See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior Noah Slinde, co-captain of the Chaska Hawks Boys Basketball team.)
How long have you been playing basketball?
11 years, I think I started playing rec at a pretty young age (around first grade) and haven’t stopped since. I started travel basketball during my 4th grade year and high school during my freshman year.
When did you know that basketball was going to be “your sport?”
When I was in about 8th grade, I really started to enjoy it more than ever so then I realized I wanted to focus all my time on basketball. That’s when I stopped playing baseball.
What has playing in the Chaska program meant to you?
It’s meant a lot because it’s given me so many fun experiences and relationships that will last a super long time. It’s also given me a different perspective on what high school sports can mean to some people and I think that’s what’s special about our Chaska program is the community that is built around it.
Last Friday, you hit a long three-point shot at the buzzer to beat St. Louis Park. I think I’ve seen four or five different videos of that shot on social media by now. Most players dream of hitting a shot like that. Could you describe exactly what that entire sequence felt like? From getting the pass, taking the shot, realizing it went in, and the immediate aftermath?
Yeah, it felt crazy. It almost didn’t seem real until a couple hours after the game. I didn’t really know how to react besides to just be excited with my team and try to get the most out of that experience.
What are your plans for next year?
Next year, I will be attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study business administration.
Go Big Red! Along with Jimmy Coddington, you were a CHS Superfans leader this past year. What has been your favorite Superfans memory over the years?
The Mankato East football game was super fun this year because we all drove down together, grilled burgers in the parking lot, and ended up winning the game. Events like that are what truly make being a Superfans leader 100% worth it!
Your mother, Kirsten, was a basketball super-duper-star at the University of St. Thomas (she was an All-American and is in the UST Hall of Fame). What’s the best advice she’s given you over the years as a student-athlete?
She’s taught me to take advantage of every opportunity given to me no matter the situation and to make the most out of everything. She’s also taught me a few old-school moves from back in her days that have also helped me on the court!
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
Being a captain means a lot, especially since it was a team vote. It feels good to be valued by my teammates and that they allowed me the opportunity to lead them this season. It’s also allowed me to experience an important leadership position that will help me build skills that I will use for the rest of my life.
