FOUNDERS' STORIES

OUR GAME PLAN

JUSTIN MCDONALD, CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Justin McDonald is a former Division I athlete, coach, and mentor dedicated to empowering the next generation of student-athletes. A standout at the University of Central Florida (UCF), he became a true freshman starter, earned Newcomer of the Year honors, and helped lead the Knights to three conference championships and a New Year’s Six Fiesta Bowl victory.

While coaching at North St. Paul High, Justin saw that young athletes needed more than practice and playbooks — they needed life skills. That realization inspired him to create the First & Gold Foundation.

Grounded in his belief that “it’s bigger than football, it’s about the game of life,” Justin continues to help student-athletes turn potential into purpose.

XAVIER BOYCE, CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

Xavier Boyce is a dynamic sports performance coach and founder of Pure Grind Fitness, established in 2017 to help athletes unlock their full potential both physically and mentally. A former Virginia Tech Hokie and Norfolk State Spartan, Boyce earned a full athletic scholarship and was recognized as a Top Newcomer at VT and 2x All-American at NSU.

Certified by ACSM and ACE, and holding a Bachelorʼs in Business Management, he combines athletic experience, academic discipline, and business insight to train elite professionals and youth athletes. His evidence-based approach to speed, strength, and functional fitness continues to drive performance breakthroughs and inspire excellence.