EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Derrick Owens has spent 45 years of his life coaching basketball. He has now decided to move on, for the moment.
"I am at peace," Owens said. "For 45 years, I can't even remember some of the teams I coached, let alone the kids."
The East Grand Rapids High School boys basketball coach has decided to take a break from coaching. The 66-year-old made several stops over the years including locally at Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. He spent the last eight seasons leading the Pioneers to an 80-90 overall record. EGR finished this past season 7-17 overall.
"We beat all of the big teams along the way in their gyms," Owens said. "The kids knew how to compete. When I came in, it was revitalizing the program in a school of champions. Getting basketball where it needed to be where they came to compete against anybody and everybody, I think we did our job and changed the culture."
The Pioneers got back on the winning track under Owens. They won a district title in 2021. The 66-year-old says he always tried to preach the same thing to his players.
"Effort, character, class, all of the things it takes to lead people," Owens said. "People are going to follow if you lead the right way. Those are things I stand for and what was implemented to me in my childhood."
So what is next for the Detroit native?
"I want to tell my story," Owens said. "I want to inspire young people. I want to inspire companies to build that championship mindset."
Owens hopes to become a motivational speaker. He was an at risk kid. His brother was incarcerated for 20 years. He was not supposed to make it, let alone coach for decades.
He always tells people his initials are D.O. He says that spells "do." If he can do it, so can anyone else.
"Treat people how you want to be treated," Owens said. "Do things the right way. Don't compromise that and live out your passion so there is no regrets. I can walk away today knowing I touched peoples lives for 45 years, countless kids. I can't remember some of their names. I would say follow the blue print. It works."
Owens is not giving up on coaching again.
"I learned to never say never," Owens said.
However, he is excited to spend some more time with his wife, Cheryl. They have been married for 47 years.
"It's time for us to spend some time together," Owens said.
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