On February 15, 2025, students from Richmond had the unique opportunity to engage with Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski during his appearance at The Richmond Forum. Renowned for leading the Duke University Blue Devils to five national titles and guiding Team USA to three Olympic gold medals, Coach K shared his insights on leadership and teamwork.
Central to his philosophy are the "three A's" of leadership: agility, adaptability, and accountability. He emphasized that these qualities collectively foster a winning attitude applicable across various domains, from families to organizations. Coach K said, "Agility, adaptability, and accountability—those lead to a winning attitude. You can have that in a family, in an organization, in a city, and it doesn’t cost a darn thing."
Student Olivia Rodenhaver ‘26 observed Coach K's engaging demeanor, noting his humor and humility throughout the event. She highlighted his emphasis on the three A's, reflecting on how they contribute to a winning mindset.
Gabby Sauvigne ‘27 found the discussion on leadership particularly impactful. She appreciated Coach K's stance against making excuses and his encouragement to consider the broader team—be it family, sports teams, or classmates. Gabby felt motivated to be accountable for her actions and their effects on those around her.
Darius Thomas ‘25 resonated with Coach K's insights on teamwork. He emphasized the necessity of synchronization and collaboration for achieving success. Darius was particularly struck by Coach K's assertion that "the preparation to win is more important than the will to win," underscoring the value of diligent preparation.
Overall, Coach K also addressed the importance of trust within organizations, stating, "My two standards have always been: We look each other in the eye, and we tell each other the truth immediately. If we do that, we build trust."
The event left a lasting impression on attendees, providing them with valuable lessons on leadership, accountability and the essence of teamwork. Trinity is honored to participate in the Richmond Forum’s 2024-2025 series.