Mickie Krzyzewski, Coach K’s Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Carol “Mickie” Krzyzewski watched her husband make history today. Coach K become the first Division 1 mens coach to reach 1,000 wins when his Duke team defeated St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, 77-68.

In addition to being Coach K’s wife, Mickie is a mother, grandmother and former-third choice.

Here’s what you need to know about her:

1. Mickie and Mike Married Hours After Mike Graduated College

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Mickie and Mike married in 1969 in the Catholic chapel at West Point just hours after Mike had graduated from the school, according to Sports Illustrated.

A few months later, four hours after Mike was handed his diploma, he and Mickie
Marsh were married in the Catholic chapel at West Point.

2. Mike Told Mickie She Was His Third Choice

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Mickie and Mike went on their first date two years before they married — a Martha and the Vandellas concert in Chicago. At some point, Mike told Mickie he had asked two girls before her, according to the same SI article.

I learned from Mike that I was his third choice. Of course, I was determined never to be his third choice again. But I was fascinated that he would tell me I was his third choice. It made me want to know him that much more. He believed that whatever the consequences were of telling me the truth, they were less painful than lying to me.

3. The Krzyzewskis Have Three Daughters

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Together, the Krzyzewskis have three daughters, Debbie Savarino, Lindy Frasher, and Jamie Spatola, according to Coach K’s website.

According to The Richest, Mickie and Mike also have eight grandchildren.

4. The Krzyzewskis Run the Emily K Center

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The Krzyzewskis run the Emily K Center, named after Mike’s mother. The Durham-based, non-profit organization was established in 2006.

Their mission statement, according to their website, is:

Our mission is to inspire students to dream big, act with character and purpose, and reach their potential as leaders in their community. The Center’s [Kindergarten] to College Model serves academically-focused students in out-of-school programming designed to help them achieve in school, gain entry to college, and break the cycle of poverty in their families. In addition, the Center serves thousands of students and community members monthly through the use of the Center’s multipurpose rooms, gymnasium and performance stage.

5. She is Married to a Very Decorated Coach

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In addition to his 999 wins, Coach K is a five-time ACC Coach of the Year. He is also a member of the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame.

In 1985, he was named the Basketball Times, CBS/Chevrolet, UPI National Coach of the Year. In 1989, he was the Naismith National COY. He received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award from the United States Sports Academy in 1991 and 2008. In 2001, He own the Victor Award and was named America’s Best Coach by Time Magazine and CNN. In 2011, he was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.