WHO IS COACH DEVON BUCHANAN?
Coach Devon Buchanan is an educator, mentor, speaker, and coach from Philadelphia, Pa. As a teen, Devon struggled with his self-esteem. Suffering from years of bullying and insecurity, Devon turned something he once struggled with into his greatest strength, supporting the growth and development of our youth. Devon fondly earned the name “Coach” as an early educator in Newark, NJ, because he was not only passionate about teaching kids Health and Fitness, he has always believed his most important responsibility to the next generation is to coach them through life, helping them identify their own gifts, and purpose.
Devon spent 14 years as a classroom educator and school administrator in North Jersey and Philadelphia, however, he now focuses his energy on doing what he calls, "bridging the gap between education and opportunity", by ensuring schools, parents, and students have the resources they need to help students reach their full potential.
In 2016, Devon founded The F.O.C.U.S. Youth Network, which provides innovative educational and recreational activities for youth and their families centered around three (3) main pillars: Wellness and Nutrition Education, Character Development, and College and Career Readiness. F.O.C.U.S. stands for "Finding Ourselves Creates Unlimited Success", because Coach truly believes that providing youth with extraordinary experiences produces extraordinary individuals. Through strategically planned programs and seminars, community engagement activities, two books written to support teen social and emotional learning, and an online academy, Devon is well equipped to massively support the growth and development of our young people. Devon’s passion and life's work is to help young people become the best version of themselves and productive members of their communities.
Whether Coach is teaching a room of 50 educators or 500 students, he shares the powerful experiences, people, and values that changed his life forever, pushing him to pursue his gifts and achieve things he never dreamed of; from singing “God Bless America” in front of 45,000 people as a ballperson for the Phillies, to being celebrated in the news multiple times for his work in the community, and raising $200,000 for his local school while being featured in a Kellogg's television commercial with Shaquille O'Neal and Candace Parker.
Devon is also the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Phillies MLB RBI 15U All-Star Team which provides free , high-level coaching and competition to urban youth. Devon currently resides outside of Philadelphia with his wife, Amanda, and their daughter Taylor.