Zeeland East Welcomes Adrian Nichols as Varsity Sideline and Competitive Cheer Coach

Zeeland East is excited to announce that Adrian Nichols has accepted the role of Varsity Sideline and Competitive Cheer Coach! She takes over the program from Isabel Withrow, who has faithfully led the team for the past two years.

Coach Nichols brings a wealth of experience to Zeeland East. She served as the head coach at Hamilton from 2017 to 2020, where she helped lead the competitive cheer team to its first-ever regional appearance in 2018, followed by another regional appearance in 2019. She then took over the program at Thornapple Kellogg, guiding their program from 2020 to 2023. Under her leadership, the Trojans captured a conference and district title and finished fifth in the state in 2023. That same year, Coach Nichols was honored as the District Coach of the Year. Most recently, she contributed to the Hartland and Northview cheer programs as an assistant coach.

Beyond coaching, Coach Nichols is a registered MHSAA official and a mentor within the state cheer coaches association.  As a board member of cheer state coaches association (CCCAM), she also serves as the Scholarship Invitational Director.  

She and her family—husband Alex and twin daughters—live in Grandville and are eager to invest in the Zeeland East community.

Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Coach Nichols has the experience, integrity, and vision to elevate our cheer program. We are thrilled to have her lead and develop our student-athletes!

Coach Nichols shared her excitement about joining Zeeland East:
 "I’m excited to continue my coaching career at Zeeland East! My goal is to build a program that competes with the best in West Michigan, fosters a fierce team culture, and makes this program legendary. Let’s go, EAST!!"

Coach Nichols is eager to meet Zeeland East Cheer student-athletes and families.  There will be a meeting for student-athletes and families on April 16th at 6:00 in the back of the Zeeland East Cafeteria.   

GO CHIX!

Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Spring Lake High School

Zeeland East traveled to Spring Lake on Thursday to finish their 3-game OK Black series.  The Chix jumped out on top early scoring first with an infield single by Aidan Jaworoski, scoring Derek Baxter.  In the top of the 3rd, Derek Baxter delivered a huge three-run home run to extend the lead to 4-0.  The score would remain at 4-0 until the bottom of the 6th inning when Spring Lake strung together 3 hits a walk and a few ground outs to tie the score at 4.  Spring Lake would finish the job with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 7th to win by a score of 5-4.Zeeland East pitcher, Mason Raade hurled a gem for the Chix.  Raade pitched 5 scoreless innings, striking out 5 and allowing 4 hits.Quincy Thome led the way offensively with 3 hits in the game.  Zeeland East falls to 10-3 overall and 6-3 in conference play.  The Chix travel to Hudsonville on Saturday for their annual Eagle Invite tournament.  

ZE Tennis defeats Holland 7 matches to 1

The win moves the Chix to 1-0-1 in league play and 10-2-1 overall.Holland - 1, Zeeland East - 7,Singles:No. 1 - Ahava LeFebre, Holland def. Anna Steenwyk, Zeeland East, 6-0 , 6-3 , --- ;No. 2 - Taya Schanski , Zeeland East def. Kate Ferguson, Holland, 6-3 , 6-0 , --- ;No. 3 - ThyAn Kleikamp , Zeeland East def. Sydney McFarland, Holland, 6-4 , 2-6 , 6-0 ;No. 4 - Trinh Kleikamp, Zeeland East def. Abby Sanchez, Holland, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;Doubles:No. 1 - Kendyll Samora, Zeeland East - Keeley Boerman, Zeeland East def. Haleigh Souder, Holland - Evelyn Lewin, Holland, 6-1 , 6-4 , --- ;No. 2 - Elizabeth Rogovich, Zeeland East - Mahalia Vis, Zeeland East def. Kiernan Grigg, Holland - Amaya Hallacy, Holland, 6-4 , 6-0 , --- ;No. 3 - Pippa Boerman, Zeeland East - Olivia Grotenhuis , Zeeland East def. Lucy Green, Holland - Ally Valentine, Holland, 7-6 (5), 6-1 , --- ;No. 4 - Taylor Bouws, Zeeland East - Kasey Fisher, Zeeland East def. Amelia Chmura, Holland - Rilee Hoebbel, Holland, 6-4 , 6-1 , --- ;

Varsity Golf 7th at Zeeland West Jamboree

The East Varsity golf team finished 7th on Wednesday in the Zeeland West Jamboree held at Crestview.  Scoring for the Chix were Kolton Gentry, Reid Blondin, Tanner Treacy, and Zac Hopke.  The Chix will travel to Spring Lake Country Club on Monday for the Spring Lake jamboree.  

