Steve Kerr
NBA Champion, award-winning coach, social justice advocate, philanthropist, Wildcat. From winning on basketball's biggest stage to helping pass gun control legislation, the life of Steve Kerr can be described as nothing short of legendary. A standout basketball player at the University of Arizona, Kerr was twice named first-team all-conference and earned all-American honors his senior year. Kerr graduated from the University of Arizona in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in general studies.
What followed was a storied, 15-year career in the NBA that included five NBA championships. Kerr continued his success as a broadcaster and general manager, and currently serves as head coach of the Golden State Warriors and has led the organization to four national titles. In 2016, Kerr was named NBA Coach of the Year, and was named one of the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History as part of the organization's 75th anniversary celebration. He has also represented the United States in international play, winning the FIBA World Championship as a player in 1986 and Olympic Gold as an assistant coach in 2020.
While his on-court triumphs are well known, Kerr's commitment to teaching and mentorship has had a transformative effect on the lives of many athletes, and his advocacy for social change reflects a rare blend of intellect, compassion and unwavering dedication. Kerr uses his position to speak out on important social issues, and his influential stances on matters ranging from racial justice to gun violence prevention have not only sparked meaningful conversations but have also driven tangible change in communities across the United States.
After calling for gun violence prevention in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Kerr teamed with BRADY, a nonprofit aimed at reforming gun legislation. Kerr has also been actively involved in initiatives to improve education and health care and has supported programs that provide opportunities for youth in sports and other positive experiences.
Kerr's contributions have also aided in disaster relief efforts, promoted mental health awareness and supported children's education and welfare programs. Kerr has supported initiatives that help support educational opportunities for underrepresented minorities, including the East Bay College Fund and UC-Berkeley's Educational Opportunity Program and nonprofits including LIVEFREE, an organization dedicated to building communities free from violence, mass incarceration and mass criminalization. He also served on the LIVEFREE board of directors.