Ben Howland
Santa Barbara, California
College Basketball Coach
It was at the Goleta Boys Club in Santa Barbara that Ben Howland first found his calling. An ardent UCLA basketball fan, he routinely told Club staff and friends of his plans to be a college basketball coach. Ben was a Club regular, arriving every day at 3:30. He’d play basketball, take a dinner break at home, and return for more practice, a routine he followed for years. By nurturing his passion and instilling a sense of discipline, the Goleta Club helped Ben realize his ultimate dream. He was named head basketball coach of his beloved UCLA Bruins in 2003.
