For Coach Wells, life has always been about pushing limits. A Cleveland native, he grew up in foster care before charting his own path through education and athletics. A Division III national champion in the 400 meters, he came to Atlanta to train alongside some of the nation’s best athletes at Georgia Tech, chasing speed, opportunity, and a dream. Sports opened doors, but they also left their mark.

After tryouts with the NFL and years of intense training, Wells suffered debilitating knee and shoulder injuries. Later, as a cancer survivor navigating radiation and recovery, pain management became an everyday battle. “This is a pill society,” he says, reflecting on how easily a dependence on prescribed painkillers took root.

Yet even in challenging times, Wells’ story is one of perseverance. He built a career as an industrial engineer with Ford and General Motors, proving that discipline on the track translated into excellence in the workplace. He also pursued higher education, nearly completing his MBA in marketing, a testament to his drive to keep learning and leading.

A coach for life

At MHSE’s Thrive Sweet Auburn community, Wells has found stability and support. He praises the “tenant-focused” staff for their responsiveness and care and highlights how counseling and coaching have helped him reduce his pill count and better understand himself. “They treat us like customers,” he says, “meeting needs instead of just sticking to the budget. That’s tenant-focused.”

Wells hasn’t stopped coaching either. At a local college, he continues mentoring student-athletes — teaching them that greatness isn’t only measured in times or titles, but in resilience, character, and the ability to rise after setbacks. When asked what Thrive has meant to him, Wells is clear: “It’s taught me independence. Here, I’ve had the space and the support to get stronger — not just physically, but in knowing who I am.”