"When she was ushered into his Encino condo for the first time, she was so nervous, she couldn't even pronounce her name. 'Who is this?' asked John Wooden, pointing to where she was standing behind several other visiting coaches. 'I'm Co-o-o-ri,' responded Cori Close, drawing out the simple introduction to 10 syllables. Wooden's warm response created a connection that would flourish into a long mentorship."
"For 17 years, they talked basketball without ever really talking basketball. Wooden would teach, Close would listen. Their relationship was built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a dedication to the craft that transcended typical coach-player dynamics. Close's journey through coaching was influenced by Wooden's wisdom, guidance, and encouragement."
"And so it was that after she recently became the winningest women's coach in UCLA history, Cori Close visited John Wooden's statue and offered a prayer of thanks. 'It's ridiculous how lucky I am to be able to walk in that legacy,' she reflected, acknowledging the profound impact of Wooden's mentorship throughout her career and life journey."
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