March 25, 2019 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball coach Luke Bronkema is leaving the post after three successful seasons to focus on his family and career outside of basketball.
Bronkema, who guided the Raiders to three straight 20-win seasons, was recently promoted to associate executive director of the David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids.
"Family comes first, and my promotion, work and coaching was making family life more difficult to manage,” he said. “While I'm sad to leave the program, players and staff, I am excited to spend more quality time with my wife, Becky, and my two young daughters. I'm proud of what we accomplished over the past three years, and the program is in a great place right now."
Bronkema was named the NJCAA District 9 Coach of the Year his first two seasons and the Western Conference Coach of the Year in 2018-2019.
During his tenure as head coach, the Raiders went 72-32 overall and 38-16 in conference play, posting an almost 70 percent win percentage. The team twice participated in the National Tournament, finishing sixth and eighth in the country, respectively.
“Coach Bronkema has accomplished so much in his time here at GRCC and he will be missed,” GRCC Athletic Director Bill Firn said. “I’m thankful to his family for sacrificing time with him in order for Luke to pursue his dream of being a head basketball coach. I have no doubt in my mind that Luke will be successful in any career he chooses to pursue.”
Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.