There are many names synonymous with college basketball, but none are on the same level as Mike Krzyzewski.VITAMike Krzyzewski, born to polished immigrants William and Emily Krzyzewski on February 13, 1947, grew up on the North Side of Chicago. Although both parents passed away, the example of integrity and ethics never abandoned him. Indeed, the influence of his mother's strong faith maintained the ritual of placing his rosary in his shirt pocket before every game he coached. This positively influenced Mike and shaped his future to become one of the greatest coaches in men's college basketball and, more importantly, an influential leader that these young players could look up to even after they played. Growing up, Krzyzewski belonged to a neighborhood group the helpers tagged the Columbos, in which they could always be found taking part in basketball on the playground. “Mickey Mouse,” as he was known in this fraternity, had long been interested in sports, but street dancing with the Columbos is where he first learned to love the game. (Hines-Brigger, n.d.) While children usually outgrew their parents in Chicago's Polish neighborhood, the young Krzyzewski was a successful point guard at Weber High School, an all-boys Catholic elementary school. He was given the opportunity because his parents paid extra to send him, despite his father being an elevator operator in Willougby Tower and his mother, a woman who scrubbed floors at the Chicago Athletic Club. The love and support of both his parents at a young age gave him confidence as an adult. (Krzyzewski, 2001) While at Weber, Krzyzewski was recruited to play basketball for the United States Military Academy at West Point by none other than Bob Knight. Coach Knight was also a strong influencer…middle of the road…most of us struggle with the concept of prioritization. He is a family man first, a teacher second, a coach third and he is winning all three. (Krzyzewski, 2001) Works CitedSellers, P. (2011, December 9). Duke's Coach K on what makes a champion. Retrieved from http://postcards.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/12/09/duke-coach-k-krzyzewski/Hines-Brigger, S. (n.d.). A solid foundation. Retrieved from http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Mar2006/Feature2.asp#topKrzyzewski, M. (2001). Leading with Your Heart: Coach K's Success Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life. New York, NY: Business PlusSellers, P. (2011, December 9). Duke's Coach K on what makes a champion. Retrieved from http://postcards.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/12/09/duke-coach-k-krzyzewski/Sports Information, Duke (2014). Retrieved from http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=152844