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Coach D

Derek Simmons — Minneapolis, MN

45+
Years in Athletics
15+
Years Head Coaching
100%
Academic Eligibility
D1
Scholarship Players

Lifelong basketball coach and player development specialist with a proven track record developing student-athletes from youth through collegiate level.

Coaching Experience

Head Coach, High School Basketball

East Ridge High School | 2018-2020

AAU Head Coach

Minnesota Heat, D1 Minnesota, Grassroots Sizzle | 2014-2023

Youth Head Coach & Program Director

East Ridge Athletic Association | 2013-2021

Athletic Background

Multi-Sport Student-Athlete

Nickerson High School, Kansas | 1988-1991

Coaching Philosophy

Player-Led Teams
Developing leaders who compete for each other, not just themselves.
Energy, Effort, Attitude
The controllables that separate good players from great ones.
Academic Excellence
Student first, athlete second. 100% eligibility is the standard.
Long-Term Development
Building the operating system, not just chasing outcomes.

Education & Certifications

Education

Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications — Kansas State University
Student Ambassador, Sports Editor, Basketball Correspondent for Associated Press, KC Star, Wichita Eagle

Coaching Certifications

Connect

📍 Minneapolis, Minnesota
🔗 LinkedIn