Fresh off a stiff test, UCLA women ready for Penn State

While running track at UCLA, Tim Kight watched from the stands as John Wooden’s men’s basketball program secured its ninth and 10th national championships. The student-athlete from Ohio, who transferred to Westwood from Ohio State, developed an intense curiosity about what makes elite performers – in any field – climb to the peaks of their respective mountains. Kight, who went on to become an accomplished motivational speaker and business advisor, died of cancer in May 2024. He was a mentor of UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close – who is one of the few disciples of Wooden remaining – often appearing on Kight’s podcast. Kight would even journey back...