VanDenBosch, Al (2022)

Coach Al VanDenBosch, a graduate of Holland Christian High School and Calvin College, was at the helm of the GRCH girls basketball program from 1989 to 2009.  During those 20 years, his teams won 79% of their games, with an overall record of 375-99.

Al’s teams experienced much success in league play, both in the City League and OK White Conference.  His teams won 12 conference titles (including seven consecutively), and three runner-up titles. Year after year GRCH was considered one of the dominant teams in the area. 

Things often got exciting for the Eagles in postseason play.  In Class A, the Eagles won 13 district championships, 6 regional titles, 3 quarterfinal games, and a state championship in 1997.

Coach VanDenBosch was honored as the Regional Coach of the year three times and named Class A State Coach of the Year in 1997.

Al enjoyed watching talented players come up through the system.  He ran basketball camps in the summer for girls (and boys) in 4th-12th grades, and clinics in the fall for the younger players.  He often used his current high school players as role models/coaches and built the program from the ground up. Many players credit Coach VanDenBosch for teaching them the fundamentals of the game and inspiring a strong work ethic on the court. 

Al was instrumental in developing a successful basketball program at GRCH for two decades.  This success was enjoyed on all three levels - Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman. All three teams dominated the area and were always highly regarded.

Over the years Al had the privilege of coaching many outstanding players.  Ten girls went on to play Division I basketball, four played Division II, and nine continued playing at the Division III level.  Several of his former players became high school coaches themselves.   One of Al’s greatest joys was coaching his three daughters, Jennifer Hoekstra, Tanya VanderArk, and Mandy Boelter. 

Coach VanDenBosch’s former players describe him as passionate about the game.  Watching the girls develop their skills and succeed on the court gave Al great satisfaction.  He encouraged his players to perform at the highest level possible and always had high expectations for them.  That is one reason the Eagles were a force to be reckoned with for so many years.

In addition to coaching at the high school, Al was the Athletic Director, PE teacher, history teacher, and Director of Intramurals at West Side Christian School for 35 years.  He also coached and officiated middle school baseball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, track and field, tennis, swimming, and of course, basketball.  Al also officiated high school basketball and softball.  He retired in 2012.  

Al and his wife, Jane, have three daughters and eight grandchildren.  He is enjoying retirement and the freedom it allows him to “do what I want, when I want.”

Al’s Favorite Scripture: Joshua 24:15
Choose for yourselves whom you will serve…
but for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.