Erich Martens, Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School League

The mission of the MSHSL is to provide educational opportunities for students through activities and athletics. The InSideOut Initiative is a perfect match in providing the message, the support, and most importantly the curriculum for our coaches, directors and administrators to ensure the educational aspect of our activities. We know that winning is important to our programs, but intentionally focusing on the social and emotional development of our students through their participation is the true purpose of athletics in an education-based setting. Partnering with the Minnesota Vikings and with support from the NFL Foundation, we can all make a positive impact on the experience that our students have by rewriting the narrative around high school sports in Minnesota. We are thrilled to have the InSideOut Initiative in Minnesota and to have the involvement of our educational partners of MSBA, MASSP, MNIAAA and MSHSCA!