Zandee, Ken (2014)

Ken Zandee graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1955 and Calvin College in 1957. He began teaching at Christian High in 1959.

Coach Zandee’s accomplishments include a 27-4 record as the boys swim coach from 1961-1964, including 2 city league titles. In 1963, he coached the cross country team to a 7-1 record. He coached basketball from 1964-65 to 1983-84 and compiled a 252-181 record with 1 city league, 5 district, and 3 regional titles. He is most well-known for his tennis acumen, with a 381-36 record coaching boys tennis from 63-64 to 1983-84, earning 22 city league titles and 4 regional titles. In girls tennis, his record is 195-16 from 1984-85 to 1999-2000 which includes 12 city league titles, 2 regional titles and a state runner-up finish in 1988.

Coach Zandee’s peers have recognized him many times as regional Coach of the Year and in 1987 as the MHSCA BTE Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the MHS Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993.

Coach Zandee’s combined varsity wins totaling 862 across 5 sports is impressive but his true legacy will remain in hearts of the many students he impacted with his wisdom, kindness and mentorship.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.”   Proverbs 3: 5-6