Holland, MI – West Ottawa Public Schools is thrilled to announce Kelly Wandel as the new Head Women’s Varsity Basketball Coach. Coach Wandel brings a wealth of experience, a passion for player development, and a deep commitment to community engagement, making her the perfect fit to lead the Panthers’ women’s basketball program. “As we moved through the process it was clear that Kelly possesses the skills and experience to lead our program”, said Athletic Director Bill Kennedy. Kelly Wandel has an extensive background in both coaching and education. Raised in Saginaw, Michigan, she excelled in multiple sports at Swan Valley High School, earning varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, track, and softball. Her academic and athletic excellence continued at Grand Valley State University, where she played collegiate basketball while earning her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science in 2004. Coach Wandel transitioned into coaching at Davenport University, where she served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. She played an integral role in the team’s success, contributing to seven consecutive Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Regular Season and Tournament Championships. The team also reached a National Runner-Up finish in the 2010-11 season and appeared in the NAIA Division II Final Four in 2013 and 2014. During her tenure, Coach Wandel also served as interim head coach, providing stability and leadership during a coaching transition. Her experience coaching at the collegiate level laid the foundation for her future success as a mentor and leader. Though Coach Wandel stepped away from collegiate coaching, her impact on the community has remained strong. She has dedicated the past five years to youth basketball and volleyball development in the West Ottawa community. Through her leadership, she has helped build skills, foster teamwork, and instill leadership qualities in young athletes. Coach Wandel’s commitment to student-athlete development and community service aligns with her vision for the women’s basketball program at West Ottawa. In her new role as Head Women’s Varsity Basketball Coach, Kelly Wandel is focused on building a program centered on discipline, teamwork, academic excellence, and leadership development. She aims to create a culture of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth, ensuring that student-athletes thrive on the court, in the classroom, and in their future careers. “I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to work with the talented student-athletes at West Ottawa,” said Coach Wandel. “My goal is to help develop well-rounded athletes who will excel both in basketball and in life. I look forward to working with the team, the school, and the community to build a program that we can all be proud of.” Coach Wandel and her family are proud members of the West Michigan community. She lives in the area with her husband, Bob Wandel, who works at the Outdoor Discovery Center and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. Their daughters, Ellie and Riley, attend Harbor Lights Middle School. Coach Wandel is excited about her new role and eager to lead the next generation of West Ottawa student-athletes with enthusiasm, passion, and a commitment to excellence.