John Wooden, America’s most successful coach who died on June 4th, 2010 at the age of 99, was one of the towering figures in leadership. His standard of success, excellence, and character produced record-setting achievements at UCLA that resulted in ESPN naming him “the Coach of the Century.” His accomplishments off the basketball court were equally impressive, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. Wooden always considered himself a teacher first and foremost and he became an author because he wanted to continue teaching by sharing his life lessons. He leaves a rich legacy in the many books that capture the philosophy, vision, and integrity that made him a legend.

1. McGraw-Hill Remembers
Legendary Coach and Bestselling
Author John Wooden

2. To the millions of people who followed his plain spoken wisdom on character,
leadership, and success, Coach Wooden was an icon.

3. Throughout his life—from farm life to the Basketball Hall of Fame—John
Wooden said of himself, “I am just a common man true to his beliefs.”

4. John Wooden published seven bestselling books with McGraw-Hill.

5. John Wooden’s final book, The Wisdom of Wooden: A Century of Family, Faith,
and Friends, is a commemorative of his life.
It is an unforgettable tribute to the man we all called, “Coach.”

6. “John Wooden touched the lives of
millions, and he was truly one of the
rare sports figures whose influence
transcended the world of sports.”
Philip Ruppel, president of McGraw-Hill
Professional.