Empowering Hawai‘i’s Youth Through Sports, Mentorship, and Opportunity
Welcome to The Underdog Foundation, where our mission is to empower young athletes and foster a culture of excellence in sports and personal development. Founded by JoJo Dickson, owner and head strength coach of Dickson Performance in Kahului, Hawaii, the foundation is driven by a deep commitment to helping kids reach their highest potential in both their athletic and academic careers.
From Waiehu to the NFL: JoJo Dickson’s Journey of Grit, Growth, and Giving Back
JoJo, a Baldwin High School graduate, earned a Division 1 football scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he excelled as a standout player for the Vandals. After graduating in 2011 with a degree in General Studies, he pursued his dream of playing in the NFL, training at the renowned Athlete’s Performance Institute (API). Over his four-year professional career, JoJo represented five different franchises, gaining invaluable insights from top sports trainers and elite training facilities. This experience shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing hard work, dedication, and the belief that anyone can achieve greatness with the right mindset.
Where Excellence Becomes Habit: The Heart Behind The Underdog Foundation
The Underdog Foundation was born from JoJo’s desire to create opportunities for young athletes, just like he once sought for himself. He believes that while exceptional athletes can emerge from our programs, the true goal is to instill values that help kids evolve into great individuals. By raising the standard for sports preparation and performance, we aim to cultivate a culture where excellence becomes a habit, rooted in Aristotle’s wisdom: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Building the Future: Expanding Opportunity Through Sports, Mentorship, and Community
As we move forward, The Underdog Foundation plans to expand our reach through various initiatives, including performance training camps, mentorship programs, and community outreach. We envision a training facility that will serve as a hub for athletic development and personal growth, where young athletes can thrive and learn to navigate the challenges of sports and life.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Join us on this exciting journey as we strive to uplift the next generation of leaders, guiding them not only to be the best in their sport but also to become outstanding individuals in their communities. Together, we can unleash the potential within every underdog.