Zeeland East is excited to announce that Adrian Nichols has accepted the role of Varsity Sideline and Competitive Cheer Coach! She takes over the program from Isabel Withrow, who has faithfully led the team for the past two years.

Coach Nichols brings a wealth of experience to Zeeland East. She served as the head coach at Hamilton from 2017 to 2020, where she helped lead the competitive cheer team to its first-ever regional appearance in 2018, followed by another regional appearance in 2019. She then took over the program at Thornapple Kellogg, guiding their program from 2020 to 2023. Under her leadership, the Trojans captured a conference and district title and finished fifth in the state in 2023. That same year, Coach Nichols was honored as the District Coach of the Year. Most recently, she contributed to the Hartland and Northview cheer programs as an assistant coach.

Beyond coaching, Coach Nichols is a registered MHSAA official and a mentor within the state cheer coaches association.  As a board member of cheer state coaches association (CCCAM), she also serves as the Scholarship Invitational Director.  

She and her family—husband Alex and twin daughters—live in Grandville and are eager to invest in the Zeeland East community.

Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Coach Nichols has the experience, integrity, and vision to elevate our cheer program. We are thrilled to have her lead and develop our student-athletes!

Coach Nichols shared her excitement about joining Zeeland East:
 "I’m excited to continue my coaching career at Zeeland East! My goal is to build a program that competes with the best in West Michigan, fosters a fierce team culture, and makes this program legendary. Let’s go, EAST!!"

Coach Nichols is eager to meet Zeeland East Cheer student-athletes and families.  There will be a meeting for student-athletes and families on April 16th at 6:00 in the back of the Zeeland East Cafeteria.   

GO CHIX!