Zeeland Girls Water Polo falls to East Kentwood 12-6

Zeeland East girls water polo took the loss against East Kentwood 12-6. Zeeland East started the game down in the first quarter led by goalie Sr. Emily Pyle “We knew this would be a close game going into it and we played really well.” said Pyle. The Chix held their ground and pulled their deficit closer trailing only down one entering halftime. Entering the second half the Chix started to lose traction and would eventually fall to the Falcons. “We played a really competitive game, probably the best this season in terms of doing the little things right,” said Coach Zac Geschwendt on the loss.

Varsity Softball Rebounds to Split Doubleheader with Spring Lake

The East Varsity Softball Team split a double header with Spring Lake at home Tuesday night. The Chix lost the first game 5-17. They had a lead early but errors in the field led to the Spring Lake lead. Sr. Mackenzie Ruimveld went 2 for 3 at the plate to lead the Chix offensively during the first game.  The second game, the East girls won 9-5, Ruimveld went 3 for 3 with 3 RBI to get the win. Coach Julie Groenveld stated, “Our first game we struggled a little bit. We weren't getting our hits down. In the second game we really turned it around. Our defense and offense worked together and I thought it was a great turn around for the second game.”  Jr. Daveyana Phasavo added, “I think the first game we started very strong. The score was very close but we started falling apart but in the second game we did well with keeping our energy together. We got hits and made some adjustments and Kaylee did really good pitching and overall the girls did a really good job keeping us

Boys’ Volleyball Battles Back at Away Tri, Earns Win After Early Setback

Last night, the Boys’ Varsity Volleyball team lost their first game against the Hudsonville Eagles but turned things around and defeated the Kenowa Hills Knights in their second match of the Tri at Kenowa Hills High School. Despite dropping both sets to Hudsonville, with a close first set of 25-18 and a second at 25-15, the boys regrouped and took down the Knights. In reference to the matches of the night, Head Coach Linderman expressed, “We were down our libero, but our team made the adjustments. Hudsonville was a really good team, and they took it to us in the second set. The second match versus Kenowa was pretty big. Although we lost the first set, we came back and won the second set. This match went really well for us. It’s good to see the team stick together and finish positively.” The team lost the first set against Kenozwa with a score of 25-18. Powered by a long-serving streak from Fr. Andrew Colasanti,  the team took control and dominated the second set, winning 25-10. In

Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Spring Lake High School

Zeeland East dropped two games to Spring Lake on Tuesday by scores of 1-4 and 2-11.In game one, Derek Baxter was terrific on the mound throwing 5 and ⅓ innings, allowing only 1 earned runs on 3 hits while striking out 5.  Zeeland East took a 1-0 lead into the 6th inning but couldn't hold on for the win.Mason Raade led the way for Zeeland East offensively with 2 hits.  Max Mulder had a sacrifice fly in the 4th inning to put the Chix on top 1-0. Caden Hunderman and Quincy Thome each added a single.In game 2, the Chix once again jumped out to an early 2-1 lead after a Mason Raade solo home run in the second inning, but again couldn't hold the lead.  Max Mulder struck out 6 batters in 3 innings of work while allowing 3 hits and 5 walks.Ryan Kuzma had 2 hits in the game including a double and an RBI.Zeeland East drops to 10-2 on the season and 6-2 in the OK Black.  They travel to Spring Lake to finish the series on Thursday.

