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To paraphrase the great poet Gertrude Stein, coaching is coaching is coaching. There are principles that apply seamlessly across a broad spectrum of different sports. That means you can take concepts that work in one sport and apply them with equal effectiveness in other sports. I’ve try to learn from a number of great coaches, including John Wooden, Pat Summit, Scotty Bowman, Vince Lombardi and Jack Parker.
One of my favorite coaches, for many reasons, is Geno Auriemma, the Hall of Fame bench boss of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team. The following anecdote is a perfect example of why.