The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief. . .Living the Dream Beyond the Court
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!
This week we are looking at what we can learn from the life of George Raveling. George Raveling (June 27, 1937 — September 1, 2025) was an American college basketball player and coach. He played for the Villanova Wildcats, and was the men’s head coach for the Washington State Cougars (1972–1983), Iowa Hawkeyes (1983–1986), and USC Trojans (1986–1994). He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Find out more here, https://coachgeorgeraveling.com/
Living the Dream Beyond the Court
Some lives remind us that greatness isn’t about fame, titles, or championships. It’s about influence. George Raveling — basketball coach, mentor, speaker, and lifelong learner — embodies that truth. His story shows us what can happen when we lead with courage, curiosity, and presence.
More Than a Coach
George Raveling made history as one of the first Black head coaches in major college basketball. He led programs at Washington State, Iowa, and USC, but he never defined his success by wins and losses alone. For Raveling, coaching was about shaping young men into leaders, giving them tools for life far beyond the hardwood.
His players often said the lessons they remembered weren’t just about basketball strategy — they were about resilience, accountability, and vision. He coached people, not just a game.
A Moment with History
On August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington, Raveling volunteered as a security guard. When the program ended, he simply asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. if he could have his copy of the speech. Dr. King handed it to him.
Just like that, Raveling became the guardian of the original “I Have a Dream” speech. But more important than owning a piece of paper was carrying the responsibility of its message: that each of us has a role in advancing freedom, justice, and possibility.
A Lifelong Learner
Even after retiring from coaching, Raveling never stopped growing. He joined Nike as the company’s first Director of International Basketball, traveling the world and expanding the game. He became a mentor to athletes and executives alike, known not only for his wisdom but for his humility.
He was a voracious reader, often recommending books to others, believing that knowledge and curiosity were keys to personal transformation.
Lessons from a Life Well Lived
George Raveling’s life offers timeless lessons:
Show up. He didn’t know volunteering at the March on Washington would place him in history’s front row. Opportunity meets us when we make ourselves available.
Think bigger. He never let basketball define him; it was simply one platform to live out his larger mission of teaching and leading.
Pass it forward. Raveling’s true greatness lies in the lives he touched, the doors he opened, and the dreams he nurtured in others.
Final Thought
George Raveling teaches us that we don’t need a spotlight to live a legendary life. Influence comes from showing up, giving back, and carrying forward the dreams of those who came before us. His story is a reminder: each of us holds a piece of history in our hands. The question is — what will we do with it?
Forward Always!
