The Zeeland Little League 11-and-under softball team advanced to the final four in the District 9 tournament, but was eliminated Monday with a pair of losses.
Zeeland dropped an 11-1 decision to Hudsonville, then lost 11-3 to Sparta in an elimination game. Both games were played at the Georgetown Little League complex.
In the first game, Hudsonville jumped on Zeeland for four runs in the first inning, then put the game away with a six-run third inning. Zeeland scored its only run in the fourth when Natalie Doornbos walked, advanced to second on a catcher’s interference call, took third on a passed ball and scored on a groundout by Lillian Fortney.
In the second game, Zeeland took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. A pair of walks sandwiched around a bunt single by Doornbos loaded the bases. Bria Schaap scored the first run on a passed ball.
Sparta tied the game with a run in the second, then took the lead for good with three runs in the fourth as they avenged a pool play loss to Zeeland from last week. Zeeland scored its final two runs in the fifth on RBI singles by Madelyn Oele and Olivia Rose.
Zeeland advanced in the district tournament by winning all three of its games in pool play last week.
On July 13, they defeated Sparta 6-3, scoring all six of their runs in the top of the first. Doornbos highlighted the rally with a two-run single.
Meanwhile, Kaylee Thomas shut down the Sparta bats, scattering seven hits and striking out nine in going the distance for the win. Thomas also went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead a 10-hit attack for Zeeland, while Doornbos and Oele added two hits apiece.
On July 14, Zeeland crushed West Ottawa 26-2, scoring 18 runs in the top of the first and going on to win by the run rule after three innings.
Zeeland pounded out 13 hits and also benefitted from 13 walks.
Thomas led the offense with another 3-for-3 performance, scoring four runs and driving in two. Louisa Travis went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Ava LaRosa knocked in three runs with a pair of hits, while Oele, Rose and Myla Nyenhuis had two RBIs apiece.
On July 15, Zeeland completed pool play by blanking Lowell 20-0, in another game shortened to three innings by the run rule.
Zeeland scored nine runs in the first inning and 11 more in the second in the runaway win. The team collected 14 hits and took advantage of 12 walks.
Nyenhuis went 3-for-3 in the game, including an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, and drove in four runs to lead the offense. Rose also went 3-for-3, including a double, and knocked in three runs. Thomas had two hits and two RBIs, and Lydia Kalajainen also knocked in a pair of runs.
Zeeland dropped an 11-1 decision to Hudsonville, then lost 11-3 to Sparta in an elimination game. Both games were played at the Georgetown Little League complex.
In the first game, Hudsonville jumped on Zeeland for four runs in the first inning, then put the game away with a six-run third inning. Zeeland scored its only run in the fourth when Natalie Doornbos walked, advanced to second on a catcher’s interference call, took third on a passed ball and scored on a groundout by Lillian Fortney.
In the second game, Zeeland took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. A pair of walks sandwiched around a bunt single by Doornbos loaded the bases. Bria Schaap scored the first run on a passed ball.
Sparta tied the game with a run in the second, then took the lead for good with three runs in the fourth as they avenged a pool play loss to Zeeland from last week. Zeeland scored its final two runs in the fifth on RBI singles by Madelyn Oele and Olivia Rose.
Zeeland advanced in the district tournament by winning all three of its games in pool play last week.
On July 13, they defeated Sparta 6-3, scoring all six of their runs in the top of the first. Doornbos highlighted the rally with a two-run single.
Meanwhile, Kaylee Thomas shut down the Sparta bats, scattering seven hits and striking out nine in going the distance for the win. Thomas also went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead a 10-hit attack for Zeeland, while Doornbos and Oele added two hits apiece.
On July 14, Zeeland crushed West Ottawa 26-2, scoring 18 runs in the top of the first and going on to win by the run rule after three innings.
Zeeland pounded out 13 hits and also benefitted from 13 walks.
Thomas led the offense with another 3-for-3 performance, scoring four runs and driving in two. Louisa Travis went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Ava LaRosa knocked in three runs with a pair of hits, while Oele, Rose and Myla Nyenhuis had two RBIs apiece.
On July 15, Zeeland completed pool play by blanking Lowell 20-0, in another game shortened to three innings by the run rule.
Zeeland scored nine runs in the first inning and 11 more in the second in the runaway win. The team collected 14 hits and took advantage of 12 walks.
