ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham leaves a mark with speech to Arizona Diamondbacks

Posted by author February 25, 2025 Football

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo had a different tone in his voice when discussing the guest speaker who addressed his team on Monday morning at Salt River Fields, going so far as to describe himself as “giddy” over the experience.

Count Lovullo among those highly impressed with Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham.

“There’s a ton of energy, there’s a ton of passion, there’s a ton of direction,” Lovullo said. “He left this building today and we got better with his message.”

Outfielder Jake McCarthy said, “It was really cool. Obviously, we’ve seen the track record with ASU’s program and he’s a good motivational speaker, too. He brought up a lot of good points about culture and being a good teammate and stuff like that. It was definitely a cool morning.”

Lovullo said he had been thinking about inviting Dillingham to speak at least since watching ASU pound Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game in December. “I thought, ‘Something’s going on over there and I want to get to know him a little bit,’” Lovullo said.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen appreciated the ASU coach’s message.

“He was good,” said Gallen, who pitched one inning Monday. “He was really good. I think with his age and what they’ve done he’s very relatable. We’ve had some speakers in here that have been good but maybe a little bit unrelatable. I know it’s harder sometimes to cross sports, but I think his message and the culture they’re building over there translates directly to what we’re trying to do here.”

Lovullo said he told Dillingham he hoped he could be at the facility between 8:15 and 10 a.m. Dillingham wound up staying until about 10:45, visiting with Lovullo, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick and several front office officials in Lovullo’s office.

“He had me very captivated,” Lovullo said.

Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly, who has known Dillingham since they crossed paths at Arizona State as students, also came away impressed by what he heard during the team meeting.

“Awesome,” Kelly said. “There’s a reason why the program is doing as well as it is. I think what you saw is the main reason. The energy he brings and the message he gave to us — there’s no wonder why they’re doing as well as they are.”

Lovullo raved about Dillingham’s leadership skills and his ability to command the room, especially considering he is only 34.

“There’s a presence, there is a delivery, that is very impressive,” Lovullo said. “The thing that stood out to me more than anything, above anything else, was his authenticity. It’s real. He brings it and it’s real and you feel it. I know players feel that as well.”