Coaches

Lakewood Coaches

Coaches

Kellie Rowland is the longest tenured head coach at Lakewood. She coached the team from 1990-2002 and from 2009-Current. She currently holds a record of 837-135-8. Rowland holds the program very close to her heart and she lives and dies with every win and loss. She is the backbone of the program and when she left after the very successful 2002 season to watch her oldest son's high school athletic career the program almost fell into shambles before one of her long time assistants Jeff Duits took over midway through the 2003 season. Rowland believes in hard work and determination to achieve your goals and she puts those beliefs into her athletes every day. Kellie is often seen as crazy by many opponents because of her high intensity coaching style however the girls that have played for her adore her and many have become lifelong friends as she has organized many of their weddings with her husband and top assistant Clair. Kellie Rowland's ultimate goal for her program is to finally win a State Championship.

Kellie Rowland coaching in 2011 regional match

Jeff Duits took over midway through the near disastrous 2003 season after Don Nicholls was forced out by school officials. Jeff was able to savor the season a little bit by winning a District title. He then went on to hold a record of 140-37-3. Jeff only lasted for three years as head coach as he decided that being an active assistant is much more enjoyable for himself. Jeff is once again an assistant for Kellie Rowland.

Christine Grunewald was given the reigns to the Lakewood volleyball program in the summer of 2006. Little did she know this would become one of the most testing times for the Lakewood volleyball family. In October Christine lost two starters within a week of one another. Emily Macdonald blew out her knee playing basketball and four days later a tragic car accident took Emily Duits' life. The loss of Emily was a huge hit to all involved in the Lakewood volleyball family because Emily was not only Jeff's daughter but she had also been a manager for the team since she was in 4th grade. Christine however maintained her composure and decided to go ahead and coach the team. That first team of hers was very successful and she held the coaching position for 4 years. During that time Christine held a record of 193-54. Christine gave up her position to spend more time with her kids and she is now the head coach at East Grand Rapids High School where she lives.