Bios
DeWayne Upchurch - Founder & ChiefCaringCoach aka CoachUP
DeWayne Upchurch, a Philadelphia native, is one of the most outgoing and passionate Youth Mentors in the youth service field. At the age of 17, he was adopted by his aunt who wanted to save him from the wild and crazy streets of Philly. So you can say that he is the real, "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
With years of experience, he combines motivational speaking with the hard facts that speak to youth in a way they can understand. Born into a drug-infested environment, he had to cope with the everyday influences that took so many down the wrong road. His message on achieving success in school and sports, while avoiding the false “Codes of the Streets” that threaten life, freedom, and future economic opportunity has been embraced across the country in schools, prisons, group homes, and job training programs.
DeWayne volunteers as a Youth Leader with Edward DeJesus and DeJesus Solutions, who is a leading authority on youth employment and educational issues. Through advocacy, research, seminars, workshops, and publications, DeWayne, through DeJesus Solutions, educates and empowers Youth. Youth service organizations, and policymakers on how to create options beyond the streets. Now he wants to bring his experience, knowledge, and passion to our community of athletes in the DMV.
DeWayne volunteered as a Football and Basketball coach with the Montgomery Village Sports Association. He has won Youth Superbowls with The MV Chiefs (2000), a Boys Varsity State Championship with Covenant Life HS (2017), and various local league championships. He is currently a Girl's Varsity Basketball Coach for Brookewood Girls Catholic HS. Brookewood is the sister school to the All Boys Catholic HS Avalon.
DeWayne was a Licensed Foster Parent as well. He went through the legal process at the age of 22 to adopt and gain custody of 2 of his younger brothers.
He received his B.S. in Business Administration from Bowie State University and currently is working on his Masters's Degree in Organizational Management.
He is a licensed Real Estate Agent, Life, and Health Insurance Agent.
DeWayne is married with 2 children.
Championship Mentality
DeWayne believes that champions are made, not born, and we instill that mentality in all of our athletes. With our focus on hard work, dedication, and mental toughness, you'll be ready to compete at the highest levels.
DeWayne Upchurch Jr. - Director of Operations (Boys Division) aka CoachDeUP
DeWayne Upchurch Jr is a Rockville native and a focused young man. May 2024 he graduated with a Sports Management degree at Bowie State University. His goal has always been to work with young people.
DeWayne Jr. fell in love with sports at a young. He played multiple sports growing up. He attended Magruder HS, in Rockville MD. There he ran track and played basketball for two years. DeWayne Jr. was heavily recruited for his basketball skills and transferred his junior year to Covenant Life School (CLS). During his first year attending CLS, he. became Team Captian and leCaptaineam to their first State Championship Banner. He received many accolades for his on-the-court performance. He made the league All-Star games and was named to the 1st team selection his junior and senior years at CLS. In his Senior year, he continued to lead his team and was named Team Captain for the second year in a row. DeWayne Jr. was unrelenting in his on-court play taking his team to their 2nd straight State Championship game. Being short of players due to injury, he played the entire game. During the game, it was clear that he was the best PG on the floor and he kept his team "In Contention." Though he played his best game in high school, CLS fell short by 1 point ending his run for a Back-to-back State Championship Banner. DeWayne Jr. was a multi-sport athlete while attending CLS and Magruder HS. During his high school athletic career, DeWayne played basketball, and baseball, and ran track.
Throughout his high school career, he was a true Student Athlete. He maintained a 3.0 or better while also being seen as a leader on and off the court. Once he graduated DeWayne Jr. decided to focus on his education. He said, "I accomplished all I wanted athletically and now it's time to focus on being a college student."
Graduating from high school in 2018 DeWayne Jr. decided to attend Bowie State University, where his father is an Alumni. While attending Bowie State every summer DeWayne Jr. came home and worked on his entrepreneurial goals. At the age of 23, DeWayne holds multiple insurance licenses. He obtained his Life, Health, Property, and Casualty insurance licenses all while being a college student.
DeWayne Jr. is currently the Head Coach of the girl's Middle school team at Washington Christian Academy (WCA). He has natural gifts with the players he coaches.
DeWayne Jr. is a student of the game and has been able to bring the knowledge he's gained as a player into his coaching style.
DeWayne Jr. has the uncanny ability to break down the game of basketball with ease.
