2027 Coaches
2027 S40: Head Coach - Abby Notch
Coaching Experience
- 3rd season with the MN Suns
- St. Cloud Technical Community College - Head Coach Women's Basketball (2022-Current)
- St. Cloud Area Youth Basketball Association In-house Coordinator (2023-Current)
- St. Cloud Technical Community College - Assistant Coach Women's Basketball (2021-2022)
- St. Cloud Apollo High School - Head Coach Varsity Girls' Basketball (2019-2021)
- St. Cloud Apollo High School - Assistant Coach Varsity Girls' Basketball (2016-2019)
Playing Experience
- Competed in college at St. Cloud Technical Community College and University of Wisconsin - Stout
2027 BlueStar: Head Coach - Kevin Smith
About
Kevin is a Navy veteran with over 20 years of coaching experience across many levels. He is a highly enthusiastic coach who makes sure that all players know from day one that they are trusted to do what they do best. He feels that off court success is just as important as on court success and believes in establishing solid relationships with parents to make sure the player has the best experience possible.
Coaching Experience
- 2nd season with the MN Suns
- Rosemount HS Boys Varsity Coach (Current)
- Rosemount HS Boys Varsity Assistant Coach (2024-2025)
- MN Swarm Senior Director and Head Coach (2024)
- West Bend West HS Girls Head Varsity Coach (2022-2023)
- Wisconsin Black Hawks Founder, Program Director, and Head Coach (2018-2023)
- Shorewood HS Boys Head Varsity Coach (2019-2021)
- Grafton HS JV Girls Head Coach, 2x Conference Championships 62-9 (2016-2019)
- Ray Allen U16 Select Boys Head Coach (2016)
- Port Washington HS JV Boys Head Coach (2014-2016)
- Menomonee Falls HS Assistant Coach JV Boys-Conference Champs (2012-2013)
- Thomas Jefferson MS Head Coach 7th Grade Girls (2005-2008)
- Brown Deer HS Boys Varsity Summer League Head Coach (2006)
- Menomonee Falls Rec Coach, 3x Championships (2004-2010)
- Wisconsin Swish U10 Boys Head Coach (1998-2000)
- Neighborhood Children’s Sports League President, Coach (1996-2001)
Education
- NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach (Level 1)
- NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach (Level 2)
- NHFS Completion Certificate NCAA Eligibility Coach
- USA Gold basketball GOLD License #41857570
Coach's Thoughts
"I work to always bring energy and be a Coach who adds value to the lives and spaces around me. I genuinely strive to add value to the lives of others in the most positive way possible."
2028 Coaches
2028 S40: Head Coach - Derwin George
About
Derwin grew up in Milwaukee, WI. He is a Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers fan and surprisingly, a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Sports, academics and family were the three pillars in his household growing up. Derwin's parents instilled in him the value of education and he was required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in order to play sports. From his sophomore through senior year, Derwin played at the varsity level at West Allis Central High School where he hardened the fundamentals of basketball. Derwin attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In 2010, Derwin walked on to play for the Warhawks and in 2012 won the Division III National Championship. He received his bachelor's degree in business, majoring in accounting and IT-security. Derwin works as a real estate agent in the Twin Cities and purchased his first home with his wife in South Minneapolis.
Coaching Experience
- 6th season with the MN Suns
- Associate Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach-Minnetonka HS (2025-Present)
- Associate Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach-Edina HS (2024-2025)
- MN State Tournament Class AAA 2nd Place Finish-DeLasalle 2024
- De La Salle Associate Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach (2021 - 2024)
- Varsity Oak Creek High School boy's basketball summer league team (2009-2011)
- Facilitated and coached "Junior Bulldogs" grades 6-8 (2008-2009)
- Teaching ball handling, shooting and defensive drills
Playing Experience
- Walked on at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and won the 2012 Division III National Championship
- Varsity level at West Allis Central High School (2007-2009)
Coach's Thoughts
My goal as a coach is to teach the core principals of life through the lens of basketball. Hard work, mental toughness, and dedication are not just words and phrases. These are pillars of success both on and off the court. One of the beautiful things about sports is that you get out what you put in. I hope my student athletes truly buy in to that mindset. I want my student athletes to leave it all out on the floor and give their best effort to get better and be better everyday.
