Scott Sorenson began his coaching career at age sixteen and is entering his 11th season as Head Coach for Northland College. Read more from Coach Sorenson below!
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
Began coaching junior high in-house basketball at the age of 16 when the opportunity came about. Fell in love with teaching and impacting young lives through sport and competition. It's the ability to impact lives through competition that keeps me doing what I do.
Who has been your biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
Dave Thorson - current Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota (I worked for him at De La Salle High School)
Matt Bowen - current Assistant Coach at Valparaiso University (I worked for him at Bemidji State University)
Gary Grzesk - current Head Coach at St. Norbert College (I worked for him at Lakeland University)
Herman van den Belt - current Head Coach for Landstede Hammers.
These guys are probably my biggest influences. Each taught me something different and unique that I made part of who I am as a coach; some on the court, others off of it.
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
You have to be yourself for sure, but do not be afraid to adapt and adjust to what’s going on; keeping up with changes in the game. Always be growing! Be willing to get dirty! If you want to climb the coaching ladder, you must be willing to earn trust of others by being able to do anything asked of you to the best of your ability, no matter how menial.
What has been your most memorable win?
Far too many to mention! Playoffs wins, victories to get into the playoffs, state tournament wins are all part of it.
What is your favorite team meal?
I typically don't eat prior to games, so whatever the guys want that the budget allows for I'm good with.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
I love history books, so a book I've read recently on Roosevelt is a great example of what I read.
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
Cooking. I don’t mind getting in the kitchen and putting together a nice meal; might be the Lousiana in me!
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
I love the community of it all. Coaches helping coaches is an amazing thing. It's the strangest job in the world. We all want to beat each other, but love the comradery of it all.
