Dan Wetzel has been captivating audiences across the globe for more than a decade with his basketball performances and motivational speeches, while also reaching people individually as a personal coach and instructor.

Dan, within his mission to BUILD PEOPLE UP, helps them turn their stumbling blocks into stepping-stones for a successful future.

Born out of wedlock to a 16-year-old mother, and growing up without knowing his biological father, Dan knows firsthand the rewards that come to those who make wise choices, and now inspires people to use their talents and abilities to make a difference in the lives of others.

Dan works directly with more than 50,000 people each year, including students, athletes, families, businesses and community leaders. He has performed and delivered his message for a variety of groups, ranging from professional and major college basketball events to the United States Air Force.

Dan grew up in Ripon, Wis., where he graduated from high school in 1994. He immediately accepted a ministry internship in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he worked under Bill Wilson of Metro Ministries.

During his internship, Dan was directly involved with speaking to more than 17,000 kids each week through student and bus ministries in the New York City area.

Dan returned to Wisconsin, where in 1995, he joined Lighthouse Christian Church in Fond du Lac as director of "Yogi Bear Sunday School", a city-wide Sunday School and bus ministry outreach to children and youth.

During his one-year tenure, the ministry grew from 17 students the first week to more than 200.

Dan left Lighthouse to become Assistant Youth Director and Tennis Coordinator for the YMCA in Fond du Lac, with the goal of utilizing more of his athletic skills while serving the Lord. His responsibilities included overseeing the youth sports programming as well as teaching tennis.

In 1997, Dan began Day of Champions, Inc. - a company he established to provide character-building programs for students and athletes. He began accepting speaking engagements as the Lord opened the doors of opportunity - but was not yet able to support himself financially through those means.

So for the next two years, Dan worked as a sportswriter for the Fond du Lac Reporter, covering local high school and college sports teams and even the Milwaukee Brewers.
Finally, in 2001, Dan took a leap of faith and went full-time as a speaker and basketball entertainer, and has now delivered his message in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

Dan resides in Oshkosh, Wis., with his wife Deborah.

Dan and Deborah on a fall hike.


Cleveland Indians Spring Training... Front Row!


Dan skiing above the treeline in Alta, Utah!


Passing time while in North Dakota


Ah yes...summer at last in Wisconsin!