Zach Holsman Named Thunderhawks Basketball Coach
The veteran leader takes the helm for the Grand Rapids high school basketball program.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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Zach Holsman has been appointed as the new varsity head coach for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. He replaces former head coach Chad Persons as the team prepares for the upcoming winter season.
Why it matters
The transition in leadership comes following a successful previous campaign where the team secured 24 wins and an appearance in the Class 3A State Tournament.
The varsity basketball team finished their summer schedule with an 11-contest record of 7-4. This follows a high-performing previous season that saw the team win 24 games and advance to the Class 3A State Tournament.
The players
Zach Holsman
He is the newly appointed varsity head basketball coach for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.
Chad Persons
He previously served as the head varsity basketball coach for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.
The details
The program saw significant growth in student interest, with the weekly Skills Academy expanding from 40 to 120 participants over the past year. High school athletes contributed to the development of youth campers, who met four days a week during the summer training sessions.
Timeline
Early June 2026: Youth basketball camp was held with 99 participants.
June and July 2026: The Skills Academy hosted over 120 students.
December 2026: The upcoming basketball season is scheduled to tip off.
Season Trajectory
The coaching change occurs as the Thunderhawks look to build upon their successful run at the Class 3A State Tournament. This transition sets the tone for the program's efforts to remain a dominant force within the Section 7AAA standings.
Fans and followers of the program should monitor the official schedule for the December tip-off. The increased participation rates in the youth and academy programs suggest a deeper talent pipeline for the team's future roster depth.
The takeaway
The rapid expansion of the summer Skills Academy highlights a growing community engagement with the school's sports program. Consistent leadership and youth development remain key factors in maintaining the team's recent high-win performance levels.
Further reading
For more information on local sports updates, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
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