Episode 9: Larry McKenzie

Creativity on Tap

In this inspiring episode, Coach Larry McKenzie chats with host Frank Sentwali about his remarkable journey as a Hall of Fame basketball coach, author, and educator. From leading Minneapolis schools to historic state championships to founding impactful youth programs, Larry highlights the transformative role of creativity in sports, education, and life. He discusses his innovative approaches to team building, motivation, and leadership, emphasizing the importance of discipline, imagination, and being "different to make a difference." Tune in to hear how creativity fuels champions—on and off the court.
About Larry McKenzie
Author, Certified Speaker, Trainer, and Six-Time H.S. Championship Basketball Coach Dedicated to Inspiring Champions

Coach, author, and educator Larry McKenzie is the first coach to win four straight state titles in the 100-year history of the Minnesota State Boys Basketball. In 2017, Coach McKenzie became the first coach in Minnesota High School Basketball history to lead two separate schools to multiple titles, both Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Minneapolis North.

Larry is a long-time community and youth advocate with 20-plus years of experience working with urban youth. His service to young people has earned him numerous awards and recognition, including KARE 11’s Eleven Who Care, KTCA’s Everyday Hero, the Minneapolis Park Board’s Volunteer of the Year, and Positive Image Father of the Year.

In 2014, Larry McKenzie became the first African-American coach selected to the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. His commitment to the community is further reflected through his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Alumni Chapter, his service on the Metropolitan Council Minority Issues Advisory Committee, and his role as a board member for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Minneapolis, the North Community YMCA, the Northside Development Council, and other nonprofit organizations.

Larry’s professional background includes 25 years of business experience in management, sales, and marketing—including 10 years in the nonprofit sector. His experience includes serving as Executive Director of Hospitality House Youth Directions, an urban youth ministry; Urban Director at Youth Frontiers, which provides character education to Minnesota schools; and Executive Director and Charter School Liaison for Pillsbury United Communities. He is also the co-founder of the Above The Rim Youth Sports Foundation along with his wife, Pamela Wilkins-McKenzie.

HONORS / AWARDS

• NCAA Living Legend Award (2019)
• Guardian of the Game Award, National Basketball Coaches Association (2019)
• Miami Beach H.S. Hall of Fame (2018)
• Bush Fellowship Recipient (2018)
• First African-American Coach in the MN Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame (2014)
• First coach to win four straight state titles in 100-year history of the MN State Boys Basketball tournament
• Only coach to lead two teams to multiple state titles in Minnesota high school basketball (2017)
• KARE-11’s 11 Who Care
• KTCA’s Everyday Hero
• Volunteer of the Year, Minneapolis Park Board
• Father of the Year, Positive Image

About Creativity on Tap and COMPAS
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS, a nonprofit that makes creativity accessible to all Minnesotans by providing participatory creative experiences. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?
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