Sports: Mike Krzyzewski Essay (Essay Sample)

Mike Krzyzewski
Student’s Name
Institution
Abstract
Mike Krzyzewski is well thought-out as an all time coach that has revolutionized the performance of major basketball teams in the world. In particular, the blue devils have recorded stunning performance under his leadership. He has made many accomplishments in the course of his career. Moreover, he has also displayed impeccable leadership philosophies that have been emulated by many. Accordingly, I consider mike my Hero. The following paper explores Mike Krzyzewski’s accomplishment and legacy.
Key Words: Hero, Accomplishment, legacy, philosophy,
Introduction
Mike Krzyzewski is considered one of the most well accomplished Basketball coaches of the 20th and 21st century. He has won in many seasons, and most of his graduate players have found the best ratings. The declaration of his name in the public arena triggers most people to think of a basketball courts. Mike is celebrated for many reasons. No wonder I consider him my hero. He has a stunning record of excellent performance coupled with other philanthropic tasks. Amazingly, Mike comes from a poor background although is he is currently one of the highest paid coaches ever. The following paper explores Mike’s Background, his upbringing, sports participation, coaching roles, philosophy and accomplishment. It also explores the core reasons why I consider him as my all time coaching hero
Back Ground and Upbringing
Mike success story did not happen overnight. In essence, he took time to cultivate his life skills and profession to reach where he is today. Mike Krzyzewski was born on the northern side of Chicago on 13th February 1947 to Bill and Emily (Brigger, 2014). His parents were immigrants who lived in a storey building with some of his relatives. Bill was an elevator operator whereas the mother Emily worked as a cleaning woman. From childhood, Mike had a strong foundation from his family. For example, he has been commonly heard citing the work ethics and tenacity influence of his parents. Mike attended St Helen Elementary School and Archbishop Weber High school. It is important to note that Mike showed great interest in sporting activities from his lower grades times. However, in high school, he defined his course to Basketball. At one point, he made such a great impression that he was recruited by Coach Bob Knight for the United States Military Academy. His exemplary performance propelled him to be named as the captain of the team. Upon his graduation, he continued to serve in the US army from 1969 to 19749(Moore, 2014).Mike also traces his religious background to the catholic community that he lived. His parents were staunch Catholics that taught him on the need to acknowledge God in all his endeavors.
Philosophy
Coach K is well known for his philosophy of ‘continual learning.’ He refutes stagnation once one has made any accomplishment. He believes there is always room for improvement. In fact, sky is the limit. The coach is against self-satisfaction and absorption; one should be able to learn continually from others (Zegers, 2014). He practices this by inviting friends and experts to watch the team while practice and comment on areas that need improvement. The comments act as an insight the approaches that would be important for success in a particular match. Coach K also has a philosophy of practice. There is an important American adage that emphasizes that practice makes perfect. Most of the teams that Coach K has head are usually subjected to intense practices. The philosophy has propagated most of the players to sharpen their skills while at the same time enhancing their emotional maturity. Proper emotional stability is essential in the lifelong success of an individual. Coach K has a philosophy on considerate and adapting to the distinctive personality of each player (Zegers, 2014). In fact, every week, he invites player to his home where they share homemade meals and converse on different matters. The habit has helped him learn the diversity of his players and integrate them together. In fact, Coach K is known to have one of the bet relationships with his players. He gives his player the freedom to grow and blossom in their area of full potential. The environment allows most players to take full control of their behavior and display the best in every game. This philosophy has widely been termed as a facility team culture.
Coaching Roles and Accomplishments
Coach K as famously nicknamed has taken up several coaching roles upon his retirement from active duty in 1974.First and foremost, he started his coaching career as an assistant in Indiana under Knight. One year later, he returned to West point as head coach. During his time, he made a massive accomplishment by leading the cadets to a 73-59 record. In 1980-1981, Coach K took over at the Duke and in the first season, the blue devils led 17-13 in the NIT quarterfinals (Zegers, 2014). In the fourth season, Krzyzewski earned the first NCAA tournament berths with the Devils. In 1992, Krzyzewski won the Olympic gold as an assistant coach with his original dream team. Despite health problems, Coach K added to his fame in 2010 when he added a fourth title. From 2005, Krzyzewski has been the head coach of USA team. In the team, he has also had victories. For instance, he won the bronze medal during the FIBA World a championship in Turkey.He continues to show commitment of coaching the American Team.
Legacy
Mike Krzyzeweski leaves behind a legacy rich in major accomplishments that the whole world admires. For example, he is one of the coaches known to have obtained four NCAA championship titles (Moore, 2014). He also led the USA team to victory during the FIBA championship. Coach K leaves behind a legacy of success, determination and zeal. Besides, he also demonstrated some of the best life philosophies that can be emulated by other upcoming coaches. He also got himself involved in philanthropic activities that have won the hearts of many. Moreover, he has gone ahead to publish two books that have illustrated the recipe for success in sporting activities.
Why I consider Mike My hero
Mike has ...