Elmhurst Men’s Basketball and head coach John Baines announced the addition of Jonathan Zapinski to the Bluejay coaching staff.
Zapinski, ’24, was a three-year team captain as a player with the Bluejays, helping lead the program to a combined record of 99-31 and three CCIW Tournament titles during his time in an Elmhurst uniform.
“We couldn’t be more ecstatic to be bringing Jonathan back to his alma mater,” said Baines. “As a player, Jonathan became our all-time blocked shots leader and captained some of the best teams ever to play here. He developed immensely as a player over his career, and I can envision the same happening as a coach.”
After graduation, Zapinski gained valuable coaching experience on the AAU circuit before entering the college ranks as a graduate assistant at the University of Dallas last season.
“Jonathan gained valuable experience working at University of Dallas these past years,” added Baines. [University of Dallas Head Coach Matt] Grahn raved about his ability and I got to see his maturation in-person while he became the Assistant Coach of the Year during the Jay Bilas Camp. He is truly one of the biggest young risers in this profession.”
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Jonathan join our diverse staff. Shane Miller has incredibly energetic personality, Melissa Schwab is a developmental wizard, and Joe Griffin provides a bright, veteran voice on our bench. We plan on finalizing the other areas of our staff in the coming months. If you are a high-level Division III player, you aren’t going to get this level of coaching and attention to detail at many other places.”
