Needless to say the guy then says to me, “look! there, he is right now.” I glanced across the area, (we were around back of the building) and there was a white buick coming through all the mud puddles rather quickly, it stops about 20 feet from me and sure enough out gets Coach K! He had on white shorts, a white nike shirt and white nike shoes. He starts stretching exercises against the back of his car, I couldn’t believe my eyes, I live in Goldsboro and have never seen anyone famous! (I have been a 20 yr Duke fan) I said to him”Coach K” and he looked at me, then I said “how are ya?” AND HE ACTUALLY TOOK THE TIME TO SAY, “fine and how are you?” I was lost for words, I do not even remember what if anything I said in response!!!!!!!! But I just could not believe he actually spoke directly to me, i will never forget it.

It was probably no big deal to most people, but it sure was to me! I just think he is a role model, and a really down to earth honest man. You can also tell by his sportsmanship after games when he usually pats the opposing coaches and players (win or lose) on the chest with his left hand while he shakes their hand with his right. What a guy!

Thanks, Dennis

I have watched and participated in fund raising events with him that showed his commitment to Durham and the whole Triangle area. He gives back to our community; whether it is for the Duke Children Hospital, or helping raise funds to fight cancer for Coach V or building a gym for a local church that was dedicated to his mother’s memory. He has had numerous opportunities to leave Durham, but he and Micky have raised a wonderful family that are now grown up and following in his footsteps of giving back.

Congrats Coach on 1,000 games at Duke and for all that you have given us to cheer about over the years! I recognize and greatly appreciate your contributions to our local community and know that this has been just as important to you and your family, as your great contributions you have given to the many basketball teams you’ve led over the years. Thanks and congratulations Coach, you earned it!

I can remember going up there and seeing the Wolfpack design on the halls of DUKE. My father loved Bobby Hurley and so did my 16 year old brother at the time Greg. My father and Greg would be so excited when Coach K and the team would get through early or come on the floor to visit and sign autographs,etc. Little did I know that 11 years later at 38, I would be diagnosed with Breast Cancer and find it early and be a survivor.

I think back to some of the saddest times of my life in those hallways. My father died there. But I also saw strength in people that I had never in my life seen before. I saw people working around the clock to try and save my fathers life and countless others like him. I also learned so much about cancer that I truely think out of something bad something good came out of it.

I would like to thank Coach K for trying to find a cure and rescerch with the Jimmy V foundation and for making some of the worst days of my fathers life memorable and happy for all of us. My father often told me that he could not be bitter about dying or the reascearch they were doing on him to try and find cures and that someday the rescearch done on him and so many others would lead to a cure. I relay for the past 4 years now a survivor. And thank you Coach K for being a wonderful person who cares about others.

Michelle

I graduated from college with a degree in business marketing from the University of Texas in San Antonio and went to work for my uncles insurance business full time, where I had been an intern the previous four years part time as a student. Following my heart, and it was a very tough decision, I talked to my uncle about my desire to coach basketball like I always wanted, and addressed to him that I was going to get my teaching certification. I wanted to go back to Charlotte a class A school with a population of about 1500, south of San Antonio and coach the boys basketball program.

Everyday, I wake up and read your quote that says “When you are passionate, you always have your destination in sight and you are not distracted by obstacles. Because you love what you are pursuing, things like rejection and setbacks will not hinder you in your pursuit. You believe that nothing can stop you!”

Listening to your interview with Coach Knight discussing how Duke has been a program that always felt like home, it has instilled even more fire to pursue coaching. Thanks Coach K, you are an inspiration for people who want to be a positive influence on other people’s lives.

Well I grew up loving sports, especially basketball. I don’t have a lot of talent but know the game. I picked out Duke because I admire Coach K’s coaching style. He’s a teacher, not a show off. He displays respect to his players and opponents.

When I heard the story about the pin he wears to support his friend and the memory of his son, it was so touching. It’s awesome to see how someone of such caliber and national popularity is genuine, sincere, caring and willing to help others.

I wear a red Multiple Sclerosis band on my wrist. I have worn it for 10 years since my cousin was diagnosed with MS. I have used Coach K as a role model and mentor to keep fighting and not give up hope there will be a cure or at least a medication that will keep MS at bay. My cousin knows how much I love to watch Duke and Coach K. She is currently on her last option of medication but she is always thinking of others and doesn’t let her MS rule her. She is taking me to the ACC tourney next week so that I can see Duke and Coach K in person.