Frankie Miamen

"We.Live.To.Serve"

This phrase encapsulates my life's mission and serves as the foundation for the Sports and Leadership Academy. I firmly believe that true greatness is found in those who choose to serve others. My life's purpose has been centered around giving back, particularly to the youth and young adults.

Frankie's life began in Liberia, West Africa, during a tumultuous era marked by civil strife. He was born in the midst of a civil war that would rage for 14 years, claiming the lives of over 250,000 individuals in a tragic conflict. By the grace of God, Frankie's family escaped the turmoil and immigrated to the United States.

From a young age, Frankie felt a calling to give back to the youth, though he wasn't sure how that would manifest. As he grew, he began to carve out his path. Being the youngest of five siblings, he learned to devise innovative strategies to keep himself engaged and out of trouble. His competitive spirit emerged early on, leading him to channel that energy into academics and athletics. His sports of choice included basketball, football, soccer, and track. By seventh grade, he had gained recognition as one of the top urban athletes in his state and was invited to represent the U.S. overseas in basketball. This experience instilled in him the belief that with determination, he could achieve anything. Sports became a driving force for his academic success, and he ultimately graduated among the top of his class. He was fortunate to attend Oral Roberts University, where he joined the track team and engaged with various campus organizations.

During college, Frankie expanded his understanding of the business and operations side of sports through an internship with the Tulsa Shock, a WNBA franchise. He learned invaluable lessons from Coach Nolan Richardson, a 1994 NCAA National Champion, and Coach Teresa Edwards, one of the most celebrated female athletes in history. His time with the Tulsa Shock provided him with insights into building a successful organization from the front office perspective. He took on various roles, including player development, film analysis, practice coordination, in-game statistics, player assessments, and even logistical tasks such as organizing the opposing team’s locker room. This experience allowed him to network and forge meaningful connections.

Upon graduation, Frankie had the opportunity to work with the Minnesota Timberwolves, an NBA franchise. His first season involved training and development with the Timberwolves and Lynx Basketball Academy, focusing on youth engagement. The following season, he transitioned to Basketball Operations, deepening his understanding of NBA front office functions. He learned about analytics and how to assess professional and collegiate players, continually honing his skills in scouting and identifying traits that translate to the NBA.

Sports has instilled in me vital qualities such as self-discipline, accountability, relentless determination, goal-setting, and the ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These life skills have been instrumental in my professional journey. With over 15 years of experience in the world of professional sports and youth development, it is both a privilege and an honor to be part of the Sports and Leadership Academy family and to continue this incredible journey alongside everyone involved.

Gabriel Sekou Kromah Jr.

Gabriel had a tough childhood. His parents slipped in 1999 because of the hardships of the civil war that took place in Liberia. His father Gabriel Sekou Kromah Sr. was given an opportunity through his grandfather David M. Kromah to bring his family to America. So, his father took him, and his two sisters Gabrieline and Mayella Kromah from Liberia to bring them to the United States of America for a better life while temporarily leaving behind his mother Gail Mitchell Kromah, and younger brother David Kromah. For 9 years Gabriel was separated from his mother and tried to find something to fill the void. He came across the game of football at an early age, and that game changed his life forever. 

Football allowed Gabriel to further his education from Robbinsdale Cooper High School to Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN, playing two years and graduating with an Associate’s Degree. Graduating from Ridgewater College brought Gabriel another opportunity to take his talent to North Carolina playing at Wingate University in Wingate, NC. Where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree making him the first sibling to graduate from a university.

During his years at Wingate University Gabriel was tested both physically and mentally but holding on to God's words kept him going when things were shaky. When he got baptized, he decided to give his life to Jesus Christ and began to formulate a bible study on campus where he would teach students that were willing to learn about God. His passion for God was growing, and he moved back to Minnesota in 2017 and married his then-girlfriend Karina Onumah of four years in January 2018 on his birthday. 

Recently, as a young pastor in the church Gabriel was allowed to travel to Liberia in December 2020 for the first time since 1999 when he left as a young boy. His eyes were open to the hardships, the poverty, and the pain that many people were going through day after day. This experience and many other experiences in his life invoked him to work hard with his friend, his brother, and partner Frankie Miamen.