Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

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On this episode of the Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with longtime friend and UCLA Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Cori Close. They discuss Cori’s journey from assistant coach to building one of the nation’s premier programs, her coaching philosophy shaped by mentors like Coach John Wooden, and the importance of character, growth, and purpose in leadership. The conversation also delves into the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, the challenges and opportunities brought by NIL and the transfer portal, and how Cori stays grounded in her values while striving for excellence on and off the court.

0:00 - Curiosity Fuels Coaching Success.
5:11 - Meeting John Wooden.
9:18 - Hall of Fame Excellence.
9:55 - UCLA's Legacy of Excellence.
16:22 - Faith and Purpose in Struggles.
19:10 - "Defining Uncommon Success".
21:34 - Defining Priorities and Personal Values.
26:19 - Women's Basketball's Growth Through Media.
27:50 - Empowering Women's Basketball Revenue.
32:33 - Tribute to Dan's Leadership.
34:56 - USA Basketball: Habits and Dedication.
37:45 - “Greatness Begins with Hard Work.”
40:55 - Mutually Accepting New Norms
45:45 - "Value of Support in College Sports".