John Calipari
College Basketball Coach
On April 1, 2009, John Calipari was named Head Coach of the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team - one of the most storied programs in all of college sports. It is another stop on what has been a highly successful coaching career for Calipari. Taking the reins at a prestigious program such as Kentucky is a first for Calipari - who has spent the bulk of his coaching year's turning once anonymous teams into national powerhouses.
Turning things around is Calipari's business. He has become a popular corporate and motivational speaker because of his ability to communicate how he gets the most out of his young players and coaching staff. Engaging and charismatic, Calipari has spent his entire career helping other succeed in life on and off the court - making him a winning choice for your next public speaking engagement.
MORE ABOUT JOHN CALIPARI
Before accepting the job at Kentucky, Calipari was the head coach at the University of Memphis for nine seasons, the last four of which elevated the Tigers' program to heights never before seen in school history, including an appearance in the 2008 NCAA championship game.
He continued to work his magic at Kentucky, taking an NIT team in 2009 to the 2010 NCAA Elite Eight. Along the way he led the Wildcats to a No. 1 ranking (UK's first since 2003), the program's 44th SEC Championship and 26th SEC Tournament title.
The honors continued after the season as Calipari became the first coach in UK history to receive the Adolph Rupp National Coach of the Year award. He then watched as five of his players were selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft, the first time a school has ever produced five first round picks. Among those picks was the first Wildcat ever taken as the No. 1 overall pick, John Wall.
In his inaugural season as head coach of the Wildcats, Calipari posted his fifth-straight 30-win season, the only coach in NCAA Division I history to do so. In addition to the Rupp National Coach of the Year, Calipari was also named the Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year.
Since the 2005-06 season, Coach Cal ranks as the winningest coach over the last five years.
For more information about booking John Calipari as a motivational speaker for your next special event or corporate meeting, contact CAA Speakers today.
