What you’re made for George Raveling has become a powerful mantra in 2025, as the legendary coach-reflects on a life of resilience and purpose in his newly released book. This weekend marked not only the launch of his guide to life’s meaning but also his sudden passing on September 1 at age 88—framing the book as both a capstone and a legacy.
Key Points Summary
- “What You’re Made For” released March 4, 2025, featuring life lessons from Raveling’s extraordinary journey in sports, leadership, and personal growth.
- George Raveling passed away September 1, 2025, lending the book added poignancy as his final words.
- Co-authored with Ryan Holiday and featuring a foreword by Michael Jordan, the book serves as a blueprint for purposeful living.
- Highlights span civil rights, coaching triumphs, mentorship, and global influence through Nike.
- The final chapter cruises from segregation-era struggles to lasting impact on athletes, business, and culture.
A Life Laid Bare in Print
What you’re made for George Raveling carries the weight of a life fully lived. Released in March, it collates lessons born from Raveling’s journey through segregation, coaching, activism, and business. The book is rich with stories—from standing beside Martin Luther King Jr. to connecting Michael Jordan with Nike and steering Team USA to Olympic gold.
Now, with his passing it has taken on new gravity. What readers once described as a “manual for life” now reads like a heartfelt farewell—one coach’s final reflection for generations to come.
Why the Title Resonates Deeper Now
When the title asks, “What you’re made for,” it wasn’t just a catchy phrase—it was a call to introspection. Now, with Raveling gone, it echoes as a legacy, urging readers to examine their purpose and place in the world.
The book distills his wisdom into practical tools: identifying values, building meaningful relationships, persistently evolving, and using daily habits to shape destiny. These are no longer theoretical: they stand as Raveling’s final challenge—and gift—to readers.
Behind the Pages: Raveling’s Story in Focus
George Henry Raveling’s life reads like an epic: born in 1937 in segregated Washington, D.C., orphaned by age 13, and introduced to basketball when the sport wasn’t widely embraced. He rose to become legendary coach—earning Coach of the Year honors at multiple institutions—including Washington State, Iowa, and USC.
His leadership extended beyond courts to Nike, where he became its global basketball marketing director and played a pivotal role in the Air Jordan saga. Along the way, he amassed accolades, mentors, and everlasting influence.
Voices of Legacy: Foreword and Testimonials
Foreword by Michael Jordan elevates the narrative. Jordan honors Raveling not just as a coach, but as a monumental mentor. Across blurbs from Charles Barkley, Manu Ginóbili, Jay Wright, Rich Roll, and Tim Ferriss, the tone is unanimous: Raveling was a mentor worth emulating—a man whose resilience and wisdom shaped champions both in sport and life.
Reflections on Legacy and Loss
Raveling’s passing turned his book into a memorial of wisdom. Readers now carry his words with added reverence, as a guide through adversity and a reminder to live with intent. The finality of his death makes each chapter feel like a personal letter—meant not only to inform, but to inspire continued action.
Legacy Beyond the Court
This moment underlines Raveling’s broader impact:
- He bridged coaching and civil rights, standing beside MLK and shaping leadership beyond basketball.
- His mentorship to icons like Michael Jordan continues to echo in sport, culture, and business.
- His words now serve beyond coaching manuals—they’re life maps for purpose, perseverance, and connection.
Reader Takeaways from Raveling’s Blueprint
Try these steps inspired by his guidance:
- Reflect daily on your core purpose and values.
- Reinvest small wins into your long-term growth.
- Seek mentorship and be a mentor to someone.
- Choose challenges that build character, not just comfort.
- Aim to leave an intentional legacy—whether through coaching, parenting, or leadership.
Final Thoughts
With his final book, what you’re made for George Raveling has become more than a read—it’s a legacy. Through sharp stories and life frameworks, Raveling calls us to define purpose, practice excellence, and carry our own impact forward.
How will you answer the question he leaves behind: what are you made for? Drop your thoughts below—Raveling’s work lives on through the life we choose to build.
FAQ
Q1: Who co-authored What You’re Made For with George Raveling?
It was co-authored with Ryan Holiday, with a foreword by Michael Jordan.
Q2: When did the book come out?
It was published on March 4, 2025.
Q3: Why is the book especially meaningful now?
Because Raveling passed away September 1, 2025, readers now engage with it as his final reflections and legacy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and inspirational purposes. It does not substitute for personal development guidance or professional mentorship.