Dwayne “DJ” Wimbley  WG’s Athlete of the Week

By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson

“Parents, it is encumbered upon you to help your children discover, nurture and develop their talents to the fullest so they can become the very best versions of themselves, academically, athletically or both.”

The statement was used as a closure in an article written two weeks ago about Kayden Wells, an athletic phenom. The family of this week’s WG Student Athlete of the Week, the Wimbleys, epitomizes its very essence.

Our Student Athlete of the Week is Dwayne Wimbley, a 6’ 6” sophomore basketball sensation who plays for Westminster Academy. Dwayne has led the basketball team to a 16-7 record, placing them first in 3A District 14 and in contention for a state title. While maintaining a 3.5 grade point average, he has already garnered attention from Division I schools including The U, FSU, LSU, Sanford and UCF among others and is currently ranked the # 1 basketball player in Broward County for the 2025 class.

Dwayne views Rivera Prep as a natural rival and finds working together to win games and pushing each other as individuals appealing when it comes to team sports. Competitively speaking, he states that he a very competitive person because he comes from a competitive family. Obviously, the solid foundation that Dwayne stands firmly on didn’t happen by chance. Let’s digress momentarily and take a look at the root of that foundation. His father, Dwayne Sr., played collegiately for the University of Miami under Leonard Hamilton, enjoying immense success making the NCAA tournament for the first time in 40 years, winning a tournament game the next year, winning the Big East Conference championship and making it to the Sweet Sixteen. He also played professionally in Venezuela and briefly with the Harlem Globetrotters before injuries forced his retirement. Dwayne’s mother – Marquel Wimbley –  is a personal trainer who plays a crucial role in his exercise regiment and diet. His sister, Alexia, was apart of 2 state championship basketball teams at St. Thomas Aquinas and currently attends FAU because of her academic acumen. DJ ‘s cousin Shakima Wimbley ran track at Dillard High School and at the University of Miami where she was 4-time indoor and outdoor conference champion in the ACC.

She also ran for the USA in the world championships. These are a mere sampling of the myriad accomplishments, athletically and academically, of this outstanding family. When asked whose presence he valued mostly at his games, Dwayne without hesitation said his grandmother, Mrs. Annette Peterson , the family’s spiritual and moral foundation.

DJ firmly believes that a leader has good communication skills, is honest and possesses a strong work ethic. He also believes in discipline and bouncing back when bad things happen. Before competing he gets motivated by listening to high energy rap music which helps his focus and preparation.

His favorite pre-game meal is pasta. When asked what term or expression best describes him as an athlete, he says determination,  something he learned from his dad who is also his greatest inspiration. He also understands that commitment also means sacrifice, sacrifice from time that could be spent with family and friends while simultaneously understanding the big picture. Dwayne also understands the mental aspect and nature of competitive sports. He states,” In pressure situations, you must clear your mind and have a next play mentality. Forget the last play and focus on the next.” With resolute conviction and assurance, Dwayne perceives a teammate with a bad attitude as a bad teammate and sees a direct correlation between academics and athletics: It makes me competitive at everything. How you do one thing is how you do everything!

Dwayne’s mature, precocious outlook on school and athletic success is deeply rooted in a foundation forged by family values instilled in and inspired by his parents, grandmother and other family members and friends. The pride he, Dwayne Sr. feels about DJ as he is affectionately called –  and others who have paved the way is best revealed in father’s passionate words: “Yeah time flies for sure!!

I’m just enjoying the ride. These kids are making me so proud, especially the ones going to college without playing sports. “ DJ, following this path will surely lead to lasting success in life.

Publisher Bobby R. Henry and the Westside Gazette staff wish you great success and  Godspeed in your future endeavors.