The Wisdom of Cori Close: Leadership Lessons from an Unexpected Championship

Like many sports fans, I’ve always believed that athletics offer more than entertainment. They reveal character, expose truth, and teach lessons that echo far beyond the court. Recently, I was reminded of this while watching the Women’s Basketball National Championship between UCLA and the University of South Carolina.

To be honest, I hadn’t planned on watching the game. South Carolina had just defeated UConn—the reigning national champions—ending their 54‑game winning streak. With that kind of momentum, I assumed the championship would be a one‑sided affair. I tuned in just before halftime, expecting confirmation of that assumption.

Instead, I was stunned. UCLA was leading by nearly 20 points.

From that moment on, I was glued to the screen. What unfolded was not just an upset—it was a dismantling. UCLA defeated South Carolina 79–51, a performance so commanding that I felt compelled to learn more about the architect behind it: UCLA head coach Cori Close.

What I discovered was a philosophy of leadership shaped by one of the greatest coaches in sports history.

A Legacy Rooted in Wooden’s Principles

Cori Close was mentored by the legendary John Wooden, the UCLA men’s coach who won 10 national championships in 12 years—a record that may never be matched. Wooden’s influence is unmistakable in Close’s approach. Like him, she focuses not on the scoreboard but on the process, the character of her players, and the habits that lead to excellence.

When asked about the key to her team’s success, Close didn’t mention talent, strategy, or luck. She pointed to two qualities:

• A selfless team

• An incredible work ethic

  
  

These are simple ideas, but they are the foundation of every high‑performing group—on the court, in business, and in life.

Adversity as a Catalyst

Close also spoke about the role of adversity, quoting former UVA coach Tony Bennett: “Adversity can buy you a ticket to a place you might not otherwise be able to go.”

It’s a powerful idea. Adversity isn’t just something to survive; it’s something that can elevate us. It forces growth, sharpens focus, and reveals strengths we didn’t know we had. For Close’s team, adversity wasn’t a setback—it was a springboard.

Mastery and Transformation Over Winning

When asked about her goals, Close didn’t talk about championships. Instead, she said she wants to:

• Continue mastering her craft

• Provide a transformational experience for her players

This is leadership at its highest level. It’s not about chasing outcomes; it’s about shaping people. It’s about building something that lasts longer than a season.

Just like Wooden, Close keeps her eyes on the process. And when the process is right, the results tend to follow.

Lessons We Can All Carry Forward

There is deep wisdom in Cori Close’s words—wisdom that applies far beyond basketball. Her philosophy invites each of us to reflect:

• Where can I be more selfless in my work or relationships?

• What part of my craft deserves more deliberate practice?

• How can I view adversity as an opportunity rather than an obstacle?

• Who am I helping to grow, and how intentional am I about that?

Sports may be played on a court, but the lessons they teach are universal. Cori Close’s leadership reminds us that success is built on character, effort, and the courage to embrace challenges. And if we apply those principles in our own lives, we might find ourselves reaching places we never expected to go.