Jeff Donehoo was Captain and Team President for 3 seasons with the Lakers.

Jeff Donehoo is Grand Valley Water Polo. From on of its founding members to its first president to its first captain to its first assistant coach Jeff did more than any other person to make GVSU a club every member could be proud of. Most beginning clubs on the collegiate level struggle to make an impact because of disorganization and lack of leadership. Jeff's leadership and willingness to put himself out there assured that GVSU would not be one of those clubs. Jeff was singlehandedly responsible for bringing in the teams first coach, Matt Skavnak. Said Skavnak, "Jeff is one of the finest individuals that GVSU Water Polo has had and is ever likely to have. Without Jeff, GVSU would be just a disorganized group of guys who think about polo once a year and don't accomplish anything. Jeff's vision for GVSU was so much more and he did EVERYTHING to make sure that the team got everything they could ask for. Every player past and present should thank Jeff for giving them the opportunity to play at Grand Valley."

As a player Jeff was the total team player. He could play every position for the Lakers and while not outstanding at any aspect of the game, he was solid at everything. Jeff only cared about winning and was willing to do whatever he could to help out. No single moment emphasized his importance to the team then during the Midwest Conference Championships in GVSU's inagural season then a game against Akron. Jeff was injured in the first half and wasn't able to compete. The team had a lot of difficulty containing the Zips offense and the GVSU offense wasn't accomplishing much. Down a couple of

goals upon his return the the game, Jeff immediately recognized the "Scottish" goalies weakness against lobs and promply scored 2 lobs from outside 7 meters. This lead to 3 more lob goals and a tough fought victory. This just illustrated Jeff's knowledge of the game, leadership, and skill that made him such a successful player. Said his former coach, "Jeff bore the brunt of criticism in practice from me, but he never backed down, never got down on himself or his teammates, and continued to do the best he could. If I could start a team anywhere at anytime with any players, Jeff would always make that team."

As a coach and president Jeff's vision help move Grand Valley farther and farther from a "new" team to a powerful team. Things like sitting through budget meetings, getting funding for trips, getting coaches paid, getting new equipment, and organizing fund raisers helped continue the growth of the team. Jeff's tireless work and continuous energy can be directly linked to the success of the team. Jeff, nicknamed "The Godfather", was an easy choice for the first Hall of Fame Class for Grand Valley Water Polo.