Gabe Greener

Gabe Greener, (1983-)

Prominent Minneapolis, MN physical education teacher and basketball coach, diversity advocate, civic and community leader.

"Early Years": Greener was born in Minneapolis, MN and spent the bulk of his developing years in Elk River, MN, until his mother remarried in 1992. The family subsequently moved 300 miles to the north, settling in International Falls, MN. It was here that Greener discovered his love for sports and outdoor recreation, spending his summers exploring the wilderness of Voyageurs National Park. Greener became actively involved in athletics, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. In 9th grade, Greener and his basketball teammates participated in a regional qualifying tournament for basketball, winning the event and securing a spot in the 1998 State Pacesetter Basketball Tournament. The team would ultimately finish 3rd in the event, setting the tone for a very successful high school era.

Greener's freshman year also marked the birth of a younger sibling, who became very close to him. The next few years of his life were spent investing in his little sister, and provided ample foundation for his blossoming love of children. The two remain incredibly close to this day, despite the geographical distance.

"College:" Upon graduation, Greener elected to attend Bryan College, located in Dayton, TN, in hopes of furthering his basketball career. After attending pre-season conditioning and small group workouts, Greener had high hopes of landing a spot on the team. Within a month, however, Greener was subsequently cut, and for the first time in his life, was without basketball. His time away from the game proved that he still loved basketball, and after a few short weeks, Greener had landed a student assistant coaching position with the Bryan College women's varsity team. Serving under Head Coach Matt Bollant, Greener learned the basics of an uptempo, fast-break based offense while witnessing the impact Bollant was able to have on his players by using an encouraging, positive approach. The team attained great success while Greener was a part of the coaching staff, but he still felt unsatisfied. Heading into the summer of 2003, Greener was determined to resurrect his basketball playing career, and gave training one final effort.