John Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was a legend basketball player and coach at UCLA. He was nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood,” since he led UCLA to ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period—seven in a row — an unprecedented feat. Within this period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games and he was named national coach of the year six times. Despite all of his amazing achievements, he is most known for his ability to mold both great players and great people. Coach Wooden emphasized the importance of the entire individual contributing to the whole team.

As a former member of the UCLA athletic department, my collegiate sports experience was largely shaped by John Wooden’s legacy and his Pyramid of Success. I was fortunate enough to hear him speak a couple of years before he passed away and I was honored to be a part of the procession dedicated to Coach Wooden during our graduation. With the upcoming March Madness, it is only appropriate to revisit his contribution to basketball, collegiate athletics, and the lives of thousands of people.

Coach Wooden’s pyramid is important not only by the individual blocks it contains, but also by its over all structure. Every block is placed strategically. The structure stands on a foundation, the cornerstones of which are “Industriousness” and “Enthusiasm.” When Industriousness is combined with Enthusiasm in any venture, self-evidently, we are well along the path toward success. “Skill” sits at the heart of the pyramid, pointing like an arrow at its apex, “Competitive Greatness.” The centrality of skill can never be discounted if Competitive Greatness is to be supported. The pyramid is braced on each side by Patience and Faith. When we put all of the blocks of the pyramid into practice to the best of our ability, it leads to the accomplishment of our goals and ultimate success.

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
– Coach John Wooden