Nyenhuis went 3-for-3 in the game, including an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, and drove in four runs to lead the offense. Rose also went 3-for-3, including a double, and knocked in three runs. Thomas had two hits and two RBIs, and Lydia Kalajainen also knocked in a pair of runs.
East Names Matzat Head Cheer Coach
Zeeland East High School has announced that Kelsey Matzat has been selected as its new head coach of both our sideline and competitive cheer programs.
For the past five years, Matzat has served as the head coach at Coopersville Middle School. During her tenure, she established the school's sideline cheer program, helped set new participation records, achieved record team scores, and developed athletes for continued success at the varsity level.
Beyond coaching, Matzat is actively involved in the cheer community through her role as an Account Manager with Rebel Athletic.
Prior to her time in Coopersville, Matzat coached with Champion Force Athletics, where she led teams to multiple national finals appearances, including four National Championships.
“Throughout the interview process and in conversations with those who have worked alongside her, Matzat's passion for cheerleading, commitment to excellence, and dedication to positively impacting young people were evident,” East Athletic Director Josh Glerum said in a social media post. “We are excited for her to build upon the positive momentum of our program and lead Zeeland East cheer into its next chapter.”
Matzat officially began her coaching responsibilities Monday, but got to meet her student-athletes last weekend at their camp.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to lead the Zeeland East cheerleading program,” Matzat said. “I can't wait to build meaningful relationships with our athletes while fostering a culture of hard work, accountability, and positivity. Together, we will continue growing a program that our school and community can be proud of.”
For the past five years, Matzat has served as the head coach at Coopersville Middle School. During her tenure, she established the school's sideline cheer program, helped set new participation records, achieved record team scores, and developed athletes for continued success at the varsity level.
Beyond coaching, Matzat is actively involved in the cheer community through her role as an Account Manager with Rebel Athletic.
Prior to her time in Coopersville, Matzat coached with Champion Force Athletics, where she led teams to multiple national finals appearances, including four National Championships.
“Throughout the interview process and in conversations with those who have worked alongside her, Matzat's passion for cheerleading, commitment to excellence, and dedication to positively impacting young people were evident,” East Athletic Director Josh Glerum said in a social media post. “We are excited for her to build upon the positive momentum of our program and lead Zeeland East cheer into its next chapter.”
Matzat officially began her coaching responsibilities Monday, but got to meet her student-athletes last weekend at their camp.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to lead the Zeeland East cheerleading program,” Matzat said. “I can't wait to build meaningful relationships with our athletes while fostering a culture of hard work, accountability, and positivity. Together, we will continue growing a program that our school and community can be proud of.”
Bryne-Dunn Named Interim MIAA Commissioner
The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Presidents' Council has named Lauren Bryne-Dunn as interim commissioner of the MIAA.
Bryne-Dunn, whose appointment was announced July 14, assumes the role following the departure of Jason Horn, who recently accepted the position of commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference. Details regarding the search for the MIAA's next commissioner will be announced in the near future.
“Lauren has earned this opportunity through her strong leadership, sound judgment, and dedicated service to the MIAA,” said Dr. Steven Corey of the University of Olivet, chair of the MIAA Presidents’ Council. “The Presidents’ Council is grateful for all she has contributed to the conference, and we have every confidence in her ability to lead the MIAA during this period of transition.”
Bryne-Dunn recently completed her sixth year with the MIAA and has served as the Association's associate commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator. Since joining the conference office in 2020, she has overseen numerous championship operations, sport administration responsibilities, governance initiatives, and student-athlete programming.
“I am incredibly honored to assume the role of Interim Commissioner during this time of transition,” Bryne-Dunn said. “The three commissioners I have had the privilege of working under — Penny Allen-Cook, Dr. Chris Brown, and Jason Horn — have each played a significant role in preparing me for this opportunity. I am especially grateful to the MIAA Presidents' Council, and its chair, Dr. Steven Corey, for placing their trust in me to lead the conference during this transition. I also want to thank my colleagues across the MIAA for the tremendous support they have shown me throughout the past several years. I look forward to continuing to serve our member institutions and student-athletes.”
Bryne-Dunn has established herself as an active leader on the national level through numerous leadership opportunities. She has been a member of the Division III Assistant Commissioners Group (D3ACG) since August 2020 and most recently served as second vice chair of its executive board during the 2025-26 academic year.
