Our Coaches

Program Director

Drew Nelson

Drew Nelson is a former two-time Division I All-American in track & field at Chicago State University. He went on to compete as a professional, Nike-sponsored athlete and trained for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games under coach Khadevis Robinson, a two-time Olympian and seven-time USA champion.

Drew is the CEO of MindoverMatter Elite, established in 2023. His vision is to use his knowledge and experience to give back to the community in the Granite Bay area. As a coach, he moves his athletes’ focus from perfection to progress, with an emphasis on growing as people and as student-athletes.

Drew earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Chicago State University. He has volunteered with several 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including a youth track and running club and the Bobby Jackson Basketball Academy. His mission is to bring speed and agility training to young people who might not otherwise get the chance to train in a team setting.

His care for the Sacramento community drives his passion for leadership, sacrifice, discipline, honor, and community service. Drew credits his father, Larry Nelson, for instilling the mindset he carries with him today. Drew is an accomplished athlete, trainer, coach, and motivator, and he lives by the quote “Delay is no defeat.”

Head Coach

LaShawn Merritt

LaShawn Merritt is a three-time Olympian and one of the fastest 400-meter runners in history. He grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, and as a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School he swept the 100, 200 and 400 meters at the 2004 Virginia state championships. He ran for East Carolina University before turning professional.

At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, LaShawn won gold in the 400 meters and gold with Team USA’s 4x400-meter relay. At the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, he added a bronze in the 400 and a second relay gold. He was the 400-meter world champion in 2009 and 2013, and won gold with the U.S. 4x400 relay at six straight World Championships. His personal best of 43.65 seconds came at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.

LaShawn retired from competition after the 2017 season. He is a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Assistant Coach

Khadevis Robinson

Khadevis Robinson is an accomplished American middle-distance runner, two-time Olympian, and respected coach whose career reflects excellence, perseverance, and a commitment to developing the next generation of athletes.

A standout in the 800 meters, Robinson represented the United States at the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympic Games. Throughout his competitive career, he earned multiple U.S. national titles and established himself as one of America’s distinguished middle-distance athletes.

Today, Robinson brings his experience at the highest levels of international competition into coaching and athlete development. As head coach of TCU Track & Field, he helps athletes pursue excellence through technical development, disciplined preparation, mental toughness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

His philosophy extends beyond performance. Robinson believes that the lessons learned through track and field — consistency, resilience, accountability, and confidence — can shape athletes for success far beyond the finish line.