East Baseball Sweeps Doubleheader Over Holland

Zeeland East Baseball hosted a doubleheader against Holland, winning both games. The first game ended with a score of 12-5, and the second game with an 11-8. The Chix had a strong start in the first game when Jr. Ryan Kuzma hit a home run in the 2 inning. At the start of the second game, Holland scored first in the second inning, but the Chix tied it  3-3 at the top of the 3rd inning. Jr Cameron Jaworowski said, “Starting slow, having a tired game 3-3 in the 3rd inning, but coming into the 4th, we fell apart, allowing Holland to score 5 runs. Once we got the last out, our energy came back after scoring 8 runs, putting us in the lead,” Coach Matt Sattler said. “It felt pretty good in the first 5 innings of the first game. Being up 12-0, our guys hit the ball pretty well. Mason Raade was great on the mound; he threw a lot of strikes, keeping them off balance. But Holland crept back up, making us play a few more innings, which I didn’t love. All in all, this early in the year, they w

Zeeland East Varsity Soccer Loses to Unity Christian Soccer 0-2

The Zeeland East girls varsity soccer team was defeated by Unity Christian 0-2. Zeeland struggled to take possession of the ball throughout the game. 15-plus saves by Soph. Sophie Reese helped keep the game within two scores from Unity Christian. Jr. Nayeli Fomunung said, “We did our best, and I think we played pretty well and saw this was the first time we have been tested as a team. We haven't had much competition till now, so I think we did pretty good.” Furthermore, Coach Hunderman exclaimed, “I could not be prouder of my team. I think we left everything on the field. This was one of the first games where we were really tested and had to compete a lot, and it was a whole team effort, and yes, we didn't win, but I'm very proud of how we competed, so nothing bad to say.” 

Varsity Golf 7th at Holland Christian Jamboree

The East Varsity golf team finished 7th on Monday at Winding Creek in the OK Black Jamboree hosted by Holland Christian.  Kolton Gentry led the way for the Chix with a 41.  Tanner Treacy and Even Schuberg followed with a 46 and 47.  Reid Blondin added a 50.  The team will travel to Crestview on Wednesday for the Zeeland West Jamboree.

Chix Golfers Finish 21st at TK Invite

The Zeeland East Boys Varsity golf team traveled to Yankee Springs Golf Course on Friday, April 18th, for the TK Invite. Battling through the weather, the team finished 21st on the day. After an up and down performance, Sr. Tanner Treacy (who shot a 98n on the day) stated, “This wasn’t the best team or individual performance for us. I started off pretty slow, but was happy that I was able to pick it up towards the end.”  After the match Coach Doug Komejan commented “Friday was a tough day as the team had to wait out two rain delays.  I'm pleased with how the boys kept their focus and played much better toward the end of their rounds.” The Chix finished with a team score of 380, and Greenville won the match with a score of 313

Girls Varsity Water Polo Falls Short to Bulldogs

The combined Zeeland East and West girls varsity water polo team faced the Grand Haven Bulldogs on April 17th at 6:15 in Bulldog territory. The girls fought through the first two quarters to hold the Bulldogs under 16 points at half time. Head Coach Zac Geschwendt said, “We are a very young team this year and I think that was the first game that we played where we looked complete across the board.”  The girls worked as a team to continue fighting through the second half, but fell short ending the game 10-22. Geschwendt mentioned, “We didn't win the game but we played really well. It's a really good team so I was happy with how we played and how we are progressing.” Soph. Elise Linn stated, “I think the game went really well and we all interacted more and our chemistry has gotten way better even just over the first six games which is impressive for all of our new players and our brand new team.” The girls kept their heads high as they head into next week facing East Kentwood o

Varsity Soccer Beats Holland 2-0

Zeeland East Girls Varsity Soccer took the win against Holland Girls Varsity Soccer 2-0 at Holland Public Schools on April 17. Jr. Natalie Bailey said, “The game went well; we had a few hurt players, but we all collectively did a good job at stepping up, which helped us win 2-0.” All night long the Zeeland Girls Soccer team seemed to be in control at the game against Holland and came out with a win. Coach Gabrielle Hunderman said, “It was a good game. We had our moments where we could improve, and we broke down. At the end of the day, we connected a lot of passes, we played well as a team, and we have a couple out with concussions, so we had to switch a lot of people around and positions, and everyone stepped up, and our second goal proves to take your shot when you can, so I'm proud.” 

Varsity Golf 15th at Hamilton Invite

The East Varsity Golf team finished in 15th place on Saturday in the Hamilton Invitational held at Diamond Springs.  The team was led by Reid Blondin with an 86.  Kolton Gentry followed with an 89, Tanner Treacy had a 94 and Grady VanDyke a 99.  The team will complete in the Holland Christian league jamboree on Monday at Winding Creek.  

Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Whitehall Senior High School

Zeeland East swept a double-header on Saturday defeating Whitehall by scores of 11-0 (5 innings) and 11-1 (5 innings).In game 1, the Chix tallied 16 hits in the game.  Peyton Davis and Ryan Kuzma each had three hits in the game while Kuzma and Quincy Thome each added doubles.  Kuzma and Derek Baxter also supplied 3 RBIs in the game.  Max Mulder had a pair of hits and 2 RBI. Eli Nienhuis recorded the win on the mound going 4 innings allowing only 2 hits and striking out 5.  In game 2, Jailen Nesbitt led the way for the Chix.  He hurled 4 innings allowing just 2 hits, while striking out 8. Offensively, Ryan Kuzma had three more hits, a triple and 4 RBI in the game.  Quincy Thome also added 3 hits and Mason Raade added 2 hits and 2 RBI.  Zeeland East improves to 9-0 on the season.

ZE Girls Tennis defeats Jenison 3 to 2 4/18 and WINS the Portland Triple Duals on Saturday 4/19

In a rain shorted Friday event, the Chix got wins from ThyAn Kleikamp (3S), Trinh Kleikamp (4S), and Mahalia Vis/Maddy VanderZwaag (2D).  On Saturday, ZE travelled to Portland and defeated Portland 7 to 1; Northpointe Christian 7 to 1 and Cadillac 7 to 1.  Flight winners were Singles players Anna Steenwyk (1S), ThyAn Kleikamp (3S), Trinh Kleikamp (4S).  In doubles the Chix swept each flight.  Going undefeated on the day and collecting flight wins were:  Keeley Boerman/Kendyll Samora (1D), Mahalia Vis/Elizabeth Rogovich (2D), Pippa Boerman/Olivia Grotenhuis (3D) and Taylor Bouws/Natalie Veldheer (4D)The Chic are now 9-2-1 on the year. 

ZE Girls Tennis ties Spring Lake 4/17

ZE started the conference season with a hard fought 4 to 4 tie with Spring Lake.  Winning matches for the Chix were Anna Steenwyk (1S), ThyAn Kleikamp (3S), Trinh Kleikamp (4S) and Mahalia Vis/Elizabeth Rogovich (2D).  

Varsity Golf Competes at TK Invite

The East Varsity Golf team battled through two weather delays at the TK Invite on Friday held at Yankee Springs.  Scoring for the Chix were Kolton Gentry, Tanner Treacy, Evan Schuberg, and Aiden Bareng.  The team will travel to Diamond Springs on Saturday for the Hamilton Invite.  

Zeeland Volleyball Birds Dominate the Court in Tri-Match Sweep

On Thursday night, the Zeeland Boys’ Volleyball team defeated the Reeths-Puffer Rockets and the Covenant Christian Chargers in a home tri-match. Although the boys fell behind in both matches, the team showed how they played together as a team and made a comeback in both matches. When asked about the Puffer match, Head Coach, Chris Linderman expressed, “We started out really good in both sets, but we kind of fell apart in the middle of the sets. Thankfully, the team got back together towards the end and they played well.” In the match versus the Chargers, the boys won the first set by a score of 25-17 and the second set was a close 25-18 win. In response to this match, Linderman stated, “We were a little down in the first set, our ball control wasn’t the greatest, but in the second set, we got a lot better. We took advantage of things we saw on the other side of the court, which carried us over in to the second set. The team played with a lot of energy in the end.” Sr. Elliot

Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Holland High School

Zeeland East improved their conference record to 5-0 and overall record to 7-0 with a win over Holland on Thursday.  The Chix jumped out to a commanding 12-0 lead after a 3-run home run by Ryan Kuzma and a Grand slam by Max Mulder.Mason Raade was terrific on the mound in the win.  Raade went 4 and ⅔ innings allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits while striking out 6.Offensively, Cam Jaworowski had three hits while Quincy Thome, Ryan Kuzma, Mason Raade, Peyton Davis and Gavin Weighmink each had a pair of hits in the game.  In game 3, Zeeland East is leading in the 4th inning by a score of 11-8 but was stopped due to darkness.  Mason Raade hit a game-tying 3-run home run in the bottom of the 4th inning.