The Founder

Where it all started

David Edwards "Coach Ed"

"My journey to bring you the DYA Network started before I was born. My father played HS football and track. He went on to play collegiate football and after college transitioned into a career in education and coaching at the HS level. He coached me as a young athlete and eventually became my HS varsity football and track coach. My dad was one of my greatest assets to my development- as an athlete and man. I had talent and fundamental skills but it was the BELIEF system that was nurtured and cultivated in me that made me into a better athlete. I learned from my dad that if you believe in someone you can bring out their hidden greatness. I realized the impact he had on many of his former athletes when he passed away in July 2018. Many former teammates and players contacted me from around the United States and informed me of how he changed their lives both as an athlete and as adults. My father's name was David, as is mine, but he was known as Coach Ed by all of his former athletes"
- David Edwards, Founder

Our founder

David Edwards is the founder of The DYA Network LLC. He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young adults and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience he gained throughout his career in sports and business. His journey and love for sports started when he was 5 years old going to football practices with his father and playing tyke football by the time he was 8 years old. He continued playing organized football and basketball through middle school and high school where he was the captain on the varsity Basketball, Football and Track teams. Accomplishing All- County, conference and state honors in Football and Track, he continued his love of sports playing basketball and running track in college.
He has an extensive background in business and has owned a multitude of companies from automotive manufacturing to sports performance. He is also the founder of the DYA Track Club which is a member of the Amateur Athletic Union and USA Track and Field. He is a firm supporter of injury prevention education and is an advocate for sports safety. He has taught injury prevention and sports performance workshops for various sports organizations, coaches and parents.
He returned back to his Alma mater (Pontiac Central HS) and assisted his father with coaching the high school track team.Together they helped develop athletes to compete for the State of Michigan All-State and Midwest Meet of Champions.
David continues the legacy of sports in his family by helping his two daughters. He has been involved with his daughters' development and has coached them in basketball and track. He is the host of the DYA Network podcast and travels as a speaker to motivate, educate and inspire the champion within every young athlete. David believes to be successful in sports and life you have to have a vision and a plan.