Over the past three years, Bryne-Dunn represented the MIAA on the NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Regional Advisory Committee, helping oversee the regional ranking process.
Founded in 1888, the MIAA is the oldest collegiate athletic conference in the United States. It has nine member institutions – Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin University, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, the University of Olivet, Saint Mary’s (Ind.) College and Trine (Ind.) University.
Bryne-Dunn, whose appointment was announced July 14, assumes the role following the departure of Jason Horn, who recently accepted the position of commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference. Details regarding the search for the MIAA's next commissioner will be announced in the near future.
“Lauren has earned this opportunity through her strong leadership, sound judgment, and dedicated service to the MIAA,” said Dr. Steven Corey of the University of Olivet, chair of the MIAA Presidents’ Council. “The Presidents’ Council is grateful for all she has contributed to the conference, and we have every confidence in her ability to lead the MIAA during this period of transition.”
Bryne-Dunn recently completed her sixth year with the MIAA and has served as the Association's associate commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator. Since joining the conference office in 2020, she has overseen numerous championship operations, sport administration responsibilities, governance initiatives, and student-athlete programming.
“I am incredibly honored to assume the role of Interim Commissioner during this time of transition,” Bryne-Dunn said. “The three commissioners I have had the privilege of working under — Penny Allen-Cook, Dr. Chris Brown, and Jason Horn — have each played a significant role in preparing me for this opportunity. I am especially grateful to the MIAA Presidents' Council, and its chair, Dr. Steven Corey, for placing their trust in me to lead the conference during this transition. I also want to thank my colleagues across the MIAA for the tremendous support they have shown me throughout the past several years. I look forward to continuing to serve our member institutions and student-athletes.”
Bryne-Dunn has established herself as an active leader on the national level through numerous leadership opportunities. She has been a member of the Division III Assistant Commissioners Group (D3ACG) since August 2020 and most recently served as second vice chair of its executive board during the 2025-26 academic year.
Over the past three years, Bryne-Dunn represented the MIAA on the NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Regional Advisory Committee, helping oversee the regional ranking process.
Founded in 1888, the MIAA is the oldest collegiate athletic conference in the United States. It has nine member institutions – Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin University, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, the University of Olivet, Saint Mary’s (Ind.) College and Trine (Ind.) University.
Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductee Class
The 2026 elected class for the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame has demonstrated sports excellence at the highest levels, and includes an impactful record-setting high school basketball coach, a former Mr. Basketball and collegiate standout, an NBA writer and broadcaster, a golfer who was dominant at multiple levels of the game, the winningest active coach in collegiate volleyball and a group of hockey enthusiasts who changed the face of the sport in West Michigan.
The honorees will be inducted in ceremonies at Van Andel Arena on Monday, Sept. 14. Ticket availability will be announced at a later date.
The new members of the Hall of Fame include:
• Mark Keeler coached 38 basketball seasons at Tri-unity Christian, including the first varsity team at the school, and retired in 2025 after 721 wins, the third most in state history. His teams won seven state championships, reached 16 semifinals, and won 20 regional, 27 district and 23 conference titles. He was the National Federation of High School Sports Coach of the Year in 2013.
• Drew Neitzel starred in basketball at Wyoming Park where he was named 2004 Mr. Basketball and a Parade All-American. He finished his high school career among the MHSAA all-time leaders in career points (No. 5 - 2,462) and assists (No. 2 - 692), and at Michigan State he earned All-American, Academic All-American and First Team All-Big Ten honors and was Team Captain and MVP in 2007 and 2008.
• Sekou Smith, a writer, television analyst and podcast host who covered the NBA for almost two decades will be inducted posthumously as the Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award winner. He was a Grand Rapids Central High graduate who also went to Grand Rapids Community College. He started his career in newspapers in Atlanta and Indianapolis, was a senior analyst for NBA Digital and hosted the Hang Time Podcast.
He died in January of 2021. He was 48.
• Stacy Snider dominated in high school golf at Grandville, including twice being named the Miss Golf, won the Michigan Women’s Amateur and was twice an All-Big Ten selection at Michigan State. She is the only women to have ever won the unique Michigan Tournament of Champions, and she played briefly on the LPGA Tour and coached college golf at Ohio State, Western Michigan and Davenport University.
