At Strive, we’re always inspired by the incredible people who help shape the experiences of young leaders – and Coach Denzel Dixon is no exception. His energy, authenticity, and deep belief in Strive’s mission left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to work alongside him. We sat down with Denzel to reflect on his journey with Strive, from his first introduction to the community to the lessons he still carries with him today.
Finding His Strive
Denzel’s journey with Strive began with a recommendation from someone close to home – his former high school basketball coach and former Sports Challenge Coach, Corey DeShields.
“He was my coach at (Wilmington) Friends School, and we stayed in touch after I graduated. He knew my passion for the game and for leadership, so he pointed me toward Strive,” Denzel shared. “Once I got involved with Strive programming, I fell in love with the entire community.”
More Than a Team
When asked to share a standout memory, Denzel didn’t hesitate.
“It felt like being in another world,” he said. “Strive is a family. There’s this feeling that nothing bad can happen – because everyone genuinely cares about each other. That kind of environment is rare.”
Core Values, Real Impact
Among Strive’s core values, Fill tanks stood out most to Denzel. “It means a lot to me,” he explained. “I’ve always loved motivating others to be their best, and being part of a community that practices that daily made it easy to connect with people from all walks of life.”
He also spoke about another Strive core value, Find the best in yourself so you can inspire the best in those around you. “When you show up as your best self, that energy spreads. You naturally start to uplift those around you. It’s all about having a positive attitude.”
Leading with Character
Strive’s focus on character-driven leadership helped Denzel strengthen his voice and presence as a leader.
“I always had the passion, but Strive gave me the space to practice (being a leader)” he said. “It helped me be more vocal and learn how to coach in a way that really resonates with kids.”
His approach to leadership is centered around trust, authenticity, and respect. “I never put myself on a pedestal. I let the students know we were on the same level. When you’re real with them, they’ll be real with you.”
Learning Through Mistakes
Denzel believes mistakes are essential to growth – and made it a point to create space for his athletes to learn from theirs.
“I encouraged them to make mistakes. I didn’t yell, I motivated. I wanted them to know that messing up is part of the process. What matters is keeping a positive mindset afterward and moving forward.”
The Strive Effect
So what lasting lesson did Denzel take with him from Strive?
“Brush it off and grow,” he said. “Life’s going to hit you, but you’ve got to roll with the punches. Stay resilient, keep your head up, and keep moving.”
For new coaches joining Strive, Denzel had this advice: “Take time to understand your environment. Many of us come from intense athletic backgrounds, but this work is bigger than sports. It’s about development – mentally, emotionally, and socially.”
Emotional Leadership in Action
When it comes to leadership, Denzel believes emotional intelligence is non-negotiable. “There are different types of leaders – those who lead by action, those who lead vocally, and those who encourage. But the best teacher is action. Being a person of integrity goes a long way.”
A Home You Didn’t Know You Needed
Looking ahead, Denzel hopes that every participant in Sports Challenge On The Road walks away with a deeper sense of self and a belief in their potential.
When asked to sum up his experience in one sentence?
“Strive is a place that becomes a home without you even realizing it.”
