I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to spend time with NBA coaches, NCAA DI coaches and a Naismith Hall of Famer, but have been inspired most by 3 coaches from humble beginnings in small town Wisconsin. Each one taught me things that have become a part of who I am today.

The first is Forrest Larson, varsity boys coach at Badger High School in Lake Geneva, WI, who I consider to be one of the best teacher in the country.  He taught me how to prepare, be organized and teach the game. I worked at his Take It To The Rim basketball camps for 5 summers and learned more about the game than I could ever imagine.  His passion to teach inspired me to reach for my dreams.

Ed Andrist, my coach the University of Wisconsin-Stout, taught me something about the game every time we stepped on the floor for practice or during film sessions.  As a coach he showed me how to develop breakdown drills, prepare for practice, and challenged me to develop the players I was responsible for.  Two of them were All-Conference as sophomores.  I would not have had the opportunities I’ve had without his confidence and support.

Dave MacArthur, a varsity boys coach at nearby Colby High School took me under his arm when I was a sophomore at Marshfield Columbus.  One of the greatest traits of leadership is to inspire, and that’s exactly what he did. He possessed not only that, but enthusiasm, work ethic, and compassion, which gave him the ability to push people to their potential.  I will never forget the days we spent in the gym when he pushed me so hard I felt like I was going to pass out. Those times taught me to do the same both on and off the court.  Dave passed away tragically at the age of 36, but I only hope that I can continue to teach the way he taught me, and to influence, the way he influenced me.