"The greatest joy you can get is saying or doing something that helps another person. That joy is reward in itself." - John Wooden

THE WOODEN ATHLETIC FUND
Honoring the athletic and educational spirit of Nell & John Wooden

The UCLA Family takes great pride in its athletics program. When it comes to athletic and academic success, UCLA ranks second to none. And no two people better represent the goals and aspirations of the UCLA Intercollegiate Athletics program than Nell and John Wooden. To honor the athletic and educational spirit of Nell and John Wooden, we are proud to announce the naming of the Wooden Athletic Fund.

Coach taught his players that the essence of success was to strive for one's personal best, without worrying about what others were doing. And it wasn't enough to succeed in sports; the real goal was to succeed in life. His famed Pyramid of Success is based on timeless values of hard work, character and dedication, its moral philosophy a steadfast guide for any aim in life.

Nell was a constant presence at Bruin games. For luck, Coach would always acknowledge her with a wink before the tip-off of every game. At the Final Four each year, Nell's warmth and charm were renowned, often serving as Coach's personal add-on memory as she never forgot a name amidst the crowds.

Together they led by example, with a storybook marriage that lasted 53 years and produced a devoted family of two children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, to date. Nell's untimely death in 1985 was a loss for the entire Bruin family, but especially for the man who said his greatest moment was when his sweetheart said, "I do." You can still feel her gentle spirit accompanying Coach as he faithfully attends every Bruin home game.

Nell and John Wooden have enriched all of our travels, with gifts not only of hope, but also of inspiration, determination and courage. We cherish their impact on the UCLA Family and the loving legacy of how to live each day, creating our own personal best. UCLA Athletics is honored to dedicate our annual fundraising efforts to the athletic and educational legacy of Nell and John Wooden, and we welcome you to join us. You, too, can play a role in teaching our Bruin student-athletes how to succeed in the game of life.