2028 BlueStar: Head Coach - Rachael Kaiser
About
Rachael grew up playing basketball in the Minneapolis metro area, playing on the inaugural MN Suns team in 2005 and playing high school basketball at Maranatha Christian Academy. She went on to graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College with her bachelor's degree in Education. Rachael is an Associate Professor at North Central University. Rachael also serves as one of our player development directors and Skills Academy trainers for 4th-7th grade.
Playing Experience
- MN Suns Alum
- High school basketball, helped team to win first sub-section championship, and make first section appearance in Class A
Coaching Experience
- 17th season with the MN Suns
- 3 years coaching Maranatha Christian Academy's Junior Varsity (2012-2015)
Coach's Thoughts
Good basketball starts with good communication. As a team, I strive to have us communicating plays, subs, screens, and defensive movements, so that we cohesively work together on the floor and bench to achieve success. With this foundation we can work together as a unified front to achieve our team and individual goals throughout the season.
2028 Black: Head Coach - MyKayla Ballard
About
I grew up playing basketball in a small town called Eden Valley from 1st grade all the way til my senior year with the same teammates and coaches! When I started playing varsity my 9th grade year, that’s when basketball sparked my interest the most! I wanted to see a different side of basketball so I played AAU. I played for the MN Comets one year, and then Five Star Future where my team and I were able to win a championship in Chicago! Once my senior year came I still wanted to continue my basketball career so I played two years at SCTCC, and finished my career there! Now I currently help coach there as an assistant.
Coaching Experience
- 2nd season with the MN Suns
- Anoka Ramsey Community College Assistant Women's Basketball Coach (2025-Current)
- Central Lakes Thunder (2024)
Playing Experience
- St Cloud Technical Community College (2023-2025)
Coach's Thoughts
My goal as a coach is to build disciplined and hard working players who not only improve their skills on the court but also helping them grow as individuals off the court! I want to help each player reach their fullest potential so they are able to reach that next step!
2029 Coaches
2029 S40: Head Coach - Dre Jefferson
About
A graduate of Park Center High School, Dre went on to play college basketball, completing his career at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and jumped right into skills training in 2009. Since 2010, Dre has been coaching high school basketball and has worked as the junior varsity boys coach at the International School of Minnesota, an assistant coach with St. Louis Park Girls Basketball team and most recently as the Associate Head Coach at Hopkins High School. In 2012, Dre joined the MN Suns family as a skills trainer and head coach and has now taken on the role of the MN Suns Club Director. With numerous players from his teams going on to play collegiate basketball, Coach Jefferson has implemented a development process that works for kids and is now being applied to the entire Suns program. High expectations, commitment to excellence, and a work ethic that matches the goals set will be core components to the Suns under Dre Jefferson's leadership.
Playing Experience
- Park Center High School
- University of Wisconsin-Stout
Coaching Experience
- 15th season with the MN Suns
- Twins Cities Elite basketball training (2010-present)
- Junior Varsity Coach and Associate Head Varsity Coach-Hopkins High School (2015-2020)
- ISM Eden Prairie (2010-2014)
Coach's Thoughts
Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old, now to be able to help kids chase their goals and achieve their basketball dreams is an amazing opportunity.
2029 S40: Assistant Coach - Hannah Silva-Breen
About
Hannah began her coaching career with the MN Suns after suffering an ACL tear in her last AAU season as a player. Since then, she has coached every year and in both assistant and head coaching positions. Hannah holds a master's degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport psychology from the University of Minnesota. Currently, Hannah is working on her PhD in sport, exercise, and performance psychology and a master's in clinical mental health counseling at West Virginia University. Hannah brings a unique perspective to coaching with an emphasis in mental performance and mental health.
