…Edina Athletics Hall of Fame

On Thursday, Sept. 20, Gustavus Head Baseball and Women’s Hockey Coach Mike Carroll was inducted into the Edina High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame because of his athletic efforts for Edina-East High School. Carroll lettered in soccer, hockey and baseball throughout his high school career. After graduating from Edina-East High School in 1975, Carroll played hockey and baseball at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Carroll has been coaching the Gustavus baseball team since 1997 and the women’s hockey team since 1999. Carroll is the fourth member of his family to be inducted into the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame. Here Carroll shares insight into his recent honor.

Q: What was your high school athletic career like? What sports did you play?

A: I was a pretty average athlete. I played hockey, and baseball and then I played soccer my senior year for something to do. I was a late bloomer; most of my success came during my junior and senior years of high school.

Q: Why were you inducted into the Edina High School Athletic Hall of Fame? Why now?

A: Who knows? I come from a big family; I was one of seven kids. There were six boys, and I’m the fourth to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Most of my success came after high school; I was more successful in college. So who knows, but my guess is that it had something to do with my last name.

Q: What does this honor mean to you?

A: It means a lot to be recognized. I think it means more to my parents, but it’s really nice.

Q: What is it like having so many members of your family in the Hall of Fame?

A: It really is a family affair. I think it probably means more to my parents; it was their choice to raise their family in Edina. That really gave us a lot of opportunities, being able to live in such a big town with such a competitive athletic program. Also, being part of a big family, we all played together and that made us all more competitive in our sports.

Q: What was the induction ceremony like?

A: There were seven of us inducted: two coaches from Edina, three males and a female. We all were able to invite family and friends, and there was a short program before we were all asked to speak. It was nice. I got to see a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time.

Q: What did you learn in your high school career that you try to instill in your players here at Gustavus?

A: I think the biggest thing is that whatever you get out of sports is earned. You earn your achievements through hard work and preparation. You are not entitled. That’s the main thing.