Celebrating Our Coaches on National Coaches Day

At Richfield Public Schools, our coaches play a vital role in shaping the lives of student-athletes both on and off the field. On National Coaches Day, we want to recognize the dedication and passion our coaches bring to their work every day. 

Here’s what some of our coaches had to say about their experiences. 

Omar McMillan, Boys Basketball Coach

Having spent 24 years in education, Omar feels more energized than ever. “Each year, I feel I’m getting stronger and stronger as a teacher versus becoming burnt out. This feeling can be attributed to working in the RPS district,” he said. Omar has been at Richfield STEM Elementary (formerly Richfield Intermediate School) for 24 years. In addition to teaching, he is a long-time basketball coach.

“I have the opportunity to coach Basketball, work with the youth and coach with one of the best coaching staff in the state,” he shared. As a coach, Omar emphasized the deep time commitment it takes to develop young athletes. “We invest our time into making sure they are doing well in the classroom, on the court and in the community,” he said. “We’re not just developing stronger players, but also future leaders and good citizens. #WeOverMe”

Desmond Walker – Football and Girls Basketball Coach

Desmond’s passion for giving back to the Richfield community shines through in his coaching. “I love giving back to my community and coaching, teaching, and mentoring our youth,” Desmond said. For Desmond, the students at Richfield are a constant source of joy. “The kids are funny—they keep me engaged and feeling spry at times,” he added with a smile. In addition to coaching, Desmond is also the Director of Business & Data Analytics for a mental health and wellbeing company called Portages Health. Behind the scenes, Desmond and his team work hard to strategize and plan for the future of their programs. “There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,” he said. “I have an outstanding staff, and we spend a tremendous amount of time strategizing and meeting to determine what’s next for the program.”

Harry Cruz – Soccer Coach

For Harry, coaching soccer is more than just about teaching the game; it’s about instilling life lessons that extend beyond the field. “I love doing what I'm best at, playing soccer,” Harry shared. “But what’s even better is teaching teens how to play the best sport in the world. I enjoy teaching lessons that help them on the field and out in the real world.” His approach to coaching C-Squad soccer? “A typical day as a C-squad coach is bringing the spirit to my players, especially when they have to run laps and sprints,” he laughed.

Greg VonRuden – Track & Field Coach

As both a science teacher and a coach, Greg finds fulfillment in making connections with students in multiple settings. “I love teaching science because it’s always fun and interesting,” Greg said. “Coaching allows me to share my favorite sports with the next generation and watch them grow as human beings.”
After 28 years at Richfield Middle School, Greg finds joy in Richfield’s unique student body. “Our kids show a genuine desire to learn and explore the world around them. We have diverse and wonderful students in Richfield, and our staff is excellent to work with.” One fun fact about Greg’s long career in RPS? “I’m now teaching the sons and daughters of students I taught at the beginning of my career. It’s shocking when a student tells you their mom had you for science!”

Greg Stephens – Baseball Coach

Greg values the relationships he builds with his athletes. “I enjoy making connections with student-athletes and teaching them valuable life skills,” he shared. Though he’s only been with Richfield High School for five years, Greg feels fully integrated into the school’s coaching community. “The entire football and baseball staff was so welcoming to an Edina-born guy, and I’ve learned so much from all of them.” Coaching takes more time than many realize. “A lot more time goes into coaching than just showing up for practices and games. Many hours are spent working on lineups, pitching rotations, practice plans, drills, and more.”

Bryan Skof – Softball Coach

Bryan has been the Head Softball Coach at Richfield High School for seven seasons. “The process, practice and development fuel the excitement to get better every day. The opportunity to teach the game and life are a great pair. Life and sport truly are connected and mirror each other,” he shared. For Bryan, the sense of community that comes with high school sports is something special. “The connection within the community, within the softball program and alumni, and being a part of something larger is fun to have a role in,” he explained.

Bryan believes that the preparation that coaches put in is often underestimated. “As a coach, we are planning, scheduling and preparing all year for our softball season,” he said. Bryan takes great satisfaction in seeing players succeed and having those "light bulb" moments where everything comes together. "Their personal development creates great habits and life lessons after they are finished playing."

Frank Sentwali Gardner – Basketball Coach

Frank loves the opportunity to help mold young men, both mentally and through their growth in basketball skills and passion for the sport. “Developing the boys into men is the best feeling as a coach,” he shared. Frank believes coaching goes beyond just teaching the logistics of basketball. “It’s much more about managing personalities than it is about the X’s and O’s of the sport,” he explained.

This is Frank’s sixth year as an assistant coach at Richfield. He holds his head coach, Coach Omar McMillan, in high regard. “Coach McMillan is an amazing human being and an inspiration in his patience and the way he deals with young men,” Frank said. One of his favorite parts about working in Richfield is the support from his coaching staff and the Athletic Office. “Everyone is so accommodating and supportive,” he said.