# UCLA Legend: Cori Close’s Journey with John Wooden
In the heart of the UCLA basketball program lies a connection that transcends generations, uniting a legend with a rising coach in a bond forged by wisdom and humility. Cori Close, the head coach of the UCLA women’s basketball team, found an unexpected mentor in John Wooden, the iconic Bruin coach whose teachings continue to shape her coaching philosophy to this day.
## A Legendary Beginning
It all started with a nervous young assistant coach, barely out of college, meeting the basketball icon Wooden for the first time in his Encino home. As she stumbled over her own name, Wooden’s warm smile and shared connection to her name brought an instant ease to their interactions. From that moment on, Wooden took her under his wing, imparting not just basketball knowledge but life lessons that would guide her for years to come.
## Lessons Beyond the Court
Their relationship extended beyond the Xs and Os of basketball. Wooden’s wisdom transcended wins and losses, focusing instead on personal growth and character development. Close’s transformation from an eager assistant to the winningest coach in UCLA women’s basketball history is a testament to the enduring impact of Wooden’s teachings.
## Carrying the Torch
Today, as Close leads her team to unprecedented success, she embodies the essence of Wooden’s coaching philosophy. Her players are not just athletes but individuals striving for excellence on and off the court. Through teamwork, selflessness, and a commitment to personal growth, Close instills in her players the values she learned from her mentor.
## A Legacy Continued
As she reflects on her journey with Wooden, Close remains grounded in the core principles that have guided her coaching career. Her dedication to teaching, empowering, and inspiring young athletes mirrors the legacy of the man who inspired her. In a time of rapid change and shifting priorities in college athletics, Close’s unwavering commitment to Wooden’s teachings serves as a beacon of light, illuminating a path towards a more meaningful and fulfilling coaching experience.
Through her unique bond with Wooden and her relentless pursuit of excellence, Cori Close stands as a living testament to the enduring impact of a legendary coach’s wisdom. As she leads her team to new heights and continues to pay forward the lessons she learned from her mentor, Close embodies the true spirit of a UCLA legend in the making.
