Jimmy V, also known as Jim Valvano, was a college basketball coach and television commentator who is best known for his inspiring speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards. Valvano was born in 1946 in Queens, New York, and grew up in East Meadow, Long Island. He attended Seaford High School, where he played basketball and football. After graduating, he attended Rutgers University, where he played basketball and earned a degree in English.
Valvano began his coaching career at Rutgers, where he was an assistant coach for four seasons. He then became the head coach at Bucknell University, where he led the team to two winning seasons. In 1980, Valvano became the head coach at Iona College, where he led the team to three winning seasons and two appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
In 1983, Valvano was hired as the head coach at North Carolina State University. During his tenure at NC State, he led the team to the NCAA Championship in 1983, and was named the National Coach of the Year. In addition to his coaching successes, Valvano was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to connect with his players and fans.
Despite his success on the court, Valvano faced challenges off the court. In 1992, he was diagnosed with cancer, and he publicly shared his struggles with the disease. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Valvano's health continued to decline.
In 1993, Valvano was asked to speak at the ESPY Awards, where he gave an emotional and inspiring speech that has become one of the most memorable moments in sports history. In the speech, Valvano talked about the importance of never giving up and always fighting for what you believe in. He also encouraged others to "never give up" and to "never, ever give up."
Valvano's speech was a testament to his determination and spirit, and it touched the hearts of many people. After the speech, Valvano established the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which has raised millions of dollars to fund cancer research and treatment.
Valvano passed away in 1993, just a few weeks after giving his famous speech at the ESPY Awards. Despite his untimely death, Valvano's legacy lives on through the V Foundation and the countless people he inspired with his words and actions. Valvano will always be remembered as a coach, a commentator, and a hero who fought tirelessly against cancer and never gave up.