Zeeland East volleyball coach steps down

Sara Mulder leaves coaching role to spend more time with family

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Sara DeWeerdt Mulder, the volleyball coach at Zeeland East High School, has announced her resignation from the position. Mulder, who previously played at Hamilton and led Hope College's team to the Final Four, cited a desire to spend more time with her growing family as the reason for her departure.

Why it matters

Mulder had been a fixture in the Zeeland East volleyball program for years, leading the team to success on the court. Her resignation marks the end of an era and will require the school to find a new coach to continue the program's winning tradition.

The details

After a successful playing career, Mulder began her coaching career at Zeeland East High School. During her tenure, she helped guide the team to multiple victories and established the program as a regional powerhouse. However, with a growing family, Mulder has decided to step away from the coaching role to focus more on her personal life.

  • Mulder announced her resignation on February 16, 2026.

The players

Sara DeWeerdt Mulder

The former volleyball player at Hamilton and coach at Zeeland East High School who is stepping down from her coaching role.

Zeeland East High School

The school where Mulder has been the volleyball coach for several years.

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What they’re saying

“The reason was solely to be with my kids more during this chapter of life,”

— Sara DeWeerdt Mulder, Zeeland East volleyball coach (wn.com)

The takeaway

Mulder's departure from the Zeeland East volleyball program marks the end of an era, as she had been a key figure in the team's success for many years. Her decision to step down and focus on her family highlights the challenges that coaches can face in balancing their professional and personal lives.