Duke University will honor Mike Krzyzewski’s 42-year career as head men’s basketball coach by creating the Krzyzewski Family Scholarship for student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership, Duke President Vincent E. Price announced on Saturday.
Named for Krzyzewski, his wife Mickie and their daughters Debbie Savarino, Lindy Frasher and Jamie Spatola, Duke will award the Krzyzewski Family Scholarship annually to five Duke student-athletes from any sport in their final year of eligibility who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the university’s values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery and excellence.
Speaking at a ceremony after Krzyzewski’s final game in Cameron Indoor Stadium Saturday night against North Carolina, Price said that his impact goes far beyond basketball.
“Mike Krzyzewski has been a unifying, inspiring force for everyone who comes to Duke as well as loyal fans around the world and a committed advocate for the Durham community through the founding of the Emily K Center,” Price said. “This scholarship will carry on the extraordinary legacy of Mike, Mickie and their family, and ensure that they will continue to change lives for years to come.”
Price added that the five scholarships recognize both the Krzyzewski family and the number of national championships he has won at Duke, but “we will not hesitate to make it six if he brings another one home from New Orleans next month.”
Standing with his wife, three daughters and grandchildren on the court after Price’s announcement, Krzyzewski said he knew he wanted to be a coach since he was 16.
"I've done what I've loved my whole life," he said. "I didn't realize that I would be doing it for 42 years, at the place that I loved. When you combine the coaching, and the place, and the city of Durham all together, you can't be any luckier than me."