Marquette Coach Shaka Smart Embraces Mindfulness and Relationships to Build Winning Culture

In the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, Marquette University has emerged as an anomaly. Under the leadership of head coach Shaka Smart, the Golden Eagles have qualified for the NCAA Tournament for 4 consecutive years, all while avoiding the transfer portal that has become a staple of the modern game.

Smart's approach to building a winning culture at Marquette is rooted in an unconventional daily routine and a deep commitment to personal growth and relationships. Each morning, the 47-year-old coach begins with meditation, a practice he adopted around 8-9 years ago when he was still leading the Texas Longhorns. This is followed by a walk outside to soak in the morning light and a reading session, where Smart jots down meaningful passages in a journal and shares them with his players, coaches, and friends.

This intentional focus on mindfulness and self-reflection is a reflection of Smart's belief that the best leaders are those who first understand themselves. He has developed a framework he calls the "Five Star Leader," which he uses to cultivate leadership qualities in his players. This approach, combined with Smart's emphasis on building deep, genuine connections, has allowed Marquette to thrive in an era of roster churn.

"The best part is the middle," Smart says of the journey with his players. "It's the journey. It's imperfect. It's hard. It includes twists and turns. My favorite stories are the ones that are in the middle."