To find the foundation of Steve Raethz’s dedication and love of basketball, all it takes is a 40-minute drive from Huntley to a gymnasium he called home 20 years ago.

There, at Hoffman Estates High School, Raethz’s passion was on display for four years before continuing his basketball at St. Nortbert College in De Pere, Wis., where he was a three-year starter and two-year captain. Motivated and eager to stick with the game and educate on and off the basketball court, Raethz transitioned from player to coach – a journey that brought him to Huntley.

“I absolutely love coming to practice every day and working with our players, working with our team and doing whatever it takes to help us get better,” Raethz said. “That’s the preparation aspect of things. I love the competitive aspect of the game and seeing the results of our hard work when we get into games.”