Men's basketball adds Zeldenrust as assistant coach

BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - Bryn Athyn College men's basketball head coach Sean Westerlund announced the addition of Jim Zeldenrust to his staff on Tuesday morning.  

"It has been critical to our process to value people who value people," said Westerlund. "That starts with our staff. Coach Z exemplifies that quality, and will help us grow and get better."

Prior to joining the hunt, Coach Zeldenrust enjoyed 4 years as an assistant men's basketball coach at Delaware Valley University.  Coach Z assisted in all aspects of the program with a focus on scouting, film analysis, practice, game prep, recruiting, and player development. While with the Aggies, the team qualified for the MAC Freedom playoffs twice, was named coaching staff of the year once and finished runner up another year. The teams also won in the classroom.  With 12 winter academic honor roll recipients, the 2019-20 team posted the highest team GPA in program history in his last season with the program. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and a growing family, Coach Zeldenrust spent the last year at home raising his son while his wife continued teaching, and in June they were blessed with a baby girl.

In addition to coaching the DelVal Aggies, Coach Zeldenrust spent twelve years at Plumstead Christian high school, where he served in multiple roles: eight years as a high school history teacher, eight years as varsity boys basketball and soccer head coach and one year as the head varsity boys tennis coach. He spent his last six years as Director of Athletics at Plumstead. During his time as athletic director and coach, Plumstead teams made school history. Coach Z transformed the basketball program and under his leadership, it became a yearly district playoff qualifier and eventually went on to qualify for state playoffs for the first time ever. Zeldenrust is an alum of Dordt University (IA) and holds a Masters degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University- Irvine (CA).

"Coach Z shined in the interview process with his attention to details and intentionality in connecting," said Westerlund. "In our program, we say connection is the greatest gift we've ever been given. Jim lives that each and every day. He is really passionate about people and helping them maximize their potential. He is someone who seeks to bring value to others. I'm fired up for the opportunity to build and work with him."

Zeldenrust joins a staff that brings back assistant coaches Okoye Taylor '20 and Kyle Bonner. Taylor enters year two on staff, and has stepped into the recruiting coordinator role with the departure of former assistant Dwayne Felder. Bonner will start year three with the program, and has taken on a bigger role within scouting and operations. 

"I am excited to have Coach Taylor and Coach Bonner back for another season," Westerlund stated. "Both are fiercely loyal and have continued to grow as coaches. Coach Taylor has done an amazing job connecting with our recruits and forging relationships with coaches and programs in the area. He will thrive in the role of recruiting coordinator. Coach Bonner has shown a knack for attention to detail. He has done a tremendous job in scouting. Adding Coach Z to this dynamic will only make us better. We look forward to serving and impacting our young men and the community."