Coach of Champions by Keith D. Wunderlich

Join us at Sidetrack Bookshop for an inspiring evening with author and educator Keith D. Wunderlich as he discusses his latest book, Coach of Champions (Wayne State University Press, 2025). Drawing from his extensive experience in education and leadership, Wunderlich delves into the principles and practices that define exceptional coaching and mentorship.

In Coach of Champions, Wunderlich explores the transformative power of effective coaching, highlighting how dedicated mentors can shape not only athletic success but also personal growth and character development. Through real-life stories and practical insights, he illustrates the impact of coaches who go beyond the game to make a lasting difference in their athletes' lives.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Keith D. Wunderlich as he shares his perspectives on leadership, motivation, and the enduring influence of great coaches. A Q&A session and book signing will follow the discussion.

About Coach of Champions
An advocate of diversity, initiator of self-confidence, and driving force behind winners. In an era rife with racism and antisemitism, Wayne State University athletic director and track coach D.L. Holmes emerged as a first-rate coach and mentor dedicated to supporting athletes of all races. Throughout his forty-one years at the public university in Detroit (1917–58), he welcomed thousands of athletes—Black, Jewish, Eastern-European, and others—coaching many to become Olympians, world record holders, and national and AAU champions. D.L.'s character, beliefs, and attention to detail allowed members of his teams to achieve more than they ever imagined, despite the challenges of outdated training equipment and the prejudice they faced. This uplifting account captures D.L.'s uncanny ability to discover and nurture hidden talent and the motivation he inspired in scores of athletes, including several inductees of Wayne State's Hall of Fame like Tom Adams and Leroy Dues. Author Keith D. Wunderlich weaves team member interviews together with historically informed narratives of Coach Holmes and his runners. Through these stories of athletic greatness and resilience learned through defeat, D.L.'s legacy reveals the enduring power of believing in others.

About Keith D. Wunderlich
Keith D. Wunderlich is the grandson of Coach D.L. Holmes and was himself a sprinter in high school. He is the author of Vernor's Ginger Ale and is a retired public-school administrator. He earned his doctorate at Wayne State University. David L. Holmes Jr. (1932–2023) is the son of Coach D.L. Holmes. He retired as professor emeritus from the College of William and Mary and authored A Brief History of the Episcopal Church. He earned his doctorate at Princeton University.

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