Mike Krzyzewski, the Duke University men’s basketball coach who recently retired after taking his team to the Final Four in his last season, attended his granddaughter’s graduation Wednesday and had a chance to see many of his grandchildren together.
“Eight of my grandchildren were there,” he said in a WTVD report, “and usually, graduations can sometimes be long, but it was beautiful. I was driving home with my wife, Mickie, … and I said, ‘It was interesting. I only thought about that.’”
That’s the peace of mind retirement can bring. It gives someone time to focus on life’s pleasures.
“For most of my life, wherever I was at, I was never completely where I was at,” Krzyzewski said. “You’re always thinking of something else.”
While there was some speculation in the immediate aftermath of his retirement that he’d get bored and return to the sidelines, Coach K — as he is known to fans — has shaken off those rumors.
His granddaughter’s graduation confirmed that, and he said he likes the benefits of retirement.
“You’re not thinking of everybody,” he said. “You’re thinking of you and your family, and whatever responsibility that you want, not the responsibilities that you may just have to do. That keeps you fresh.”
