Former UConn Star Andre Dixon Empowers Youth Through Dynamic Human Performance
In a heartfelt effort to give back to his community, former University of Connecticut (UConn) football star Andre Dixon has transformed his passion for sports into a thriving business. Operating from a large training facility on Murphy Road in Hartford, his company, Dynamic Human Performance (DHP), aims to empower young athletes and foster a sense of community.
Dixon, who made a name for himself with a game-winning touchdown in double-overtime against Notre Dame, has not strayed far from the sport that shaped his life. After a brief stint with the New York Giants practice squad in 2010 and being drafted No. 2 overall by the Hartford Colonials, he turned his focus to training. In 2011, he founded what was initially called Dixon Sports Performance, starting small in a shared gym space.
The journey began with training local talent, including Max DeLorenzo, a fellow UConn player. Dixon found fulfillment in witnessing his clients apply their training successfully on the field. “The satisfaction of having a guy call you and say, ‘Yo Coach, what we worked on, it’s working!’ It’s crazy,” Dixon reflected. This connection keeps him engaged with the sport, allowing him to contribute to the success of others.
DHP recently hosted its second annual DHP Day, an event designed to bring the community together. Nearly 150 participants signed up in advance for this family-friendly gathering, which featured activities such as a bounce house, food vendors, and live music. The event showcased the facility’s offerings while reinforcing Dixon’s commitment to community engagement.
Dixon’s vision extends beyond football training. He has expanded DHP’s staff to include seven employees with diverse sports backgrounds, such as former UConn men’s basketball player Doug Wiggins and Davina Hernandez, a member of the Puerto Rican Olympic softball team. DHP now offers sport-specific training for youth and high school students in football, basketball, softball, baseball, and lacrosse, alongside adult boot camp classes.
“We wanted to do something to bring everybody together,” Dixon stated. “It’s all about giving back and that’s what I try to tell a lot of people. I was a good player, but what I’m really about is helping this community.” His vision is clear: uplift Hartford and Connecticut through sports and mentorship.
Operations Director Ben Wallek emphasized the importance of community connection. “To see us having community event days with hundreds of people coming out, and then to see the gym packed every Saturday morning for boot camp, it shows us that we’re really doing the right thing,” he said. Wallek also highlighted the concept of servant leadership, noting how vital it is to build personal connections with clients.
Dixon’s dedication to youth development and community involvement reflects a deep commitment to the values instilled in him through football. As he looks to the future, he remains focused on creating opportunities for young athletes and ensuring that his facility is a hub for positive growth and empowerment. Through Dynamic Human Performance, Dixon is not just training athletes; he is nurturing the next generation of leaders in sports and beyond.
