COACH BRYANT KING’S STORY

Coach Bryant King is a visionary leader, creative force, and relentless optimist who has turned lifelong adversity into purpose. Born with Caudal Regression Syndrome a congenital disorder that impacts the development of lower half of the body including the spine, limbs and organ systems. Coach King has endured nearly 40 surgeries, including three kidney transplants (age 5, 11 and 23), two separate year-long stints of dialysis, having a gastrostomy feeding tube until age 11, severe scoliosis and the daily challenges of navigating life with a prosthetic leg and a cane to walk. Yet despite all of it-or maybe because of it-Coach King lives by one unshakable mantra: "Be Your Own Hero."

Today, Coach King serves as Administrative Operations Manager for UCLA Athletics, where he plays a central role in strategic planning, department-wide initiatives and the university's historic transition to the Big Ten Conference. He also helped shape the Fours Up Strategic Plan, the guiding framework for the future of UCLA's athletic programs.

Coach King’s path in sports began in high school as a manager for his varsity football and basketball team. Where he assisted coaches with daily operations, including practice, video and equipment management along with providing in-game statistics. During his time, he was selected for Nike's prestigious Doernbecher Freestyle program, in which Coach King designed a shoe that was sold nationwide and all proceeds went back to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, OR – the hospital where Coach King had a majority of his 40 surgeries. The shoe’s colors were in honor of his high school basketball team, but the shoe also reflects his spirit: bold, impactful, and built to last.

Coach King continued his path in coaching at his high school alma mater as he earned his degree in Business and Economics from the University of Oregon. Following graduation and just 14 months after his 3rd kidney transplant, Coach King moved to Long Beach, CA to serve as a Graduate Assistant Manager for Long Beach State’s Men’s Basketball program. While earning his Master's in Sport Management. Coach King played an integral role for the program as he assisted with practice drills, scouting reports, video operations, travel planning and equipment management. This led to various key roles in athletic administration at Long Beach State and later UCLA.

But it's through Coach King’s presence, energy and belief that he shares in his story that empowers audiences to overcome adversity, lead with purpose, and redefine what's possible in their own life. Whether speaking to student-athletes, executives, or young people facing their own uphill climb, Coach King’s message is clear:

“Be Your Own Hero - because once you find your cape, you’ll be able to guide others to theirs.”