John Wooden

Date of Birth: October 14, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: June 4, 2010

Biography

John Wooden, often referred to as the “Wizard of Westwood,” was one of the most revered and successful coaches in the history of American sports. Born on October 14, 1910, in Hall, Indiana, Wooden is best known for his time as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team. He led UCLA to an unprecedented 10 NCAA national championships in a 12-year period, including a record seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. Wooden’s coaching style emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and character, encapsulated in his famous “Pyramid of Success.” Beyond his coaching accolades, Wooden was a mentor and an author, writing several books on leadership and personal development. He passed away on June 4, 2010, but his legacy continues to influence coaches and players across various sports.

5 Interesting Facts about John Wooden

1. John Wooden was the first person to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach.

2. He won a record 88 consecutive games with UCLA between 1971 and 1974.

3. Wooden was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in 2003.

4. He authored several books, including “They Call Me Coach” and “Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court.”

5. Wooden was known for his love of poetry and often quoted poems to inspire his players.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Wooden

1. “Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”

2. “Be quick, but don’t hurry.”

3. “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

4. “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

5. “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, John Wooden’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. His wealth came from his salary as a coach, book royalties, and speaking engagements.

Children

John Wooden had two children with his wife, Nellie Riley Wooden, whom he married in 1932. They had a son named James Hugh Wooden and a daughter named Nancy Anne Wooden.