Damu Cherry-Mitchell

Damu Cherry-Mitchell is a former elite athlete with a passion for working with people, which started during her youth as a gymnast and track athlete. She began her track career in high school as a 100-meter hurdler, quickly becoming one of the best in the state of Florida. While excelling on the track, Damu graduated with honors and earned a full athletic and academic scholarship to the University of South Florida. At USF, Damu graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Physical Education/Exercise Science. She also became an All-American in Track and Field, setting the school record in the 100-meter hurdles. During her college years, she was actively involved in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., developing leadership skills and a commitment to community service. After college, Damu pursued her dream of becoming an Olympian. She moved to Gainesville, Florida to train alongside other Olympians, before relocating to Clermont in 2004. There, she began her journey to qualify for the 2008 Olympic team. Supported by Nike, Damu trained professionally for 11 years, competing at the highest levels. She made three World Championship teams and fulfilled her dream by competing in the 2008 Olympic Games, earning a ranking as high as third in the world in her event. In 2012, Damu retired from competitive track and field to start a family with her husband, Dennis Mitchell, a fellow Olympian. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Aaleyah Hassie, named in honor of Damu’s late mother. Damu and Dennis now co-run Star Athletics, the top Nike-sponsored track club in the world, where they coach world-class athletes to compete in the World Championships and Olympic Games. In addition to coaching, Damu enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world. Some of her favorite destinations include China, Qatar, Italy, Japan, France, Greece, Switzerland, Jamaica, and the Bahamas

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