Coaching Experience
- 13th season with the MN Suns
- Coach and director at Skyhawks sport camps (2 years)
Coach's Thoughts
I believe that athletes perform their best when they are having fun and feel connected to and supported by their teammates and coaches. My goal for every athlete is that they get better, enjoy playing, and keep playing well after their time with the Suns.
2029 BlueStar: Head Coach - Ben Fried
About
Ben grew up in Champlin, MN with his parents and 2 younger brothers. He attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a BA in History with a coaching certificate and his Master's in Education and social studies teaching degree. It was in college where he began his coaching career, coaching his brother's youth soccer and baseball teams and then starting his basketball coaching career at Hopkins High School. Ben lives in Minneapolis and is a middle school teacher in the Edina School District.
Coaching Experience
- 7th season with the MN Suns
- Edina High School Girls Varsity Assistant Coach (3 years)
- Hopkins High School Girls Varsity Assistant Coach (7 years)
Accomplishments
- 2 MN State Tournament Titles coaching with Hopkins High School
- 3 MN State Tournament 2nd Place finishes coaching with Hopkins High School
- Coached many players that currently play DI basketball
Coach's Thoughts
My goal in coaching is the same as my goal in teaching: to have a positive impact on every player or student and to prepare them to succeed in whatever their next step is. For coaching, that means instilling the importance of hard work, attention to detail, and having a growth mindset. I want every player on my team to leave feeling that they have grown both on the court and off of it, and that they are ready to take on whatever challenges they may face.
2030 Coaches
2030 Black: Head Coach - Barb Metcalf
About
Barb was a high school graduate of Wyndmere, ND and later graduated in 1991 from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She was a standout athlete in basketball and track while at U-Mary, and in 2000 was inducted into the U-Mary Women’s Hall of Fame in both sports. She has extensive experience as a head girl's basketball coach in both North Dakota and Minnesota.
Playing Experience
- University of Mary Hall of Fame - basketball and track
- Wyndmere High School
Coaching Experience
- 2nd season with the MN Suns
- Wayzata High School - Varsity and JV Assistant (2024)
- Buffalo High School - Head Girls Basketball and Assistant Track Coach (2021-2023)
- Park Center Senior High School - Head Girls’ Basketball Coach (2017-2021)
- West Fargo High School - Head Girls’ Basketball Coach (2008-2017)
- West Fargo High School - Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach (1997-2007)
Coach's Thoughts
As a 3D Coach, my purpose is to develop student-athletes in all 3 Dimensions while using the 3 P's = Purpose/Process/Product.
Fundamentals- Body/Physicality Psychology- Body/Mind-Dualism HEART- Body/
My WHY? Support female athletes on their journey in the classroom and on the court to be the best version of themselves. I want my players to always know that they are MORE than basketball player
2030 Black: Assistant Coach - Lexi Houle
About
Lexi grew up playing basketball in the Minneapolis metro, playing on the inaugural MN Suns team in 2005 and winning two high school state championships at Maranatha Christian Academy. She played basketball at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (NCAA DII) where she finished her career as #9 and #11 all time in career 3-pointers made and assists, respectively, while earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Lexi got her start coaching in 2012 while still in high school and coached teams at all levels while in South Dakota including coaching the the Rapid City Christian High School girls junior varsity and assisting with varsity.
Playing Experience
- MN Suns Alum
- College- South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, finished career as #9 and #11 all time in career 3-pointers made and assists respectively
- High School- Maranatha Christian Academy, 5x All-Conference, 2x All-State, 2x State Champion
Coaching Experience
- 14th season with the MN Suns
- De La Salle High School JV/Varsity Assistant (2020-2023)
- Rapid City Christian Middle School (2018-2019)
- Rapid City Christian High School JV Head Coach & Varsity Assistant Coach (2018-2019)
Coach's Thoughts
I was blessed with so many great coaches growing up through traveling, AAU, high school, & college and I want to turn around be that coach for those behind me. I love the game of basketball and all of the important life lessons that can be learned through the vehicle of sport. The highs and lows of a basketball game parallel the highs and lows of life and it's important to learn how to work hard and make yourself better each day despite the circumstance. As a coach, I want my athletes to have fun competing while getting better at the same time. As a former point guard, a big part of my coaching philosophy is developing court awareness & basketball IQ in addition to individual skills.
