The Hesse Foundation is dedicated to uplifting youth in the Siouxland community while partnering with other local nonprofits that have a parallel mission.
At the Hesse Foundation, we believe that keeping kids active and involved in sports accomplishes much more than just an opportunity to play a game, it teaches life skills that set kids up for future success.
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The Arena Sports Academy
The Arena Sports Academy seeks to develop Siouxland youth athletes both physically and mentally with the goal of building character, creating team players and enriching our community through the values of athletics.
Team
Mike Hesse
Most days, you can find Mike, the CEO and Chairman of Hesse Enterprises, on the Arena court, but he’s not just hitting buckets; he’s a man on a mission: growing the five successful businesses that make up the Hesse Enterprises Family. (Automatic Equipment, Blue Ox Products, Mad Ramps, Caicos Dream Tours, and The Arena Sports Academy) That success allows Mike and the Hesse Family to give back to his hometown through the Hesse Foundation.
Dustin Cooper
“Coach Cooper” as he is mostly known, defines his favorite hashtag as #HomeTeam. As the Director of The Arena Sports Academy, Dustin works day in and day out to connect the missions of the Hesse Foundation and the Arena, elevating athletics for the Siouxland community and youth. A native of Sioux City and longtime athlete, Coach Cooper, creates beneficial partnerships lifting Sioux City as a rival to larger established sporting communities.
Gretchen Cooper
There isn’t enough time in the day when you run your own law firm, head up the Arena Dance Academy, and serve as President of the Junior League of Sioux City. Gretchen manages it all while keeping Coach Cooper and the rest of the Cooper Team in step. Gretchen brings a wealth of legal and volunteer experience to the Hesse Foundation. As a Sioux City native, she makes use of every last minute to help the Hesse Foundation flourish.
"We are going to transform Siouxland sports. We are going to
compete at that next level. Through the development of local
partnerships we continue to build investment in our youth."
— Mike Hesse
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