21 Talks with Mike Niemi, Paetow High School Head Basketball Coach

"Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters."--John Wooden

On this segment of 21, we talk with Coach Michael Niemi. Mike is the Head Basketball Coach at Paetow High School in Katy, Texas.

Mike loves basketball but has never been one to relish the limelight. His success at Katy High School (which is also where Drew played) paved the path for Mike to play college basketball at Southern Methodist University (SMU). While at SMU, Mike made basketball his priority while also focusing on his appreciation for Fine Arts. (How many basketball players can you say that about?)

Post college, Mike knew that he wanted to coach the game, but his career path was not as easy as he thought it would be. Mike became discouraged when he was overlooked for head coaching opportunities, and he decided to leave coaching for a profession that paid more and provided a more predictable schedule.

It wasn’t long, however, before Mike decided that his life’s purpose and passion are tied to basketball. Within a short time, he returned to coaching and it wasn’t long before he received the head coaching position he had always wanted.

For Mike, coaching is not a job. It’s his calling. He considers his players and their families are a part of his extended family.

Listen as Mike discusses the highs and lows of coaching, and how COVID-19 and the renewed focus on race relations may impact how he coaches and leads his players.

Enjoy this episode of 21!