Profile: Andy Berkvam

#2 posting 10.27.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

PROFILE: Andy Berkvam
Today the profile spotlight falls on girls basketball coach Andy Berkvam of Lakeville North. Berkvam won back to back state AAAA titles in 2001 and 2002 when Lakeville was a single school and has taken the Panthers to the state tournament six times. LN should be in the hunt to return this season to the big show.

photo: Berkvam coaching in the Lakeville North Summer League Championship game in early July. photo by kja

Birthday: 7-31-62

Schooling: Mankato State '86; St. Mary's (Masters) '93

Mentor coaches: Al Berkvam, Jed Dommeyer, Darwin Deim, Dan McCarrel.

BB jobs: Eden prairie (1986-87) 9th grade boys, MSU grad assistant (1987-88), Lakeville 9th grade boys/varsity assistant 1988-90, Lakeville/Lakeville North Head Girls 1990-present.

Movie: Hoosiers

Favorite Gym: Northfield HS

Meal before game: I eat after games.

All time starting five:
Liz Podominick '03,
Tasha Martin '01,
Nicki Sebold '94,
Kaiya Sygulla '09,
Cassie Rochel '10.

Opponent starting five:
Lindsay Deitz, Elk River
Jamie Broback, Eastview
Courtney Boylan, Chaska
Leslie Knight, Hopkins
Jenna Smith, Bloomington Kennedy

favorite opponent: Eastview

Trend that needs fixing: get the best teams to the state tournament, the current system is flawed (regional)

Most memorable game: Elk River 2001 and Blaine 2002 state championship games.

Most painful loss: every sectional final game we have lost.

Favorite athlete in another sport: Fran Tarkenton & Kirby Puckett

favorite coach: Bob Downs (he has done more for GBB in Minnesota than people realize)

Biggest change in BB: Athleticism in the girls

Favorite value in others: Competing at everything you do, the will to win!

Thanks coach Berkvam.
The next Profile will run on Wednesday.

Next up: tomorrow unless news breaks.