WASHINGTON (August 1, 2024) - Gary, Indiana product and former Howard University track and field student-athlete Desmond Dunham, also known as "Coach Dez," was a force to be reckoned with during his collegiate journey at The Mecca, competing as a cross-country standout who exuded leadership and resilience on and off the track.
 
In 1994, Dunham stacked his athletic resume as he was cross-country captain while earning the title of most valuable player. He was a prestigious student-athlete (1990-95), achieving a bachelor's degree in physical education.
 
He continued to make his imprint on the campus through his membership in numerous organizations. Dunham is a spring 1993 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter, and inherited the role of chapter president in his senior year (1995). He also became a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity in fall 1994. To add to his resume of campus involvement, the Indiana native became an inaugural member of StepAfrika!, a cultural dance and exchange program that collaborates with the Soweto (South Africa) Dance Theatre Company (1994).
 
Dunham stayed connected with track and field post-graduation. He is the author of "Running Against the Odds," a coming-of-age memoir that portrays his challenging and economically distressed childhood growing up in Gary, Indiana, and his journey to finding his passion for track and field and youth sports.
 
Dunham is the founder of Kids Elite Sports, an organization that aims to empower and encourage children to create healthy and active lifestyles through developmental sports, fitness and enrichment programs.  In summer 2014, he launched Kids Elite Sports in D.C., and expanded five years later, securing his second location. Dunham partnered with Under Armour during the pandemic (2020) as an ambassador and coach, providing free virtual training programs. In 2023, Kids Elite Sports officially reopened, hosting summer camps at both sites.
 
Dunham hosted a TEDx Talk titled, "Why Sports Are Essential for Teaching Life Lessons." He emphasized the argument that sports are crucial for teaching children the skills necessary to be change-makers in society.
 
He garnered the titles of 2022 Girls High School National Coach of the Year for Track & Field and Girls & Boys D.C. Coach of the Year twice (2023 & 2024).
 
Dunham is the husband of Howard alumna, cheerleader and former women's soccer student-athlete, Jami Dunham. The two got married on the Yard at HU after their astonishing athletic careers.
 
Dunham's son, Niles Dunham, has continued his athletic legacy as a member of the Howard men's soccer team. His daughter, Nia Dunham, completes the family of athletes as a member of the varsity soccer team at St. John's College High School in D.C.
 
About Where Are They Now?
 
The weekly series of "Where Are They Now?" appears on Thursdays throughout the year.
 
The series will feature former student-athletes from all sports and eras, highlighting their careers as athletes at the University and what they are presently doing.
 
All interested former athletes and their coaches should submit a short bio, a recent head shot and contact information on how they can be reached via email to Deyla Davis (deyla.davis@bison.howard.edu) and Derek W. Bryant (derek.bryant@howard.edu).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.