2030 Orange: Head Coach - James Schmidt
About
A graduate of Elk River High School. James started coaching basketball in 2008 as a volunteer Assistant Coach at Big Lake High School under coach Steve De Los Reyes. In 2009 James started his first coaching position as the 9th Grade Boy's Head Coach at Becker High School. James still regularly contact today with many players from his first Becker team. In 2011 James took his first AAU coaching position for Minnesota Triple Threat coaching 16U boys and the team finished with 24 wins and had a lot of fun. From 2014-2017 James coached Minnesota Comets Top 15U team and over those 3 years James' record was 100-32 and won the 2016 Minnesota 15U State Title. James has successfully placed over 100 athletes into college through his Twitter platform Midwest Unsigned and counting. In 2021 James switched from Boys' Basketball to Girl's Basketball coaching for the Minnestoa Comets from 2021 2024 and finished with a record of 59-28 and won the 2023 12U D2 AAU State Championship.
Coaching Experience
- 1st season with the MN Suns (2025 - Present)
- Becker Youth Basketball (2021 - Present)
- Midwest Basketball Training (2023 - Present)
- Minnesota Comets (2013 - 2024)
- Minnesota Wolves (2012 - 2013)
- Minnesota Triple Threat (2011 - 2012)
- Becker High School (2009 - 2012)
- Big Lake High School (2008 - 2009)
Coach's Thoughts
James started loving basketball in 1995 when the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Kevin Garnett. James loves helping youth athlete's reach their dreams. Every athlete has a different dream to achieve weather it's college basketball or making the 9th grade team. A player can achieve greatest when a coach believes in their ability. At its core, sports should be about more than just the scoreboard. It's about the thrill of a well-executed play, the pride of pushing past person limits, and the laughter started among teammates. James loves sharing his passion of basketball with his two daughter's Jordyn and Madilyn.
2030 White: Head Coach - Katina Dominis
About
Coaching Experience
- 1st season with the MN Suns
- Nova Classical Academy Middle School Head Coach (2021-Current)
- Bloomington Kennedy traveling 6th grade boys head coach (2024-2025)
- Bloomington kennedy traveling 5th grade girls assistant coach (2023-2024)
- Bloomington Jefferson traveling 5th grade girls assistant coach (2022-2023)
- Coached youth camp and league basketball at the YMCA
- Volunteered coaching youth basketball for 4 years, boys and girls grades k-10th
2031 Coaches
2031 Black: Head Coach - Kendrick Livers
About
Kendrick is originally from New Orleans, LA and he grew up playing basketball and football. He got into
coaching in 1994 coaching Burnsville traveling 8th grade girls. The following year he started
coaching the B-Squad for Burnsville HS. He has had the pleasure of coaching boys and
girls at different levels over the years and continues to do so now. He graduated with a degree in history from UW-River Falls.
Coaching Experience
- 9th season with MN Suns
- Head Coach Buffalo High School (Current)
- Varsity Assistant at St. Thomas Academy
- Varsity Assistant Coach at Mounds View HS
- Varsity Assistant Coach at Champlin Park High School
- Head Girls Basketball Coach at Somerset High School, WI
- 10th grade Boy's Coach & Varsity Assistant Apple Valley High School
- AAU Program Director
- Assistant Women's Basketball Coach - Augsburg College
Accomplishments
At Somerset- Coach of the Year and Conference Champs
Coach's Thoughts
I coach for the joy of helping and seeing young athletes accomplish their goals that they might have thought were impossible. At the same time, as a coach you get to witness the same young athletes mature as outstanding men and women contributing to today's society.
2031 Orange: Head Coach - Taylor Moen
Coaching Experience
- 4th season with MN Suns
- 1st season as an Assistant Coach at North Iowa Area Community College
- Volunteered at many youth camps in high school and college
Playing Experience
- Big Lake High School
- Waldorf University
- Culver-Stockton College
Coach's Thoughts
My goal as a coach is to help each athlete reach their fullest potential within a positive team culture both on and off the court. Creating a supportive environment builds trust, enhances communication, strengthens resiliency, and improves team chemistry. Basketball is a game of continuous learning, whether through new offensive or defensive strategies or opportunities for player development. By focussing on individual growth, we can unlock each player's unique strengths and skills, contributing to the overall success of the team.
