Solon Basketball's Tate McCollum Finds Home as Spartan

Junior leads Spartans to dominant season after moving from Waukee Northwest

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Junior Tate McCollum has found a home with the Solon High School basketball team after moving from Waukee Northwest. McCollum, the son of new Iowa head coach Ben McCollum, leads the Spartans in scoring and three-pointers made as they head into the postseason ranked 11th in Class 3A. The move to Solon has provided McCollum with more freedom and confidence to play his game, after struggling for playing time at Waukee Northwest.

Why it matters

Tate McCollum's move to Solon has been a win-win for both the player and the team. For McCollum, it has provided stability and an opportunity to shine after bouncing between high schools the past few years. For Solon, McCollum has been a key piece in their most dominant season in a decade, helping the Spartans to a WaMaC conference championship.

The details

After attending Maryville High School in Missouri as a freshman and Waukee Northwest in Iowa as a sophomore, Tate McCollum transferred to Solon High School this year following his father Ben's hiring as the new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes. At Solon, head coach Jared Galpin has given McCollum more freedom to play his game, and the junior has responded by leading the team in scoring (20.1 ppg) and three-pointers made (91).

  • Tate McCollum attended Maryville High School as a freshman.
  • Tate McCollum played at Waukee Northwest as a sophomore.
  • Tate McCollum transferred to Solon High School for his junior year.
  • Solon finished the regular season as WaMaC conference champions.

The players

Tate McCollum

A junior at Solon High School who leads the team in scoring (20.1 ppg) and three-pointers made (91).

Ben McCollum

Tate's father, the new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team.

Jared Galpin

The head coach of the Solon High School basketball team.

Peyton McCollum

Tate's brother, who played with him at Maryville High School.

Brett Watson

The former head coach of the Waukee Northwest basketball team, where Tate played as a sophomore.

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What they’re saying

“When he's looking to score, we're a better team.”

— Jared Galpin, Solon head coach (soloneconomist.com)

“I try not to think about it, I just try to be Tate McCollum.”

— Tate McCollum (soloneconomist.com)

“He has a high level of understanding of the game of basketball, but also just in life in general. He's just a very high character kid.”

— Brett Watson, Former Waukee Northwest head coach (soloneconomist.com)

“Galpin gives me a lot of confidence and just lets me make plays.”

— Tate McCollum (soloneconomist.com)

“When you get to the championship, you don't want to lose. Now I know what it feels like to be on the losing side, and I didn't like it.”

— Tate McCollum (soloneconomist.com)

What’s next

Tate McCollum and the Solon Spartans will look to make a deep run in the Class 3A state tournament, seeking redemption after falling short last season.

The takeaway

Tate McCollum's move to Solon has provided him the stability and freedom to thrive, showcasing his talent and leading the Spartans to their most successful season in years. His journey highlights the challenges faced by high school athletes whose parents are college coaches, but also the potential rewards when they find the right fit.