What does LOVE THE GRIND mean? 

Love the Grind means we are devoted to being a process-driven program that focuses on putting in the work it takes to succeed at all levels.

What is speed and skill training? What are the benefits? 

Our speed training program is designed to enhance athletic performance by teaching sprint mechanics, acceleration, and also linear & lateral speed development useful to all sports. 

Our skills training is centered around drills that translate to game scenarios your athlete will see in competition to properly prepare them for the upcoming season.

A key benefit when training with Grind is the Elite Behavioral Skills you learn while working with us. Athletes will understand how to become leaders and overcome adversity with elite response techniques that are simulated during training sessions.

Youth 3rd grade - 8th grade 

Our main goal when training youth is to instill a well-rounded foundation of speed, agility, balance, and strength that can translate amongst all sports and put them ahead of the competition. We also focus on establishing a standard of discipline and listening skills with our youth group so they can obtain information at a high level and progress even faster in their development as an athlete.

High School 

Our philosophy when training high schoolers is to improve their skill set by creating a focused and competitive training environment while implementing drills that will directly translate to games/competitions. We also focus on expanding their sports IQ through film studies or specific walkthroughs/breakdowns of in-game scenarios. We strive to teach these athletes how to become leaders within their sport through hard work and dedication.

Looking to participate in a sport that requires skill, strength, strategic thinking and the desire to play as part of a team?  Whatever level you play at, [YOUR SPORT] can enhance your life, improving fitness, strength and coordination.

Whether you are looking to play casually in our recreational league or competitively with one of our traveling teams, you'll find our organization to be a great place to learn new skills and meet new friends.

Deonta Thomas

Deonta Thomas graduated Minnehaha Academy (HS) in Minneapolis, MN and attended St. Olaf College where he played 5-years of football and earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. His greatest accomplishments and memories are winning the Minnesota State High School League 4A Championship and receiving the NCAA D3 MIAC All-Conference honors in college. 

at St. Olaf College

As a defensive back, Deonta Thomas was a 4-year starter, elected to the leadership council his sophomore year, earned x2 All-Conference honors at multiple positions in the secondary, and is the 2nd All-Time leader in passes defended at St. Olaf College.

His career stats include 125 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 7 INTs, 31 PBUs, 1 Forced Fumble, and 2 Blocked Kicks in 38 games played. In his final season at St. Olaf he contributed to the school's best record in 12 years (7-3). In 2023 he led the team and conference with 15 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions, including a MIAC Defensive Player of the Week award on November 13th, 2023 where he recorded two interceptions.

at Minnehaha Academy 

Deonta Thomas played four years of football for SMB Wolfpack while attending Minnehaha Academy. As a junior, he contributed to a 13-0 record and won the State Championship. As a senior, they managed to go 12-1 while being the State Championship runner-up. Deonta received Honorable Mention All-Conference. Being the fourth-leading tackler in his position in the state and an Honor Roll student he also received the Jim Thorpe Award.