ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DAVE THORSON ’89 

Dave Thorson ’89 is the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Vice President of Development at DeLaSalle High School. After his playing days at Hamline, he went on to work under Clem Haskins at the University of Minnesota as an Assistant Basketball Coach before moving to DeLaSalle where he has won eight state titles, include five consecutive starting in 2012. He has coached The Islanders to over 500 victories. He is known for his boundless energy, his focus on academic success, the unwavering development of a strong work ethic, and his intense early morning practices - just what you'd expect from the 1986 Hamline basketball "Mr. Practice" award winner. 

1. What’s your favorite memory of your time at Hamline?

Hamline has always been a place where people and relationships matter. The relationships I developed with both fellow Pipers and instructors have been significant in my life and continue to serve as a foundation for me on both a personal and professional level.

2. Who was your favorite Hamline professor, coach, or advisor and why? 

Tim Mieure, my coach at Hamline, is now my assistant coach at DeLaSalle. Besides my parents, his guidance as a coach, mentor, and friend has impacted me more than any other person in my life. The core values he role modeled as an educator at Hamline are the same ones I hope to instill in the students I work with at DeLaSalle today. Further, Pipers of my era will remember instructors like Steve Jongeward, Scott Johnston, and George Redman who believed in me, challenged me to strive for excellence, and provided a learning experience which I continue to benefit from today.  

3. How has Hamline had an impact on your personal or professional life?

My Hamline is a place where people, and the relationships built, last a lifetime and have an indelible impact. A few years ago, I was asked to speak at The Men in Sports Luncheon on campus, and prepared a number of items to share. As I walked across campus, by Old Main, the Giddens/Alumni Learning Center, and Sorin Hall, I was overwhelmed with memories of the days I spent as an undergraduate. My well composed thoughts for my talk evolved into an affirmation about the people I met and worked with as a Piper, and how meaningful those relationships have been during my life. 

4. What was your favorite spot on Hamline’s campus and why? 

Although I'm not sure it exists today, I hold fond memories of eating late breakfast in "The HUB," and collaborating and working together with people there. My fellow basketball teammate and friend Pat Lonergan made the best omelette on campus as a student cook in the HUB's kitchen!

5. What advice do you have for current Hamline students?

I hope that today's Pipers have the same experience I did at Hamline, forging relationships with fellow classmates and professors that last a lifetime. Hamline is a special place, as the people who form the culture of my era and today, are special people.