DEON TOLLIVER

Growing up on the Westside of Chicago, in the Austin community, the oldest of three boys; raised by his grandmother and mother, Deon Tolliver embraced his passion for Basketball at an early age. The women in his life instilled the importance of leadership through their parenting skills and surrounded the family with love, support, understanding, and fruitfulness. Their perseverance thrives through Tolliver today as he continues his commitment to serving the youth by engaging them in sports to provide mentorship off and on the court.

After graduating from De La Salle Institute and attending Morton College, he attended the University of Minnesota at Morris, graduating from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Tolliver set records while playing Basketball in college; Team Captain, Athlete of the Year, Leading Scorer, and All-American. As he conquered milestones during his college sports career, he looked into the future to see how to make a difference and empower the youth. Tolliver pursued his career as an Athletic Administrator Combining his drive for community and sports he launched DT Sports Group in 2013 with six youth basketball tournaments.

Tolliver demonstrates his athletic ability to interface his leadership skills through his passion for unifying youth development. " Youth development programs can lead to greater self-awareness in young individuals," says Tolliver Beyond the G. A. M. E. was launched as a nonprofit 501C(3) providing youth sports, education, and mentorship access to close the gap of resources by supporting the disproportionate and disadvantaged youth.

Today, Tolliver provides an inclusive space hosting 160 schools, over 1500 youths and has expanded the program to other inner cities around the Midwest. Tolliver understands sports can have numerous benefits for youth.

These programs provide each student atelete physical activity, which can improve overall health and wellbeing. Youth can also develop critical social skills through sports, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Sports can also teach valuable life lessons, such as perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Tolliver adds, "Sports participation can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem opportunities for physical activity, which can improve overall health and well-being Youth can also develop critical social skills through sports, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Sports can also teach valuable life lessons, such as perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship."

For the past ten years, both organizations have taken pride in ensuring their events provides all youth athletes with the value of sportsmanship. Developing sportsmanship is crucial for student-athletes as it allows them to compete and do so with respect for their opponents and the game itself. By embracing sportsmanship, youth athletes can enhance their field or court experiences and serve as role models for others.