Ryan Van Zelst - Drew University Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1131

Ryan Van Zelst will enter his first season as the Men's Basketball Head Coach at Drew University in 2025-26. Most recently, Van Zelst held the post of associate head coach at Division II Millersville University during the 2024-25 campaign, when he helped Millersville to a 19-12 record.Van Zelst’s career includes head-coaching stops at both Cabrini University and Penn State Abington. He also served as the associate head coach at Landmark Conference rival University of Scranton, where he spent seven years with the Royals. He picked up additional Division III experience as an assistant coach at both York (Pa.) College and his alma mater, Albright College.In 2017, Van Zelst was named to the NABC 30 Under 30 Team, and he was a part of the NABC Mentor Circle Program in 2021. As a student-athlete, Van Zelst played three seasons at Albright and was a member of the 2010 team that captured the MAC Commonwealth Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament. On this episode Mike & Ryan discuss the importance of building relationships with players and fostering a sense of community within the team. Van Zelst emphasizes his commitment to transparency and enthusiasm, highlighting his desire to ensure that every athlete feels valued and understood as they navigate the challenges of a coaching transition. Additionally, he articulates his coaching philosophy, which prioritizes defensive discipline and ball movement, while also adapting strategies to suit the unique strengths of his players. As he embarks on this new chapter at Drew University, Van Zelst expresses his dedication to maintaining the program's competitive edge and instilling a culture of success and camaraderie.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Be prepared with a notebook and pen as you listen to this episode with Ryan Van Zelst, Men's Basketball Head Coach at Drew University.Website - https://drewrangers.com/sports/mens-basketballEmail - [email protected]/X - @coachryanvzVisit our Sponsors!Give With HoopsGive With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.D3 Direct Recruiting PlaybookHoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off!Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing.The Coaching PortfolioYour first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.Wealth4CoachesEmpowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/supportTwitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspodMike - @hdstarthoopsJason - @jsunkleInstagram@hoopheadspodFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