Sports Mentorship Academy

Sports Mentorship Academy A college student-athlete meets twice a week with an SMA student on the Rochester Community and Technical College campus.

Sports Mentorship Academy is a college campus mentoring program that enhances academics through sports for at-risk inner–city students in grades five through eight. Students in this program are visiting a college campus more than 70 hours per school year before they even begin high school. Having the program on the college campus exposes youth to various educational and sporting events and strengt

hens the relationship between the college mentor and the youth in a crucial time in many of their lives. The long-term effect of participation in SMA is success in high school and graduation from college.

What an honor to have the legendary Coach Larry McKenzie, the first African American coach inducted into the Minnesota B...
08/18/2026

What an honor to have the legendary Coach Larry McKenzie, the first African American coach inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, stop by the Sports Mentorship Academy to support my book, Rochester Black Legacy.
Coach McKenzie has spent his career making an impact through basketball, leadership, and mentorship. It means so much to have someone who has made history himself support a book dedicated to preserving Black history and honoring those who paved the way.
Legacy supporting legacy. History inspiring the next generation.
Thank you, Coach McKenzie, for your support! 🙏🏾🏀📖

For years, many people only saw the games, the gym, and the athletes. But few know the real story behind the vision, the...
06/10/2026

For years, many people only saw the games, the gym, and the athletes. But few know the real story behind the vision, the struggles, the sacrifices, and the faith it took to build something bigger than sports.
Tomorrow, I begin sharing the journey behind Sports Mentorship Academy — the highs, the lows, and the purpose behind it all.
🎬 The Making of Sports Mentorship Academy… coming soon.”

Meet Rochester’s newest Shooting & Development Coach! 🏀I might be a little biased because he’s my son and carries my nam...
06/08/2026

Meet Rochester’s newest Shooting & Development Coach! 🏀
I might be a little biased because he’s my son and carries my name, but I’m proud to introduce Andre Crockett Jr..
A Rochester local and former college basketball player, Andre is officially starting his own training company focused on shooting development and player growth.
If your child is looking to improve their game, sharpen their shooting, and develop their basketball skills, feel free to reach out to him for training opportunities.
His website will be up and running soon — stay tuned for more details!

06/07/2026
They say all things come full circle. Tonight, I had the opportunity to speak at the very place where many of the should...
05/30/2026

They say all things come full circle. Tonight, I had the opportunity to speak at the very place where many of the shoulders I stand on once walked — Willow Middle School.
To stand in that space and share the history of Rochester’s Black community felt deeply personal and powerful. I am witnessing dreams being fulfilled before my very eyes. The sacrifices, courage, and perseverance of those who came before us made moments like this possible.
I am my ancestors’ dream. And because of them, I will continue preserving and sharing the stories that deserve to be told.

Me and Dr. Lynch had many battles back in the day when he was coaching Century Youth Basketball and I was coaching the S...
03/28/2026

Me and Dr. Lynch had many battles back in the day when he was coaching Century Youth Basketball and I was coaching the SMA boys. But through those competitive moments, there was always mutual respect. He was one of the few coaches who truly embraced and supported the work I was doing in the community.
I’m forever grateful that we stayed connected over the years—collaborating on research projects, outreach efforts, and so much more. That relationship means a lot to me.
Thank you, Dr. Lynch, for your continued support and for purchasing my book Rochester Black Legacy. It truly means a lot.

Uncle Charlie, as many call him, is an inspiration to many—a respected elder whose wisdom, guidance, and presence have t...
03/26/2026

Uncle Charlie, as many call him, is an inspiration to many—a respected elder whose wisdom, guidance, and presence have touched countless lives. His leadership, quiet strength, and willingness to pour into others have made a lasting impact on generations within our community. He represents the kind of example we all strive to follow—one rooted in purpose, resilience, and love for people.
Thank you, Uncle Charlie, for your support of my latest book, Rochester Black Legacy, and for your encouragement over the years. Your belief in me and this work means more than words can express.

For over two decades, all we’ve done is WIN — and that winning tradition continues! 🏆Congratulations to the SMA 8th-grad...
03/02/2026

For over two decades, all we’ve done is WIN — and that winning tradition continues! 🏆
Congratulations to the SMA 8th-grade team for bringing home 3rd place in the RYCBA Tournament. We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and heart! Keep pushing!

Hoops N Health was a huge success. We had over 75 people participate in our tournament. Thank you, Dr. Fox and the Mayo ...
09/28/2025

Hoops N Health was a huge success. We had over 75 people participate in our tournament. Thank you, Dr. Fox and the Mayo Volunteers, for informing the community about seeking help if you are dealing with mental health.

09/10/2023

Thanks for making SMA the number one youth organization in Rochester, MN!!!

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Rochester, MN

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