AAU Coaches of the Year: Brett and Jake Smith

In AAU basketball, some coaches just coach. Others coach and scout players to add to their team. Some take on bigger roles within their club. And then there are people like Brett Smith and Jake Smith from Alexandria. They do it all – literally – for [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'], one of the most successful outstate clubs we've seen in recent years. The Smith brothers coach multiple teams across different age groups. They lead individual and group skill sessions, handle player development, and make sure the entire organization runs smoothly behind the scenes. Their fingerprints are on every element of the club year-round.   Along the way they've built more than just teams – they've built a culture that's rooted in trust, accountability, and a relentless drive to improve. Their program is filled with emerging next-level prospects, high-character kids with plenty of wins to back it up. For their all-around success and impact, Prep Girls Hoops is pleased to select the Smiths as our 2025 AAU Coaches of the Year.   Their most high-profile player right now is [player_tooltip player_id='904190' first='Malin' last='Youngberg'], the 6th-ranked prospect in Minnesota's Class of 2028. The 6'1 forward from Little Falls, who has racked up Division I offers all summer, credits much of her development to the environment created by the Smiths. “Jake and Brett are amazing coaches who pour their hearts into everything they do,” said Youngberg. “They care deeply about each player and want the best for us on and off the court. They push us to be our best, but still take time to connect with us after games. We are so grateful for them.”   [player_tooltip player_id='565313' first='Elsa' last='Retzlaff'], a top-20 prospect from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, echoed that sentiment. “The atmosphere is so fun! They push their players to continually improve and to strive for greatness. There is always a lot of energy in the gym and everyone wants to be there. They have strong relationships with all of us and not only know us as basketball players but as kids, too.”   In the world of AAU basketball – especially beyond the Twin Cities region – player retention can be one of the biggest challenges. When elite talent emerges, they're often recruited away to larger, more prominent programs. But at [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'], culture is the glue. “The program culture at West Central is really focused and hard working,” said Youngberg. “It's not about trying to stand out or get attention. It's about doing your job. We all push each other to be the best we can be.”   Retzlaff agreed. “I've had opportunities to switch AAU programs,” she said, “but Jake and Brett have built something really special. They're intentional with building relationships. I've been with them since 6th grade, and they've always supported me – on the court and beyond. They help us meet our goals and they follow our high school seasons, too. I couldn't ask for better coaches. They obviously love the game and their players.”   That kind of foundation has allowed the brothers to build what just might be the strongest collection of talent in club history. The 2028, 2029, and 2030 teams are loaded with high-upside prospects. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='1233136' first='Korbin' last='Tanner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1246847' first='Greta' last='Layton'], [player_tooltip player_id='994012' first='Taylor' last='Nesvig'], and younger sisters [player_tooltip player_id='1110548' first='Elin' last='Retzlaff'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1239229' first='Ehlin' last='Youngberg'] are names to know. All of them are flourishing under the Smiths' guidance. “The coaches are always telling us to play with confidence,” said Elsa. “They make sure we know we can compete with top teams.”   “They coach every player to give 100% and hold us to high standards to make the team better. They're honest and direct, which we really respect,” Youngberg explained. “With multiple teams practicing together, it creates a super competitive atmosphere that helps everyone grow. I trust them to put us in the best position to succeed.”   RUNNER-UP   Macy Hatlestad – The [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] 16U EYBL squad achieved what every other AAU team in the country would set as their ultimate goal – a national championship. The Nike EYBL Circuit is the cream of the crop with the deepest fields, the most decorated prospects, the most challenging set of opponents. Hatlestad, who played college ball at St. Thomas and is originally from Alexandria, pulled all the right strings to get the job done in July. Yes, she had an incredibly talented group of athletes at her disposal, but those teams are often the hardest to coach. Macy got them all pulling in the same direction for one purpose. It paid off!   HONORABLE MENTION   Ashley Ellis-Milan – Ashley is a veteran of the AAU coaching wars. The former University of Minnesota standout is the head coach at East Ridge High School and has had numerous successful AAU teams in the past. This summer, her [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] 2029 Yellow squad – the club's so-called “second” team of incoming freshmen – proved themselves to be overachievers in a big way, both here in Minnesota and on the national stage. Led by [player_tooltip player_id='1057125' first='Macie' last='Henrikson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1002988' first='Chloe' last='Reedy'], [player_tooltip player_id='939001' first='Gabby' last='McCarney'] and company, Fury Yellow finished third at the AAU State Championship and surprised plenty of more highly touted teams across the country. They also had a ton of fun along the way.

In AAU basketball, some coaches just coach. Others coach and scout players to add to their team. Some take on bigger roles within their club. And then there are people like Brett Smith and Jake Smith from Alexandria. They do it all – literally – for West Central United , one of the most successful outstate clubs we've seen in recent years. The Smith brothers coach multiple teams across different age groups. They lead individual and group skill sessions, handle player development, and make sure the entire organization runs smoothly behind the scenes. Their fingerprints are on every element of the club year-round.