While running track at UCLA, Tim Kight watched from the stands as John Wooden’s men’s basketball program secured its ninth and 10th national championships. The student-athlete from Ohio, who transferred to Westwood from Ohio State, developed an intense curiosity about what makes elite performers – in any field – climb to the peaks of their respective mountains. Kight, who went on to become an accomplished motivational speaker and business advisor, died of cancer in May 2024. He was a mentor of UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close – who is one of the few disciples of Wooden remaining – often appearing on Kight’s podcast. Kight would even journey back...
