Christopher Schulz2015 Rising Alumni

Christopher Schulz photo

Chris Schulz's mission is to keep kids well rounded through sport. As the founder and executive director of Active Kids Association of Sport (AKASPORT), a Minnesota 501(c)3 nonprofit, he has developed and operated over 500 youth sports, exercise and recreation programs since 2004. Through AKASPORT’s summer camp programming, Chris has provided a healthy alternative to child care for parents at a lower price point for several Minnesota communities. During the winter months, Chris maintains the educational mission of AKASPORT by providing after school programming for the Anoka school district. This programming address a gap for the community's youth due to school district budget restrictions.

Employer

Executive Director
Active Kids Association of Sport (AKASPORT)

CEHD Degree

B.S., Sport Management

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional athlete.

What's your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?

President and captain of the University of Minnesota Men's Soccer Program. In 2004, I championed the move to create two teams for the program allowing for a greater number of participants. Having a leadership and playing role on this team and traveling with so many great teammates throughout the country, helped pave the way to creating a network of friends and colleagues whom I will stay connected with for the rest of my life.

What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?

Dedication to research, particularly sport diversification versus sport specialization in youth sports, and my practicum experience through CEHD enabled me to see and carry out a greater vision for the betterment of youth sports, ala, AKASPORT.

How do others describe you? How do you describe yourself?

Great teacher and role model for kids and others through sports.

Who has inspired you the most during your career?

Everyone along the journey...the good as well as the bad. The most positive inspirations along this journey have been my parents, Nicole LaVoi, Steve Ross and my mentor/boss/coach between 2000-2008, Mr. Alan Merrick.

If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be?

Grandpa Dick Schulz, Grandpa Orlando Decker and Benjamin Franklin.

What's a good book you'd recommend to others?

Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi.