David Sterling
Defensive Backs Coach
Office:

David Sterling is entering his 25th year of coaching and beginning his 2nd stint at College of the Desert. Coach Sterling believes in helping every athlete reach their full potential.

He originally began his coaching career in Texas. There, he was coaching varsity 5A football and was the head track coach prior to moving out to California in 2004 to be with his ailing Dad. His coaching experience includes high school, community college and the NFL (as a summer intern with the Houston Texans).

Prior to joining the College of the Desert Football program, Coach Sterling coached at several high school programs including Palm Desert High School, Shadow Hills High School, and La Quinta High School. During that time, those programs had several CIF playoff appearances.

David’s academic and athletic experience began in Pennsbury High School (PA) and then moved onto Florida State University where he was a track athlete and walk-on under Coach Bobby Bowden. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology and worked as a Staff Meteorologist before beginning his teaching and coaching career. In 2010, Coach Sterling earned a MA in Geoscience from Mississippi State University. David is currently also employed at Palm Desert High School as a teacher and the Science Department Chair.

David has been married to his beautiful wife Holly for 21 years and they have 2 daughters, Hope and Trinity.

— Bio current as of August 2022