Prep Sports Shoutouts: Celebrating Minnesota Athletes and Leaders
With a new prep sports season approaching, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder continues its tradition of highlighting athletes, coaches, and community leaders making a difference on and off the field. From standout high school players to seasoned coaches and administrators, these 10 individuals embody excellence, leadership, and dedication to Minnesota athletics.
Shoutouts
With the prep sports season approaching, here are 10 more shoutouts to those making a difference.
Giovan Jenkins, the former Minneapolis Washburn basketball football and basketball standout who went on to star in football at Minnesota State University Mankato, is now athletic director at his high school alma mater.
Nia Hollie, the former Hopkins girls basketball standout and 2016 Miss Basketball winner who went on to Michigan State University, has done an outstanding job as girls basketball coach at Two Rivers High School.
Scott Howell, the former St. Paul Central football and baseball great who recently retired as the head boys basketball coach at his alma mater, is in year 26 as the school’s varsity football coach.
Savanah Gardner, the former Eastview girls basketball player, is entering her sophomore year as a member of the University of St. Thomas Women’s basketball team.
Brett McNeal, the former 1985 Mr. Basketball winner from Minneapolis North who went on to star at Western Kentucky, is in his first year as athletic director at Minneapolis Camden High School.
Ma’Lon McCoy, the St. Agnes volleyball and basketball star, will be a junior this year.
Chip Taylor is in his 10th year as head football coach at Hamline University.
Nia Holloway, who had an outstanding prep career at Eden Prairie, is a redshirt junior for the women’s basketball team at the University of Minnesota.
Benny Roberts, the former St. Paul Central boys basketball standout who went on to Webster University, is entering his second year as executive director of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul.
Tori McKinney, the guard who helped Minnetonka capture a Class 4A state girls basketball championship in 2024, is a sophomore after an outstanding first year playing for the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.