What is your name? John Wooden asked.
"Cori Close," the nervous 22-year-old replied.
"How do you spell that?" Wooden continued.
"C-o-r-i," Close said, puzzled.
"That's how my great-granddaughter spells it! Awesome! Come in!" Wooden said with a smile.
It was the start of a dreamlike mentoring relationship between the legendary UCLA men's basketball coach and a new assistant on the UCLA women's team. Every Tuesday for a decade, Close traveled to the icon's home to absorb wisdom on life, basketball, and leadership from Wooden, the 10-time national champion widely regarded as the greatest coach of all time.
"Honestly, he meant so much more to me than basketball," she says. "He taught me how to be a better coach and leader, but ultimately a better person."
Close applied Wooden's simple, proven teachings to climb the coaching ranks—from assistant at her alma mater, UC Santa Barbara, and Florida State, back to UCLA as head coach in 2011.
Though Wooden passed away in 2010 before Close achieved her dream, she's now honoring his legacy by mentoring her players with his principles, including the famed Pyramid of Success. It's paying off: Her Bruins reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen last year and are poised for another deep run this spring.
"If I could see it now," she said, "I would just say, 'Thank you, Coach. Thank you for your example and teachings. Thank you for investing your time in me.'"
In this interview, Close reflects on her bond with Wooden and the mentorship lessons she's passing on today.
Related: John Wooden's Legacy is a Practical Guide to a Successful Life
What is the most important lesson Coach Wooden taught you?
The greatest lesson hit me after his death in 2010, when I no longer had his daily guidance. It showed me how deeply his teachings penetrated—I still think of him every day. His influence stands out coaching UCLA women's basketball, but even at other programs, 15 years of regular interaction etched his lessons into my core.
Given your enviable relationship with him—what attributes make great mentors?
Coach Wooden lived what he taught. He was a brilliant communicator who touched your heart and loved unconditionally. He was patient, even when I didn't grasp a lesson immediately.
Mentoring isn't about instant results or compliance. It's about investing in others regardless. Wooden's solid, consistent principles shone through, focusing on impact over ego.
JUAN LAINEZ / MARIN MEDIA / CAL SPORT MEDIA
Mentoring is two-way. As a mentee, how did you add value?
Show a teachable heart and gratitude. Wooden was wildly successful yet humbly eager to learn until the end.
Seeing mentees absorb and grow energizes me. A proactive pursuit of excellence fuels the mentor.
Wooden prioritized character over wins. How has that shaped you?
He measured success by his players' character and impact. I've instilled this in our Bruins: In 50 years, banners fade, but who you become endures.
Wooden celebrated former players' lives beyond basketball. Feed the roots for lasting fruit—habits of excellence yield better players and teams. His 10 championships prove it.
Related: John Wooden: The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding
What did Wooden teach about staying grounded amid success?
Faith was his anchor—he urged drinking deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Jesus exemplified power with humility, keeping basketball wins in perspective.
Daily journaling helps our players affirm: "Basketball is what I do, not who I am." Wooden's identity was rooted right.
AP PHOTO / MICHAEL OWEN BAKER
You use the Pyramid of Success. Why is it so effective?
It's simple, visual, teachable—but hard to live. Wooden refined it over 15 years through experience and trial. UCLA's first title took 16 years. Why reinvent when it's battle-tested?
You've adopted his rituals, like Rafer Johnson teaching sock-tying. How will you sustain his legacy?
Legacy isn't about ego—Wooden poured into others selflessly. Mine? That people treat others well, paying it forward. It's person first, student-athlete second.
Related: Creed in 7 Points by John Wooden: "Help Others"
COURTESY OF UCLA ATHLETICS
How do you lead through personal challenges?
Leaders can be authentic—share struggles. Wooden balanced realness with unwavering principles. Commitments outrank feelings.
What reassures you as a mentor?
When peers enforce the culture, I've succeeded as facilitator.
Competitive greatness at the Pyramid's peak?
Performing best when it matters—on court, in class, community. Building habits for championships and lifelong service.
Related: How John Wooden Led His Teams to a Victorious Life
This article originally appeared in the March 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
