Coach Lee Rose at NCAA 1980
1936 — 2022

Coach
Lee Rose.

Lee Rose was a living testimony to one of his favorite quotes: "One true measure of a person is how that person treats those around them who are in absolutely no position to help them." He treated everyone the same — with kindness and empathy. Coach Rose led a full and wonderful life, and his impact on those he touched is simply immeasurable.

To honor his life and good works, his family created the Coach Lee Rose Foundation — carrying forward a simple mission: to help underserved youth through educational scholarships, athletic opportunities, and resources for the special needs community.

One true measure of a person is how that person treats those around them who are in absolutely no position to help them.

A favorite of Coach Rose
53 Years of Achievements

The Lee Rose Legacy.

Lee Rose was born in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. He never knew his father, who died when Lee was five. At nine, his mother moved them to Lexington, where Lee worked to help support the family.

Overcoming huge obstacles — with the support of his high-school coaches and teachers, and an unrelenting determination — Lee received the first-ever full athletic scholarship to Transylvania University.

One of his proudest accomplishments was the work he and his wife, Eleanor, did in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District. From 2005 to 2017, they traveled to 42 counties and spoke to more than 11,000 middle-school students, encouraging them to stay in school and use education as a tool for success.

Coach Rose was active in Big Brothers Big Sisters, championed the Special Olympics, and worked tirelessly for the homeless in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Career Achievements

A coach's life, on and
off the hardwood.

01

Led both UNC Charlotte and Purdue University to the NCAA Final Four.

02

A .705 winning percentage as a head college coach — 388–162 all-time.

03

Named Coach of the Year in every conference he coached — KIAC, Sun Belt, and Big Ten.

04

Named National Coach of the Year in 1977.

05

Served as Athletic Director at Transylvania University, UNC Charlotte, and the University of South Florida.

06

Assistant coach for five NBA teams: San Antonio Spurs, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte Bobcats.

07

Served as Director of Player Personnel for the Milwaukee Bucks.

08

Recruited by the NBA to coordinate and conduct on-court instruction at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp for over 15 years.

09

NBA consultant and coaching supervisor for the NBA Developmental League.

Continue the legacy

Join the mission to transform futures.

Your support directly funds athletic opportunities, educational scholarships, mobility for the special needs community, and direct relief for families in crisis — making a tangible difference for underserved youth and their communities.

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