ANCASTER, Ont. - After an extensive summer search, the Redeemer Royals have appointed Jesse VanHouwelingen as the women's basketball program's eighth head coach. VanHouwelingen will take the reigns immediately as the team prepares for the start of the 2018-19 varsity season.

Redeemer's Athletic Director, Dave Mantel, was impressed with Jesse's leadership skills, commitment, and passion that ultimately landed him the head coach role. "Jesse stood out to us through the hiring process as a terrific leader," commented Mantel. "We were excited to hear about his vision for the program, his passion to develop others as well as himself, and to hear how closely his values align with our values here at Redeemer."

VanHouwelingen is no stranger to Redeemer, having played for the Royals men's basketball program from 2001-03. Over the two seasons, he played in 23 total games for the red and white.

Jesse comes to Redeemer with five years of coaching experience and over 15 years of being in the sport, proving he is ready to take the next step. "We are confident that his leadership will lead us to achieve great things in years to come," says Mantel.

Jesse will assume the head coach duties immediately and is ready to get the training camp and pre-season underway. "I can't wait to get the team together in the gym," commented VanHouwelingen. "I look forward to meeting the team and having everyone together so we can begin talking about and developing our goals for the upcoming season."

An early challenge for VanHouwelingen will be to try and get over the playoff hump and advance to and OCAA provincial championship. The program has played in three playoff games in its history, losing all three and falling just short of the provincial championship event. Last season, the women's team fell to the No. 2-ranked Seneca Sting by four points in the OCAA crossover round.

The program saw significant growth while under the leadership of former head coach Rob Hooper. Hooper put in a tremendous amount of work and time and was committed to building the program and mentoring young people. Jesse will now take over, looking to build on what Hooper has put in place.

"I hope to continue to build this program and continue to take it further. I can't wait to come in and help foster the culture that Redeemer is known for across the province. If I can help our student-athletes grow as people and grow as basketball players than I have succeeded."

The Royals open their season on the road on Oct. 19 at Niagara College in Welland, Ont.

Source: Redeemer Royals