Pyramid Tribute: Enthusiasm, Phil Mathews (Asst. Coach - UCLA)
Mathews joined the UCLA coaching staff this past April. As a former Division I head coach (University of San Francisco, 1995-2004) and a junior college head coach, Mathews has posted almost 500 career victories, bringing a wealth of experience to the bench along side Ben Howland.
Prior to arriving in Westwood, he spent the last four seasons as an assistant with Nebraska. During that span, the Huskers recorded 70 victories and qualified for postseason play twice.
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Enthusiasm is one of the most important keys to being
successful as a coach and as a player. As a head coach at
both the Junior College and Division 1 levels, I have always told
my teams that there would never be a day when I was not the most
enthusiastic and energetic person at practice. My expectation
is that, as a leader, the enthusiasm I display will brush off on
others and bring up the level of enthusiasm in everyone on the
team.
Coach Wooden points out that you must love what you are doing and truly have your heart in it if you are going to be successful. I agree wholeheartedly in this notion; the players that have been my most successful over the years have also, not coincidentally, been the most enthusiastic. On the other hand, some of the players that have failed to reach their potential did not bring enthusiasm every time they stepped on the court. There is nothing better as a coach than to have a group of players that are excited to show up to practice.
The most successful people in any area of business have a passion for what they are doing. That passion creates a willingness to go the extra mile to be sure that things get done right. Coach Wooden loved to teach, and that is what made him such a tremendous teacher, both of basketball and life.
- Phil Mathews
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