Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Breakfast
28th annual in-person event at the Men’s NCAA Final Four
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Breakfast starts at 7:30am, Program starts at 8:00am
San Antonio, TX
The Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award is presented annually to a player or coach who best exemplifies character, leadership, and integrity in the home, on the court, and throughout the community.
This year’s award recipient is former NBA Player, Executive and Coach, Monty Williams.
Career Highlights:
- As a senior (1993–94), he averaged 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, earning All-American honorable mention honors.
- Drafted 24th overall by the New York Knicks.
- Played in the NBA from 1994 to 2003, (New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers).
- New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2010–2015): Hired as head coach, leading the team to the playoffs in 2011 and 2015.
- Assistant Coach (2015–2019): Worked with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Phoenix Suns (2019–2023): Led the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals and won NBA Coach of the Year in 2022.
- Detroit Pistons (2023–2024): Head Coach
- TMI Episcopal (Present): Head Coach
This highly anticipated annual celebration is hosted by Athletes in Action at the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four and consistently presents first-class production punctuated with good humor, memorable basketball banter and heartwarming stories.
MEET OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
Allan Houston
The 2022 Athletes in Action Keys to Life recipient. Former NBA All-Star and Tennessee Volunteer
The Kennedys
The 2021 Athletes in Action Keys to Life recipients.
Billy is the former head coach of Texas A&M and Murray State.
Derick Grant
2022 Athletes in Action Keys to Life Emcee. Former Harlem Globetrotter and current CEO of DG Mindset.
King Mcclure
2022 Athletes in Action Keys to Life Emcee. ESPN Analyst, SiriusXM Host and former Baylor Bear
HONORING A LEGENDARY COACH
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SYLVIA CRAWLEY
former WNBA player & WNBA coach
JIMMY DYKES
ESPN
details
Cost
FREE
For the first time ever, take advantage of our (free) premiere of the Coach John Wooden Keys to Life.
Logistics
ONLINE
Broadcast and Online Special, premiering April 3, 10 am EST.
Take a seat & enjoy the Coach John Wooden Keys to Life from the comfort of your own home!
What you'll do
program
Hear stories you won’t hear anywhere else from high-level basketball coaches, players, & speakers.
recent honorees
The Keys to Life Award celebrates the legacy of John Wooden’s influence through the world of coaching and beyond. Coach Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” continues to inspire leadership, team-building, character, responsibility, and cooperation on teams at every level of the game.
Lionel Hollins
2024
Scott Drew
2023
Alan Houston
2022
Billy and Mary Kennedy
2021
John Beilein
2019
Rick Barnes
2018
Take a look at the 2023 event
Wooden family fieldhouse
Coach Barnes receives the "keys to LIfe" award
About Athletes in action
Since 1966, Athletes in Action has been helping athletes experience the hope and purpose that comes from following Jesus, and equipping them to use their platform to be part of God’s mission in the world to make disciples of all nations.
By serving, training, and sending athletes as influencers into the world, AIA is building spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus.
The Coach John Wooden “Keys to Life” Breakfast is part of Athletes in Action’s Signature Events designed to honor athletes and coaches who model exemplary character, values, integrity and faith. In addition to this breakfast, Athletes in Action hosts the Super Bowl Breakfast, All-Star Breakfast, and the Total Athlete Tip Off.
Our partners
