Milestones and Mentorship: A Family's Journey to 1,000 Wins

ORANGE CITY, Iowa - In the world of sports, reaching milestone victories is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion coaches pour into their craft.

For Red Raider volleyball head coach Kyle Van Den Bosch and his father, Tom, these achievements have been a family affair, as they have now combined for 1,000 career coaching victories.

Tom was the head coach at Dordt College from 1997 to 2010, while Kyle is currently in his 19th season as the head coach at Northwestern. While coaching at Dordt, Tom compiled 464 wins, becoming the GPAC's all-time winningest coach. Kyle now sits atop the conference's wins list, entering the NAIA tournament with 555 wins.

Watching his father coach for 25 years at the high school level, Kyle developed a love for the game and a deep appreciation for the art of coaching.

"I started to see how dad would communicate to the players and how kind and considerate he was to them," said Kyle. "He's had a big influence on how I started my coaching career."

A CROSSROADS
As Kyle progressed in his own coaching career, he reached a pivotal moment where he had to decide his future. At the time, he was seven or eight years into his role as a middle school PE teacher and coach, and he felt a crossroads approaching.

That's when the Northwestern College volleyball position opened up.

Kyle had heartfelt conversations with his father and his wife, exploring whether this opportunity would be a good fit for him.

It turned out to be a match made in heaven.

"I have a passion for Christ and a passion for the game of volleyball, and it just seemed to fit really well here at Northwestern College," the Raider head coach said.

A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
The father-son duo's combined 1,000 wins are a reflection of their commitment to the game and the countless athletes they've had the privilege to coach.

When asked about this milestone, Kyle humbly acknowledged that he hadn't really thought about it in those terms. Together, he and his father have coached at the collegiate level for 35 years, and in that time, they've had the pleasure of working with some truly exceptional teams and players.

"You put those 35 years together with some awesome teams, you know, those [milestones] start to pile up," said Kyle.

THE ROAD AHEAD
While the 1,000-win milestone is a remarkable achievement, Kyle remains focused on the road ahead. He continues to bring passion and excitement to his coaching, helping players improve their skills and fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

His father's influence is evident in every aspect of his coaching style, from his communication with players to his dedication to creating a positive and enjoyable experience for his teams.

For Kyle, coaching is more than just a profession – it's a calling. It's about being part of something bigger than himself, helping athletes grow both on and off the court, and leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the win column.

You can find the Raiders on their home court for the final time of the year this Saturday, as they host Dillard (La.) in the NAIA Opening Round.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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