The Ball In Two Different Courts

Wooden spoke philosophically. "In all of this, we're talking about something, sport, which is 99% good. I don't know anyone, as participant, spectator or bystander, who is not touched in some way by sport. It's healthy, an emotional outlet, a physical outlet, an entertainment, a vehicle for escape. Certainly there are some drawbacks. Sport is overdone sometimes; many people don't have it in the proper line of priorities. Widespread gambling is another problem. But sport keeps people young; perhaps that is the most important thing.

"As I look back, most everything I have is a result of sport. Oh, I know it's the toy part of the world and I'm not significant in any worldly fashion. But a long time ago I found this niche and it has been right for me. I've enjoyed coaching, teaching and the relationships. It's nice to look around and see my players become successful in different fields. I am content. I have peace of mind, and I worry about how much I'm going to miss sport when I get out of it in the near future."

Billie Jean thought about that. "Sometimes there are down moments," she said, "and I feel unimportant. I think, "Sport, big deal.' But what is sport anyway? An art, an amusement. We professionals are the motivators. We are the ones who inspire. We sell people something they have for the rest of their lives—moments, memories—and they are better in health, mind and spirit. So I do contribute. I give people pleasure and happiness.

"The very first day I hit a tennis ball I knew what I wanted," she went on. "It has made my life. Winning isn't the big deal, either. The real joy comes from the very thing that involves people in sport in the first place—the fun of execution, the fun of playing.

"Naturally sport is an outlet, an expenditure of energy. Not everyone gets that from reading a book or watching a movie. But also it teaches us about daily living. Certain things don't always go our way. Sometimes we have to lose and we all must face it. Ups and downs. Hills and valleys. That's what sport is all about. That's what life is about, too."