• Amber Warners will be in her 26th year as a head women’s collegiate volleyball coach this fall, including 25 years at Calvin University. She has a 705-120 record for a winning percentage of .855, first among active NCAA Division III coaches. Her teams have won three national titles, and multiple conference tournaments and titles. She also coached softball for eight years at Calvin, and formerly coached volleyball at Holland Christian High School.
• The Kentwood Hockey and Skating Association will be inducted in the team category for its creation of a landmark hockey facility. With efforts from Kentwood hockey, skating parents, the city, private businesses, the school district, and many volunteers, the Kentwood Ice Arena broke ground in 1984. It did not involve or seek city or school district funding and led to the development of additional local arenas.
“It’s another incredible class that demonstrates achievement as athletes at the highest levels but also recognizes community involvement, coaching and media impact,” Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Mark Kimball said. “The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame is excited to recognize and honor them.”
The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame honors prominent West Michigan athletes and those who have contributed to sports on a local, state, or national level, and presents annual events in support of local youth organizations and charities. Plaques and video displays commemorate the members at Van Andel Arena. Currently the Hall of Fame has enshrined 182 individuals and 17 teams.
The newly elected members have been invited, and the public is welcome to play in the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Golf Classic, a scramble event on Monday, Aug. 17 at Thousand Oaks Golf Club. The event helps support youth sports through the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation. Sign up and learn more at grshof.com.
The honorees will be inducted in ceremonies at Van Andel Arena on Monday, Sept. 14. Ticket availability will be announced at a later date.
The new members of the Hall of Fame include:
• Mark Keeler coached 38 basketball seasons at Tri-unity Christian, including the first varsity team at the school, and retired in 2025 after 721 wins, the third most in state history. His teams won seven state championships, reached 16 semifinals, and won 20 regional, 27 district and 23 conference titles. He was the National Federation of High School Sports Coach of the Year in 2013.
• Drew Neitzel starred in basketball at Wyoming Park where he was named 2004 Mr. Basketball and a Parade All-American. He finished his high school career among the MHSAA all-time leaders in career points (No. 5 - 2,462) and assists (No. 2 - 692), and at Michigan State he earned All-American, Academic All-American and First Team All-Big Ten honors and was Team Captain and MVP in 2007 and 2008.
• Sekou Smith, a writer, television analyst and podcast host who covered the NBA for almost two decades will be inducted posthumously as the Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award winner. He was a Grand Rapids Central High graduate who also went to Grand Rapids Community College. He started his career in newspapers in Atlanta and Indianapolis, was a senior analyst for NBA Digital and hosted the Hang Time Podcast.
He died in January of 2021. He was 48.
• Stacy Snider dominated in high school golf at Grandville, including twice being named the Miss Golf, won the Michigan Women’s Amateur and was twice an All-Big Ten selection at Michigan State. She is the only women to have ever won the unique Michigan Tournament of Champions, and she played briefly on the LPGA Tour and coached college golf at Ohio State, Western Michigan and Davenport University.
• Amber Warners will be in her 26th year as a head women’s collegiate volleyball coach this fall, including 25 years at Calvin University. She has a 705-120 record for a winning percentage of .855, first among active NCAA Division III coaches. Her teams have won three national titles, and multiple conference tournaments and titles. She also coached softball for eight years at Calvin, and formerly coached volleyball at Holland Christian High School.
• The Kentwood Hockey and Skating Association will be inducted in the team category for its creation of a landmark hockey facility. With efforts from Kentwood hockey, skating parents, the city, private businesses, the school district, and many volunteers, the Kentwood Ice Arena broke ground in 1984. It did not involve or seek city or school district funding and led to the development of additional local arenas.
“It’s another incredible class that demonstrates achievement as athletes at the highest levels but also recognizes community involvement, coaching and media impact,” Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Mark Kimball said. “The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame is excited to recognize and honor them.”
The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame honors prominent West Michigan athletes and those who have contributed to sports on a local, state, or national level, and presents annual events in support of local youth organizations and charities. Plaques and video displays commemorate the members at Van Andel Arena. Currently the Hall of Fame has enshrined 182 individuals and 17 teams.
The newly elected members have been invited, and the public is welcome to play in the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Golf Classic, a scramble event on Monday, Aug. 17 at Thousand Oaks Golf Club. The event helps support youth sports through the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation. Sign up and learn more at grshof.com.
