EGRHS has followed a “Tradition of Excellence” when it comes to academics and athletics. In order to keep this tradition ongoing, it’s best to start enforcing these athletic norms to the younger generation. The Parks and Recreation Department offers sports for all four seasons of the year Adult Sports, Middle school sports, and Youth Sports. Multiple students at the highschool have taken it upon themselves to toughen up the younger EGR athletes by coaching sports.
Vv Lamange ‘24, Lilly Adloff ‘25, Zoe Sorota ‘25, Rylee Renker ‘26, and Kirra Freudigmann ‘25 all coach fifth and sixth grade volleyball teams.
“Coaching has been very fulfilling, I love my team and it’s been great to get to know each of the girls, ” Lamange ‘24 said.
Each coach is instructed to make a practice plan, and game rotations, and teach the fundamentals of the sport. The skills taught by the coaches are insightful and helpful for the girls who want to continue in their volleyball careers.
“It’s great to see the girls reach their goals and create a strong team bond. I’ve also really enjoyed coaching the team with my friend,” Renker said.
Overall, the Parks and Recreation department and these coaches have provided great opportunities for these younger athletes setting them up for success throughout their athletic careers.
Outside of the Parks and Rec department, high schoolers have extended to coaching for Pride Lacrosse, and skiing at Nubs Nob.
East Grand Rapids Pride Lacrosse has the same goals as the Parks and Rec sports; to encourage and support athleticism in the younger grades of EGR. This Spring Season, girls from first grade to eighth grade have the opportunity to improve their lacrosse skills through this program. Who better to coach these girls than elite athletes at the high school?
Lamange, Riley Padgett ‘24, Ellen Mundell ‘24, and Olivia Shaw ‘24, have all taken on the responsibility of coaching fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade lacrosse players.
“I’ve really enjoyed coaching Pride and getting to know all of the girls. It’s been super rewarding to see them improve,” Mundell said.
These Lacrosse players are the perfect coaches and great role models for the younger generation.
In other sports, Charlie Seufert ‘24 is finally putting his skills on the slopes to use. Most weekends Charlie drives up to Boyne Highlands and coaches children on how to perfect their skiing skills. Almost every skier has had to take a start-up lesson at some point. Who can forget the iconic “Pizza” and “French Frie” tips? The first lesson can make or break a new skier. Who better than Charlie to set up young skiers for success?
“Due to the fact that I mostly coach four to six-year-olds it is extremely rewarding seeing great improvements with first-time skiers,” Seufert said.
The next generation of athletes is in good hands. The children of EGR are receiving coaching from the best of the best and should expect great future athletic careers.
