The John Wooden Legacy Coaching Award is presented annually beginning by the National High School Basketball Coaches Association. The award, started in 2021-22, honors scholastic basketball coaches – active or retired – from around the country who are educators and have achieved excellence on the floor, in the classroom and in the community that further embody the characteristics and legacy of the late John Wooden. The criteria for the award are rooted in the ideals of education, longevity, character, service and excellence.
2021-22: Boys – Gene Miiller, Kankakee Valley, Vincennes Lincoln, Lafayette Jefferson, Washington. Girls – r-Donna Sullivan, Seymour.
2022-23: Boys – r-Jack Butcher, Loogootee. Girls – r-Cinda Rice Brown, Rushville.
2023-24: Boys – J.R. Holmes, Tunnelton, Mitchell, Bloomington South. Girls – r-Donna Cheatham, Scottsburg.
2024-25: Boys – r-Bill Patrick, Sidney, South Whitley, Whitko, Tippecanoe Valley. Girls – r-Jan Conner, Warren Central, Benton Central, Martinsville, Lafayette Jefferson.
2025-26: Boys – r-Steve Witty, Ben Davis. Girls – r-Cheri Gilbert, Heritage.