2031 White: Head Coach - De'Ante Michaud
Playing Experience
- U of Wisconsin-Stout (2007-2009)
Coaching Experience
- 9th season with the MN Suns
- DeLaSalle High School (2020 - Present)
- St. Louis Park High School (2015-2020)
- Brooklyn Center High School (2012-2015)
Coach’s Thoughts
My goal is to prepare kids for the real world by helping them to develop a successful work ethic and an understanding of what they want in life. In a perfect world, I would want every player that comes across my path to develop to the point where he or she has an academic and athletic scholarship to the school of his or her choice.
2032 Coaches
2032 Black: Head Coach - Greg Amundson
Coaching Experience
- 2nd season with the MN Suns
- Buffalo High School Girls Basketball Varsity Assistant Coach (2021-2023)
- Columbia Heights Girls Basketball Varsity Head Coach
- MN Stars AAU Basketball Head Coach (2015-2021)
- Mandan (ND) Girls Basketball Varsity Head Coach - 29 years
- 9 State Championships, 508-173 record
2032 Orange: Head Coach - Don Tran
About
Dan grew up in Wayzata, MN playing basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Minnesota and has coached boys and girls basketball for over 20 years at various levels from 2nd grade all the way through the high school level. His experience coaching a wide range of age levels provides him the experience to understand the importance of developing a strong AAU athlete. He has daughters that have played AAU basketball and values the relationships that they have built with their teammates from all over the Twin Cities.
Coaching Experience
- 3rd season with the MN Suns
- 20+ years of experience from 2nd grade through high school
Coach's Thoughts
I believe during the AAU season it is all about the player and helping them to build their skills rather than learning to play in a system. I want to help athletes develop and improve their weakness and also embrace and diversify their strengths. I believe learning the game and basketball IQ are a very important part of development and run a 5 out style offense to facilitate this.
2033 Coaches
2033 Black: Head Coach - Brooke Stanley
About
Brooke is a Minnesota native and grew up in the local basketball scene. She played Hopkins travel in grade school, BSM basketball in high school, MN Suns for AAU, and continued playing basketball at the NCAA division III level at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. While at RIT, her team made three NCAA appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16. She finished her career 4th in program history for shooting percentage at 46.0% and 17th in program history with 884 career points. She was named third team Academic All-America in the 2018-19 season. Brooke also competed on the track team at RIT in the heptathlon where she finished her career 27th in the nation for Division III and was the 12th Tiger to garner multiple Academic All-America honors and was the first to be recognized in multiple sports at RIT. She graduated from RIT with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. Brooke currently works as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Francis Medical, a medical device startup working on a treatment for prostate cancer. Her hobbies include coaching, running, Nordic skiing, and playing basketball.
Coaching Experience
- 4th season with the MN Suns
- BSM Jr High Head Coach (2 years)
- MN Hustle Assistant Coach (2 years)
- BSM HS Pole Vault/Track and Field Coach (2 years)
Playing Experience
- MN Suns Alum
- Rochester Institute of Technology (2016-2020)
Coach's Thoughts
My goal as a coach is to foster an environment of confidence, competitiveness, and fearless goal setting. Basketball is a game of runs and I strive to give the players I work with the mental strength and tools to get through adversity and celebrate success. I enjoy building a team centered around the players and the skills and personalities they bring to the table. At the end of the day, I measure my success as a coach in the joy I see in my players and their growth.
2034 Coach
2034 Black: Head Coach - Shelby Zimmel
Coaching Experience
- 1st season with the MN Suns
- Anoka High School Girls Basketball - Head Coach Freshman Team (Current)
- Anoka Ramsey Community College - Head Coach Women's Soccer (Current)
Playing Experience
- Anoka Ramsey Community College