Sports don't build character, they reveal it.

– John Wooden

John Wooden was a legendary coach because of his success in college basketball, winning 10 national championships in a 12-year period for UCLA. He is perfect for Monday Motivation, as his reputation extends beyond his on-court accomplishments. He was also renowned for his coaching philosophies, which placed a strong emphasis on character, perseverance, and collaboration.

One of John Wooden's most well-known quotes is “Sports don't build character, they reveal it,” and it is crucial for young players to remember this. It implies that while playing sports can help people learn valuable lessons and abilities like teamwork, determination, and tenacity, a person's character ultimately determines whether they will succeed in sports and in life. Young athletes frequently view successful athletes as role models and sometimes think that playing sports will transform them into better people. Athletes should use Wooden's words as motivation that their behavior both on and off the court will reveal their true character. The character of a person is revealed by how they carry themselves in both success and failure, not by whether they win or lose a game.

The quote is significant for young athletes because it urges them to pay attention to developing strong character attributes like honesty, respect, and sportsmanship in addition to their athletic ability. Athletes are taught by Wooden that success is not just about winning, but also about being a good person and  teammate by highlighting the value of character. John Wooden was a great coach due to his accomplishments on the court and his focus on character building. Young athletes should be reminded by this saying that sports are about more than just accomplishing something; they are also about discovering and growing as people.