Jessica Duarte

UCLA Coach Cori Close challenges the belief that demanding, championship level leadership requires intimidation or humiliation: “Winning the championship has given some credibility that you can coach in this way.” “I don’t think you have to demean people. I don’t think you have to make it about you. It doesn’t have to be transactional. I really think that it makes you more competitive, not less.” “People are like, ‘Oh, that’s soft. You can’t win that way.’ When you’re really committed to somebody’s long-term development, it makes you want to compete like crazy.” “I’ll dive for every loose ball. I’ll go after every rebound. I’ll sit lower in my stance.” “I’ll do anything because of the way I care about the person on my right and on my left.” “It should make you more of a fierce competitor to be driven by genuine relationships and genuine shared excellence.” “Do your job is going to happen a lot more with people who are committed, who care, and who have a shared commitment to excellence.” “The best lessons are caught, not taught.”