Adam Steele (‘99) is a national track champion, Team USA athlete, community health leader  and proud Eagle Scout. During his years at Eden Prairie High School, Steele excelled in hockey, cross country and track & field — earning state titles in the 400-meter sprint, the 800-meter run and the 4x800-meter relay. Steele also earned the Scott Ryski Memorial Award for being outstanding male athlete and set a school record of 47.66 seconds in the 400-meter dash, which has held since 1999.

Recruited by the University of Minnesota, Steele became one of the most accomplished track athletes in the school’s history and the first to win an NCAA championship in a sprint event. His 44.57-second 400-meter dash win at the 2003 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships clocked in as the fastest in Gopher history and remains in the top ten times in NCAA history. Over his career, Steele became a seven-time All-American and six-time Big Ten champion, and he was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor for demonstrating excellence on and off the field. He led the Gophers to multiple All-American relay finishes and earned induction into the University of Minnesota M Club Hall of Fame in 2017. Steele also represented Team USA at the 2003 World Championships in Paris, running the 4x400-meter relay.

After completing a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master’s degree in applied kinesiology, Steele moved to Oregon and served as a police officer for ten years. Today, Steele and his wife Katie co-own a mental health clinic, providing support through a team of therapists and client care staff. In addition to their clinic, they founded the Athletes Mental Health Foundation, which focuses on advancing the mental wellness of athletes.

From the track to public service and community wellness, Steele continues to demonstrate the power of perseverance, leadership and purpose. Read more about his family’s legacy in the district’s Inspire magazine.

Photo provided by Adam Steele