John Wooden knows how to motivate!

OK, need something to motivate you? Here are some
quotes I found from John Wooden, one of the BEST
EVER to coach in any sport!

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it."

"It isn't what you do. It's how you do it."

"Failure is never fatal, but failure to change
might be."

“Be more concerned with your character than your
reputation, because your character is what you
really are, while your reputation is merely what
others think you are.”

“If you're not making mistakes, then you're not
doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.”

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given.
Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

“It's the little details that are vital. Little things
make big things happen.” ** I tell athletes that I
work with this same thing all the time. We won Gold
medals by being fundamentally sound. The little things
done great, led to big things happening!

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character
to keep you there.”

“The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.”

“Consider the rights of others before your own feelings,
and the feelings of others before your own rights.”

“Be prepared and be honest.”

Don't these quotes just make you want to do something
BIG??? I love the fact that John Wooden was known
for having amazing basketball teams, but even more
known for the way he coached. He lived out Biblical
principals and taught his athletes that it's more
important to be a good person than a good athlete.
He always expected them to strive for excellence
on the court and had talented athletes which means
that he expected them to live lives full of character
off the court.

At Coach Wooden's House

Signing a ball for Jake!

I was able to meet John Wooden at his house a couple
years ago when I was on the Women's Board for Athletes
In Action. He was such a humble man with every
award you can imagine around him. It was his heart
for the Lord that shined through the most! That is
the goal I desire. To live a life that shows the
love of God to others and one of integrity and
character, even though I have 3 Gold Medals. God
doesn't care about the medals, He just cares if I
use them to bring Him glory!

Me, Coach, and Ellen