Welcome to episode 17 of the Sports Surge podcast! In this exciting installment, hosts Brent Sellhorst and Kyle Heyne sit down with St. Henry High School’s head girls basketball coach, Nate Uhlenhake. Coach Uhlenhake joins the show fresh off leading the Lady Redskins to an incredible 2026 Division VI State Championship with a stellar 27-1 record!

The conversation covers Nate’s incredible journey from being a 2012 St. Henry graduate to taking over a 6-17 basketball team in 2021, and eventually transforming them into state champions in just a few short years. Coach Uhlenhake dives deep into the crucial role that faith, and tight-knit community support played in the team’s success, especially when overcoming tough adversity like an unexpected injury during the state semifinals. He also shares his program’s core guiding values: courage, together, and joy.

But it’s not all serious basketball strategy! The guys share plenty of laughs discussing the legendary mustache Nate grew to fulfill a bet with his players. They also debate the proper way to construct a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with Nate revealing that his go-to pre-game meal is a homemade PB&J. Above all, Nate expresses deep gratitude for his dedicated coaching staff, the supportive St. Henry community, and the unwavering backing of his wife, Brooke, throughout the demanding season.

Tune in for an inspiring mix of sports talk, life lessons, and Grand Lake region pride!