BOONE, N.C. – Dexter Coakley shared the universal definition of success, then offered his piece-by-piece version.
A standout running back and safety before he arrived at App State, Coakley's dominance once he became a Mountaineer linebacker enabled him to earn national defensive player of the year honors in the mid-1990s. A decade-long NFL career followed his time in Boone, with two All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl honors coming during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
Coakley served as the keynote speaker Friday at the 2023 Legends Gala, where he was one of eight individuals recognized as a legend. Addressing the large crowd, he broke down his keys to success as:
S — Self-discipline
U — Unwavering commitment
C — Continuously learning
C — Clarity of purpose
E — Endurance and perseverance
S — Strong work ethic
S — Surrounding yourself with positive people
"App State, this is family," said Coakley, whose son, Zahn, is a freshman newcomer on App State's football team. "This place nurtured me. This place has molded me. This place has allowed me an opportunity to go be successful in life, to get drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, to play 10 years in the NFL, to have a successful post-NFL career. It all came from Appalachian State. It came because I gave my all to Appalachian State. That success didn't come easy, and that success didn't come by myself. I've never claimed, you've never heard and you'll never hear that I did it by myself. It was a family, and this is family."
"I am who I am because of Appalachian State."
In addition to Coakley, the other legends honored Friday were Jane Albright (Basketball), Donna Breitenstein (Tennis), Jane Cline Jakubik (Soccer), Zachary Hollis (Track & Field/Cross Country), Ronshad Shabazz (Basketball), Danielle Thorpe (Track & Field) and Austin Trotman (Wrestling).
Charley Belcher emceed the annual event, and Director of Athletics Doug Gillin welcomed the crowd gathered in the Grandview Ballroom of the North End Zone facility. A surprise fireworks show lighting up the sky beyond the south end zone of Kidd Brewer Stadium provided entertainment following a live auction that included contributions that will increase scholarship support for App State student-athletes.
One theme for the night was a dress code that invited guests to wear their favorite App State-themed sneakers to go with their cocktail attire.
"It really is a family here," Gillin said. "Everything great in life starts with relationships. You build your relationships in recruiting. You build your relationships with events like this.
"You see, as people come in, everybody's got a big smile on their face. It's just a really special event."
