Today we’d like to introduce you to Desmond Dunham.
Desmond, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you had told me years ago that I would one day become a nationally recognized coach, build one of the region’s largest youth sports organizations, become an Under Armour coach, and publish a book, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
My story didn’t begin with privilege, a blueprint, or a perfect roadmap. It began with obstacles, uncertainty, and a decision that I would never allow my circumstances to define my future. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, where it was the homicide capital of the United States (per capita), I quickly learned that life isn’t always fair. But I also learned something even more powerful: adversity can either become your excuse or your advantage. I chose to make it my advantage. Sports became my outlet, but most of all, it became a microcosm of life for me. Running taught me that success isn’t reserved for the most talented—it’s earned by those willing to keep showing up when no one is watching. Every early morning workout, every run in the rain, snow, frigid temps in the Midwest, every setback, every disappointment, and every small victory prepared me for something much bigger than winning races.
When I began coaching, I wasn’t chasing championships. I was chasing impact. I wanted every athlete who walked into my program to leave believing more in themselves than when they arrived. The medals, trophies, and national recognition were never the goal—they became the byproduct of building better people first and teaching life lessons.
That same philosophy led me to start Kids Elite Sports. I saw an opportunity to create experiences that would change children’s lives through sports, mentorship, leadership, and positive role models. What started with just a handful of campers has grown into a program serving hundreds of families each year, proving that when you invest in our youth, growth naturally follows.
Writing Running Against the Odds became another extension of that mission. For years, people knew me as “Coach Dez.” But I wanted readers to understand that behind every championship photo is a story of perseverance, failure, sacrifice, and faith. I wrote my memoir because I believe someone else’s breakthrough often begins when we’re willing to share our own struggles honestly. People often ask me what I’m most proud of. It’s not the championships, national awards, or recognition. It’s watching a former athlete become a leader, seeing a camper grow into a counselor, or hearing someone say that something I shared changed the direction of their life. That’s real success.
I’ve learned that the greatest race we’ll ever run isn’t against another competitor—it’s against the person we were yesterday. Every day presents a choice: become a little better, serve a little more, and inspire someone else to believe that their best days are still ahead. If my journey proves anything, it’s this: your starting line does not determine your finish line. Purpose, consistency, and the courage to keep moving forward can take you places you never imagined.
My mission has never simply been to develop faster runners. It’s to develop stronger people who understand that they can overcome adversity, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact on the world around them. Because at the end of the day, championships fade, records are broken, and trophies collect dust. But the lives you change—that impact and legacy lasts forever.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I share in my memoir, Running Against the Odds, I overcame a speech impediment, dyslexia, an abusive alcoholic father, and the challenges of growing up in a city impacted by gangs and violence. My speech impediment and dyslexia also led to a lack of confidence and low self-esteem during much of my childhood.
Those experiences could have defined my future, but instead they shaped my purpose. They taught me resilience, perseverance, and empathy, and they continue to influence how I coach, lead, teach, and mentor others. I’ve learned that our circumstances don’t determine our destiny—our response to them does.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Website: www.coachdezdunham.com
Instagram: @coachdezdunham
Author, TEDx Speaker, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Coach, Teacher, Youth Sports Expert
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice is to be intentional and serve before you seek. Build genuine relationships, ask thoughtful questions, and be willing to add value before asking for something in return. I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible people and leaders around me because I stayed curious, remained coachable, and wasn’t afraid to reach out. I’ve learned that opportunities often come from authentic relationships built on trust, consistency, and character.
Pricing:
- Running Against The Odds
- Kids Elite Sports
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachdezdunham.com
- Instagram: @coachdezdunham
- Facebook: desmonddunham
- LinkedIn: Desmond Dunham
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk_z_g2Bovk
- Other: www.kidselitesports.com and https://www.amazon.com/Running-Against-Odds-Inspirational-Journey/dp/1636764878/
