IU Legend Steve Alford to Receive Prestigious 'Keys to Life' Award

Alford to be honored during Final Four weekend in Indianapolis for his character and leadership.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:51pm

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IU basketball icon and current Nevada head coach Steve Alford will be presented with the 'Keys to Life' Award, an honor named after legendary UCLA coach John Wooden that recognizes individuals who demonstrate Wooden's signature traits of character and leadership. Alford, a two-time All-American and 1987 national champion with the Hoosiers, will receive the award at the 29th annual 'Keys to Life' breakfast hosted by the international sports ministry Athletes in Action during Final Four weekend in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

The 'Keys to Life' Award is a prestigious honor that celebrates individuals who have made a positive impact on athletes and their communities, both on and off the court. Alford's selection underscores his enduring legacy as one of the most respected figures in college basketball, known for his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

The details

Alford, who has led Nevada to the NCAA Tournament twice in his tenure, will be recognized for his distinguished coaching career that has spanned multiple programs, as well as his standout playing days with the Hoosiers, where he was a two-time First-Team All-American and the 1987 Big Ten Conference MVP. The 'Keys to Life' Award is presented annually by Athletes in Action, an international sports ministry, to honor individuals who embody the character and leadership principles championed by the legendary John Wooden.

  • The 'Keys to Life' breakfast and award presentation will take place during Final Four weekend in Indianapolis on April 5, 2026.

The players

Steve Alford

A former IU basketball star and current head coach of the Nevada men's basketball team, Alford is being honored for his character, leadership, and positive impact on student-athletes throughout his distinguished coaching career.

John Wooden

The legendary UCLA basketball coach whose name and legacy inspire the 'Keys to Life' Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate Wooden's signature traits of character and leadership.

Jared Miller

The Basketball Director for Athletes in Action, the international sports ministry that is hosting the 'Keys to Life' award ceremony honoring Steve Alford.

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What they’re saying

“Athletes in Action is honored to name Steve Alford as the recipient of the 2026 Coach John Wooden 'Keys to Life' Award. Steve demonstrates the character and leadership that helped define Coach Wooden's legacy. He has made a difference in the lives of athletes, both on the court, and more importantly, in everyday life.”

— Jared Miller, Basketball Director, Athletes in Action

What’s next

Alford will be presented with the 'Keys to Life' Award at the 29th annual 'Keys to Life' breakfast hosted by Athletes in Action on April 5, 2026, during Final Four weekend in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

Steve Alford's selection for the prestigious 'Keys to Life' Award underscores his enduring legacy as one of the most respected figures in college basketball, known for his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes both on and off the court.