JV

Jim Valvano

89quotes

Jim Valvano: A Life of Triumph and Inspiration


Full Name and Common Aliases


Jim Valvano was born James Valentine on March 10, 1946, in The Bronx, New York. He is commonly referred to as Jimmy V.

Birth and Death Dates


March 10, 1946 – April 28, 1993

Nationality and Profession(s)


American basketball coach, player, and motivational speaker

Early Life and Background


Growing up in a modest household in the Bronx, Jim Valvano was raised by his mother and stepfather. He developed a passion for sports from an early age, particularly basketball, which would become a defining feature of his life. Valvano attended Archbishop Stepinac High School, where he played on the school's championship basketball team.

Major Accomplishments


Valvano's coaching career began in 1975 at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he spent three seasons before moving to Iona College for two years. In 1980, he became the head coach at Rutgers University, leading the team to a winning season and earning national attention. However, it was his tenure as the head basketball coach at North Carolina State University (NC State) from 1980 to 1990 that cemented his legacy.

During his time at NC State, Valvano led the Wolfpack to an improbable NCAA championship in 1983, famously declaring, "You can't relax. You gotta keep moving." This mantra became a defining characteristic of his approach to life and coaching.

Notable Works or Actions


In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Jim Valvano was known for his unwavering dedication to cancer research and awareness. Diagnosed with terminal skin cancer in 1992, he established the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which has since become one of the leading non-profit organizations dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.

Valvano's courage in the face of adversity inspired millions, and his commitment to fighting cancer earned him widespread recognition and accolades. In 1993, he was awarded the ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award posthumously.

Impact and Legacy


Jim Valvano's impact on basketball extends far beyond his coaching accomplishments. His unwavering optimism, boundless energy, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him an icon in American sports culture. As a coach, player, and motivational speaker, he embodied the spirit of perseverance and triumph over adversity.

Valvano's legacy is also reflected in the V Foundation, which has raised millions for cancer research and awareness. His commitment to making a difference in the lives of others continues to inspire new generations of athletes, coaches, and individuals facing challenges.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Jim Valvano's quotes and words of wisdom have become an integral part of American sports culture. Phrases like "Don't give up" and "You can't relax. You gotta keep moving" continue to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike, reminding us all that life is full of challenges but also opportunities for growth and triumph.

Valvano's courage in the face of adversity and his commitment to making a difference have made him an enduring figure in American sports history. His legacy continues to motivate and inspire us all to strive for excellence, never give up, and always keep moving forward.

Quotes by Jim Valvano

Jim Valvano's insights on:

I set out very calculatedly to become known. The only thing I maybe miscalculated was how easy it would be.
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I set out very calculatedly to become known. The only thing I maybe miscalculated was how easy it would be.
JV
How many people do you know who've had their dream come true? You're looking at one.
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How many people do you know who've had their dream come true? You're looking at one.
JV
I'm not happy to be here. I'm just happy to be!
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I'm not happy to be here. I'm just happy to be!
JV
What enables us to achieve our greatness contains the seeds of our destruction.
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What enables us to achieve our greatness contains the seeds of our destruction.
JV
I was an absolute maniac, a terrible husband and father.
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I was an absolute maniac, a terrible husband and father.
JV
I know, I gotta go, I gotta go, and I got one last thing and I said it before, and I’m gonna say it again: Cancer can take away all my physical ability. It cannot touch my mind; it cannot touch my heart; and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.
"
I know, I gotta go, I gotta go, and I got one last thing and I said it before, and I’m gonna say it again: Cancer can take away all my physical ability. It cannot touch my mind; it cannot touch my heart; and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.
JV
We have a very intelligent team. I’ve had clubs that when you tell a guy to go back door, he leaves the gym. Or you tell the team you’re going to have a closed practice and eight guys don’t show up.
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We have a very intelligent team. I’ve had clubs that when you tell a guy to go back door, he leaves the gym. Or you tell the team you’re going to have a closed practice and eight guys don’t show up.
JV
I’ll also tell you that five hundred thousand people will die this year of cancer. And I’ll also tell you that one in every four will be afflicted with this disease, and yet, somehow, we seem to have put it in a little bit of the background.
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I’ll also tell you that five hundred thousand people will die this year of cancer. And I’ll also tell you that one in every four will be afflicted with this disease, and yet, somehow, we seem to have put it in a little bit of the background.
JV
Why shouldn’t I milk it? We’re an agricultural institution.
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Why shouldn’t I milk it? We’re an agricultural institution.
JV
I talked about my family, my family’s so important.
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I talked about my family, my family’s so important.
JV
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