Braden Meints

A versatile athlete and three-year letterwinner at Simpson College, he made an impact in multiple roles, earning IIAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in 2015. As a junior in 2016, he started all 10 games as a hybrid receiver, running back, and fullback, leading the team with five total touchdowns. He rushed for 124 yards on 40 carries and added 65 receiving yards, highlighted by a standout performance against Buena Vista with 73 rushing yards and a touchdown. The previous season, he was named the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year as the starting punter, averaging 35.9 yards per punt with multiple kicks over 50 yards, while also contributing as a receiver and returner. As a freshman, he primarily played on special teams, appearing in six games and averaging a team-best 30.5 yards per kickoff return. Known for his versatility, he earned the nickname “Swiss Army Knife” for his ability to contribute in all phases of the game.

A 2014 graduate of Garner-Hayfield/Ventura High School, he was a multi-sport standout in football, baseball, track, and basketball. In football, he rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior, earning third team all-state honors and multiple all-district and all-conference selections while setting several kicking records. He also excelled in baseball as a first team all-conference player and competed at the state level in track, both in hurdles and high jump, lettering all four years. In basketball, he earned all-conference recognition and set school records in three-point shooting while leading his team in multiple statistical categories. After his playing career, he spent time as a high school football coach for the Ridge View Raptors and competed for multiple seasons with the Sioux City Bandits, continuing to showcase his all-around athletic ability. He now serves as a varsity football coach at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, bringing his experience and versatility back to his alma mater.