Fred Hunter shares Detroit PAL's story and purpose.
On September 19th, we were joined by Fred Hunter, CEO of the Detroit Police Athletic League(PAL). Fred shared his personal journey and the impactful work PAL continues to do for Detroit’s youth.
Fred graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. While at U of M, he was a walk-on player for the basketball team and in 1992 proudly served as team captain of the famous squad that included the “Fab Five.”
Today, Fred leads Detroit PAL, an organization founded in 1969 that has served over 300,000 young people. Its mission is to help youth ages 4-18 discover their greatness through athletics and enrichment programs while instilling discipline, accountability, and teamwork, all while having fun. PAL offers 50 different programs across more than 120 sites, with 12 sports ranging from football and basketball to hockey, golf, and even girls’ flag football, one of its newest additions.
PAL is headquartered at The Corner Ballpark, located on the historic grounds of the old Tiger Stadium, and its reach extends through schools and neighborhoods across Detroit. With 29 full-time staff, dedicated DPD officers, and over 1,400 trained and background-checked volunteers and coaches, PAL is powered by a community committed to youth success. Each year, PAL runs 300+ events, supports nearly 10,000 young athletes, and partners with over 70 schools. Its impact is evident, with many alumni going on to play professional sports, particularly in the NFL.
PAL’s focus extends beyond athletics to youth enrichment and community policing, following its GREAT motto: Goalsetting, Resilience, Embrace a healthy lifestyle, Accountability, and Teamwork.
Thank you, Fred, for joining us!