Beginning in 2022, the National High School Basketball Coaches Association, in partnership with the John Wooden family and the Wooden Foundation, began presenting an annual award to 1 male and 1 female high school basketball coach in each state.
The award is called the Wooden Legacy Award. The recipient must be a long-time, active basketball coach who also serves as an outstanding educator and who, through their excellence on the court, in the classroom and in the community, embodies the characteristics of John Wooden - Excellence, Longevity, Character, Leadership and Service.
The 2024 female recipient from North Carolina of the Wooden Legacy Award is Pam Gainey. The 2024 male recipient is Tom Muse.