Meet Coach MJ

  1. Updates

Coach MJ is a proud Minnesota native, born and bred in South Minneapolis. Before joining the Playworks family for the start of the 2013-14 school year, Coach MJ was working with the YMCA.  For the past two years he's been bringing rock, paper, scissors, cheers, and high-fives to the students and faculty of Lucy Laney Elementary School in North Minneapolis, and loving every minute of it!
 
What was your favorite recess game growing up:
As a kid, my two favorite games were football and four-square.
Has it changed now that you're a coach:
Now that I'm a coach, wall-ball is my new favorite 
What is the best part about being a coach:
The best part about being a coach are the interactions I get to have with the students and staff—bringing out a healthy community.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go:
I want to visit Jamaica one day. A tropical paradise!
 
 
 

More Updates


March 24, 2025

How Play Fuels Academic Success ›

One of the most impactful ways to support student learning starts with play.  At Playworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the benefits of play extend far beyond recess time. When kids…

February 11, 2025

Resourceful Play with Minimal Equipment ›

Imagine a rainy day when outdoor recess is canceled or a play area with no traditional play equipment in sight. Even in these moments, kids, with the help of adults,…

January 13, 2025

Making Any Space a Playspace ›

Play is essential to a child’s development, regardless of whether it happens on a bustling playground, in a quiet classroom, or even in a small hallway. While a traditional outdoor…