It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Ann (Albrecht) Prince ‘91 has established herself as one of the top high school basketball coaches in Nebraska - she had a great teacher to learn from.

Midland University is recognizing Prince with the 2023 Alumni Achievement Award. Prince will be honored during the Alumni & Legacy Brunch Sunday, October 22 at the Wikert Event Center.

When Elkhorn North High School opened its doors in the fall of 2020, Prince became the school’s first girls basketball coach. In the three years since, Prince has guided the Wolves to three consecutive Class B state championships, posting an astounding 72-4 record along the way.

During her time at Midland, Prince was a four-year member of the Warriors’ women’s basketball team, playing under legendary coach Joanne Bracker. “Having Joanne Bracker as a coach and professor really prepared me for my future in education and coaching,” Prince said. “She was hands down one of the best coaches and teachers there was. She was organized, disciplined, structured, and had very high standards.”

Prince held Bracker in such high regard that she returned to the Warrior bench as an assistant coach, serving in that role for 14 years.

A physical education teacher at Grandview Middle School in the Elkhorn School District, Prince recalls many great experiences from her playing days. “My fondest memories are competing in the NAIA National Tournament in Jackson, Tennessee, and playing a playoff game in Havre, Montana before a sell out crowd,” she said. “I got to travel to so many states and see places like Disneyland, Disney World, and Daytona Beach. It was so great being around such amazing teammates and coaches.”

Her time at Midland helped shape Prince into the educator and coach she is today. “Midland prepared me for my future as a teacher and coach by providing me with a lot of meaningful, hands-on experiences, working with students both in the classroom and on the court,” she said. “We were able to get into the schools and observe and work with students to help prepare us for our student teaching experience. I was also able to coach at basketball camps during the summer and gain valuable experience while working with other high school coaches and athletes.”

Prince is grateful for the opportunities Midland presented for her, and for the people who played a part in making her the teacher and coach she is today. “It means so much to be recognized by Midland for this award,” she said. “I have so many fond memories of Midland, and I’m forever grateful to all the people who dedicated their time to me, especially Joanne and Leon Bracker (assistant coach), as well as the instructors in the Physical Education Department.

“I feel very blessed that I had so many outstanding experiences and met some of my very best friends while attending Midland. It has had a huge impact on my life and helped shape me into the person that I am.”