Coach Cy Unfiltered: Systemic Barriers, Legacy, and the Price of Leadership

In Part 2 of this riveting Champagne Problems conversation, host Robbie Shaw continues his deep-dive with legendary coach Cy Alexander. This episode goes beyond the basketball court to explore the harsh realities of systemic racism in college athletics, the nuances of identity and code-switching, and how Coach Cy navigated decades of adversity with discipline, faith, and a drive to lead.

From his early encounters with racism at Duke’s basketball camp to being excluded in high-profile coaching spaces, Coach Cy shares personal stories of marginalization—and perseverance. He also opens up about profound personal losses, including the deaths of his wife and mother, his own battle with cancer, and his daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis.

This is more than a conversation about sports. It’s a masterclass in leadership, survival, and what it means to leave a legacy that transcends wins and losses.