Senior  Brayden Traetow started playing basketball at a young age and developed a love for the sport that led him to help others find their passion.

Traetow was on varsity his freshman year and first started on varsity his sophomore year as point guard/shooting guard. A few years later Traetow went on to make it to state his junior year as a full time starter. 

“I’ve gotten lots of experience as time has gone on. I’ve grown from those experiences. I’ve met a lot of people who have helped me out, along with different coaches, and different teammates, who have helped me gain skills in other areas of the game,” said Traetow.

The summer going into sophomore year, Traetow started working with Doug Diers, who holds little kid basketball camps in Pella and surrounding communities. From there Traetow started doing his own thing too. He held one-on-one lessons and group workouts/camps for little kids. Diers helped Traetow develop as a player, but more importantly, as a person.

“Doug taught a lot about who you are in Christ and your identity in Jesus,” said Traetow. “That started me on my journey and is a big part of my identity today.”

Traetow constantly tries to teach his kids things that he has learned from Diers. Traetow talks to his kids about the things that he has learned himself like getting more playing time, being a better teammate, and being a better leader. Similar to Diers, Traetow tries to incorporate his religion because a lot of the kids he has personal relationships with share these same beliefs.

“It’s not about the money or any other reason for recognition,” said Traetow. “It is just my passion for helping kids. I love working with kids who are aspiring to be great at basketball.”