Coach Dan Starbuck Pelletier

Meet Coach Dan Starbuck Pelletier

Founder of DIG USA | Chess & Soccer Coach | Youth Mentor

Coach Dan Starbuck Pelletier is a mentor in youth development through chess and soccer. With a lifelong dedication to both disciplines, he’s helped countless students grow through personalized coaching that blends strategic thinking, athletic skill, and character-building.

From local libraries to national tournaments, Coach Dan’s energy and guidance inspire kids to dream bigger, train smarter, and build confidence—on the field, at the board, and in life.

Coach Dan’s mission is simple: to empower young people through activities that stimulate both body and mind. With every lesson, he builds more than skills—he builds confidence, character, and community.

A Strong Start in Two Worlds

Coach Dan Starbuck Pelletier was born in Wilton, CT and moved to Louisville, KY at age 9. From an early age, he demonstrated an extraordinary passion and talent for both chess and soccer.

Competed in state and national chess tournaments

Played soccer for top premier clubs in Louisville

Built discipline and leadership from a young age

Scholar. Athlete. Leader.

After high school, Coach Dan was recruited to the University of Montevallo in Alabama, where he played four years of college soccer. He also founded the University of Montevallo Chess Club, which continues to compete to this day.

In his freshman year, Dan helped lead his soccer team to a NCAA Division II “Final 4,” where they lost in the second extra time.

As a senior, he captained the team to a Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship and helped the Falcons achieve a national ranking of #2, finishing the season with an 18-2-2 record. That year, Dan tied the school record for most games started in a season and earned spots on both the 2010 All-Conference Academic Team and the 2010 All-Region Academic Team.

🏅 2018: Coach Dan was inducted into the University of Montevallo Hall of Fame.

⚽

Bringing the Game Home

After college, Dan returned to his home state of Connecticut, bringing his talents in both chess and soccer. He played for CFC Azul in the Professional Development League and competed in major chess tournaments like the Boston Chess Congress and the Bradley Open.

While playing for CFC Azul, Dan also coached for the Wilton Soccer Association and Beachside Soccer Club, continuing his commitment to youth development both on and off the field.

The Beginning of DIG

During his time coaching and competing, Dan began offering private chess and soccer lessons to individual students. In 2013, he officially founded DIG Inc.—a youth-focused organization that blends the principles of sports and strategy to help kids grow in skill, fitness, and mindset.

Recognized for Impact

Coach Dan’s work in youth development has earned significant media attention for its life-changing impact through chess and soccer.

2024: Featured three times on News 12 [1 2 3] and in the Wilton Bulletin
2022: Featured in Westport Lifestyle Magazine (See page 56) and on News 12
2020: Featured in the Connecticut Post and on News 12
2018: Featured in the Norwalk Hour
2017: Featured in “Program Pays It Forward With North End Chess Lessons” and “Connecticut man teaches life lessons to kids one chess move at a time”

Credentials That Count

Fully licensed soccer coach with the NSCAA Premier Diploma

Holds a Master’s Degree from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University, NYC

Success That Speaks Volumes

DIG Chess Player: Shawn Parker

In early 2018, Dan met Shawn Parker at the Hartford Public Library, Albany Branch. After challenging Shawn and his friends to a chess match, Dan quickly saw Shawn’s natural talent.

Shawn began weekly lessons with Dan and DIG coaches. In July 2018, he entered his first tournament, finishing in 31st place in the U1200 division at the Bradley Open (Hartford, CT). His initial USCF rating was 502.

With regular tournament play and training, he saw rapid improvement. In January 2019, he took 1st place in the Boston Chess Congress Tournament in the U1250 division, winning a $372 prize and boosting his rating to 1246.

Shawn’s current rating is 1304. He now attends the University of Connecticut and coaches chess for DIG.

DIG Soccer Player: Max Andrews

Max Andrews of Wilton, CT began training with Coach Dan in 2013 at just 8 years old. Dan coached Max’s town travel team and also provided private lessons.

In 2018, Max signed with the New York City Red Bulls U14 team and started in a televised match against Bayern Munich in the ICC Futures Semi-Finals.

He continued through the Red Bulls Academy up to the U19 level. At 17, Max began coaching for DIG. In 2022, he entered his freshman year at the United States Military Academy West Point, where he earned:

Patriot League Rookie of the Year
All-Patriot League Second Team

Max made 14 starts at center back and logged the second most minutes on the team. He was pivotal in their regular season title run and ranked No. 79 in Top Drawer Soccer’s Freshmen Rankings.

To pursue his dream of becoming a professional, Max transferred to Boston College.

DIG Chess Player: Gabe Watson

Dan met Gabe Watson at the Albany Ave YMCA in Hartford in 2017. Noticing his early talent, Dan encouraged him to start competing.

In July 2018, Gabe tied for 2nd in the U1200 division at the Bradley Open. Days later, he was featured in the Connecticut Chess Magazine and called “Connecticut’s Rising Chess Star”.

Gabe later competed in the U1618 division at the 53rd New Britain Chess Club Summer Open, defeating two players rated above 1400. His current rating is 1220.

Dan also helped Gabe navigate the college application process, securing him a scholarship to the University of Connecticut (Hartford).

Ready to Be Inspired?

Whether your child is just starting out or striving for excellence, Coach Dan brings passion, expertise, and proven results to every session.