A Different Kind of Court
Mark Scharnberg, a 1997 graduate of Cedarville University, returned to his alma mater with a vision that extended far beyond the hardwood. He founded Iowa United, a basketball prep school that couples elite athletic training with a deliberate focus on character development and spiritual growth.
Living on the Iowa United campus with his wife Janet, Mark has created an environment where mentorship is woven into daily life. Their presence allows for genuine relationships to form, turning the program into something resembling an extended family for the student‑athletes.
The school competes in the EYBL Scholastic league, offering its players exposure to top‑level competition while they refine their skills. Coaches work intensively to prepare each athlete for the rigors of college basketball, but the curriculum also stresses personal growth, ethical decision‑making, and a deepening faith.
Beyond the Game
Graduates often speak of the program as a launching pad for both athletic and life ambitions, noting that the values instilled on the court echo into their futures. Mark hopes that this model will inspire a cycle of investment, where alumni give back to the next generation, ensuring that the impact of Iowa United reverberates far beyond the final buzzer.