 seconds. This seemingly ordinary action takes on a different tone in youth travel baseball, where the game is timed. The umpire had just announced that there were five minutes left, and the opposing team was ahead, deliberately trying to waste time. It’s crucial to not allow your character as an athlete to be defined by these type of actions.

It is vital to instill lessons from Wooden, such as team spirit. This may not only apply to listening to coaches but also having the insight to recognize right from wrong. In this instance, the coaches at my son’s tournament, although not breaking any rules, had violated the foundation of Wooden’s pyramid: Team spirit. Embracing the essence of this trait, ultimately, is more important for them than a simple victory.

2. In sports, and in life, the only thing you can control is yourself
Success is the result of one’s best effort to achieve their full potential. Game-time is a platform for players to demonstrate their progress. This is further emphasized by the fact that Wooden hardly showcased a “coaching” approach during games.

3. Understand how to win and how to lose
You must be composed and gracious, both in victory and in defeat, something Wooden consistently exemplified. This mantra encompasses how one remains self-controlled and dignified despite the outcome of a game.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.