Check Out Demetrice Gerald King’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrice Gerald King.

Hi Demetrice Gerald , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my path in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where I was honored to be inducted into the Oakland High School Basketball Hall of Fame, recognized for my contributions as a standout athlete. Basketball was always a passion, but over time, I felt a deeper calling to make a broader impact—especially in education. That desire led me to make a life-changing move from Tennessee to Atlanta, where I began working as a special education teacher, committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in leadership, aiming to expand my influence both in the classroom and beyond.
Alongside teaching, I continued coaching high school basketball, blending my love for the game with mentorship and character development. That journey recently took an exciting turn when I met the legendary Duck Richards, founder of the Atlanta Aliens. His vision and legacy resonated deeply with me, and I’m honored to now serve as the Head Coach of the Atlanta Invaders—a proud organization under the umbrella of the Atlanta Aliens. This role allows me to bring together everything I stand for: leadership, inclusion, discipline, and heart. From Murfreesboro to Atlanta, the mission has always been the same—empower others, build community, and leave a legacy worth remembering.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first moved to Georgia from Tennessee, I was scammed and ended up homeless—living out of my car for two weeks while holding onto the hope of a teaching opportunity that was just around the corner. I started out as a substitute teacher, then transitioned into a paraprofessional role, which barely covered rent and food. Survival meant getting creative: I joined the basketball team at Rockdale High School and built genuine friendships with the cafeteria crew, who helped me get through some tough days. I did that for a year, grinding every step of the way, until I was finally hired as a full-time special education teacher in DeKalb County Schools. What kept me going was faith, resilience, and basketball—my anchor and my compass. I went from A to B by managing hope through basketball stationery, using the game not just as a sport but as a lifeline and a platform for change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in bridging the worlds of education and athletics, with a heart rooted in mentorship and a mission grounded in faith. As a special education teacher in DeKalb County and Head Coach of the Atlanta Invaders, I’m known for being a people’s person—someone who connects deeply, listens intently, and leads with purpose. What sets me apart is that I’ve lived the struggle: from being homeless and sleeping in my car, to working my way up from substitute teacher to full-time educator, all while staying grounded in the belief that God had a plan for me.
I’ve mentored students, athletes, and colleagues by showing them that resilience isn’t just a word—it’s a lifestyle. I’m proud of how I’ve used basketball as a tool for hope, discipline, and transformation, whether it’s through coaching high school teams or now leading a semi-pro organization under the legacy of Duck Richards and the Atlanta Aliens. My journey—from Murfreesboro to Atlanta, from hardship to leadership—is proof that when you walk in faith and serve others, the road rises to meet you.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is knowing that every step I’ve taken—through struggle, sacrifice, and faith—has led me to a place where I’m living my purpose. I find joy in mentoring young people, in seeing students and athletes grow not just in skill but in confidence and character. I’m happiest when I’m building bridges between education and athletics, showing others that their story matters, and that resilience can rewrite any chapter.
At the age I am now, I can truly enjoy and walk in my dream because I’ve earned it. I’ve been through the fire—homelessness, setbacks, uncertainty—and I never gave up. I leaned on God, trusted the process, and stayed grounded in my calling. Now, as a full-time educator and head coach of the Atlanta Invaders, I’m not chasing the dream—I’m living it. And the beauty is, I get to do it with wisdom, gratitude, and a heart that’s still hungry to serve.

Pricing:

• – Youth Basketball Training (Grades K–8) – $25 per session (1 hour) – $80 for 4-session package – Includes skill development, drills, and character-building activities
• High School & Collegiate Prep Training- $40 per session (1.5 hours) – $140 for 4-session package – Focus on advanced skills, conditioning, and game IQ
• – Team Consulting & Program Design
• Mentorship & Leadership Coaching (Virtual or In-Person)- $50 per session (1 hour) – Tailored for aspiring coaches, educators, and student-athletes- Team Consulting & Program Design
• – Speaking Engagements / Workshops- Speaking Engagements / Workshops

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kingsallstar.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/gerald444555
• Youtube: Gerald King Murfreesboro tn

Image Credits
Coach Duck Richards
Beverly Sanford
Butch Campbell
Don Dinkins
Cousins
Daughters Gheria and Destiny
Son Kingston
Mother Jean Pope
Bobby Ivy
TuTu