Dwayne Sanders was a north Knoxville native who grew up on Branner Street, within walking distance of where Emerald Youth Foundation would one day be launched.

He was a Fulton High School alumnus and graduate of Maryville College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in history and played football and tennis. It was through sports, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and his close friendship with Steve Diggs that Dwayne came to know Christ.

Following college, he worked for Great Smoky Mountain Council - Boy Scouts of America and then joined FCA Knoxville as a campus director, where he invested more than two decades in ministry with young people.

In 2012, Dwayne began serving directly with Emerald Youth as FCA Knoxville's urban director/Emerald Youth Sports director. The collaboration blended Dwayne's love of campus and community ministry right in the heart of Knoxville.

Dwayne never viewed his role with Emerald Youth and FCA Knoxville as just a job – it was his calling. He was dedicated to sharing the gospel with young people, while ensuring sports were implemented with excellence.

Following a nearly five year battle with cancer, Dwayne went home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2018. While he is tremendously missed by his Emerald Youth and FCA colleagues, we rejoice that he is in eternity with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

In October 2020, the North Area Ministry Complex gym where Dwayne invested countless hours serving young people was named the Dwayne Sanders Memorial Gymnasium. Watch the ceremony here.

Read more on our blog about Dwayne's life and impact with young people.

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