Trinity Welcomes Golf Coach Jensen and Interim Women's Basketball Coach DeRuiter

Head Coach of the Golf Program

Damon Jensen has been named the new head coach of the golf program at Trinity Christian College.  Jensen will direct both the men’s team that enters its sixth season and the women’s team that made its debut as a varsity program a year ago.

“We are pleased to add Damon to our staff as the new head golf coach,” said Athletics Director Bill Schepel. “With his experience from his years as the men’s coach at Olivet Nazarene University and his own playing career, he will serve our teams well as the programs continue to develop.”

For the past four years Jensen was the head men’s golf coach at Olivet Nazarene University and he served as an assistant to their program for three years prior to taking over. At Olivet, he led a successful program as well as hosted multiple tournaments.  In addition, Jensen has been active as a private lesson instructor to golfers of all ages for nearly three decades.

As a competitor, Jensen has won numerous tournaments and club championships. He has qualified three times for the State Amateur Championships and three times for the Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championships.  He is a member of the United States Golf Association and the Chicago District Golf Association.

Jensen earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University in 1993 and an advanced degree in law enforcement from Northwestern University in 2005.

Interim Women’s Basketball Coach

The Athletics Department of Trinity Christian College has named Bill DeRuiter as the interim head coach of the women’s basketball team.  DeRuiter, who served as the program’s assistant coach last season, will fill the vacancy left upon Kurt Gruppen’s resignation from the position in July.

“I am very grateful that Bill has consented to step in and serve as our interim head coach this year,” said Athletics Director Bill Schepel. “His familiarity with Trinity and with the team will make him an asset to the program and allow for a smooth transition for the players.”

DeRuiter gained experience with the women’s basketball program and the team members as the assistant coach last year.  During the season he was active in all aspects of the program, including practice planning, scouting, game strategy, and recruiting. In addition he took care of many of the administrative duties.

“I am very excited and blessed to have this opportunity,” commented DeRuiter. “The women on the team are dedicated student-athletes. I am thrilled to be able to coach them and look forward to continuing their growth on and off the court.”

Previous to joining Trinity’s coaching staff, DeRuiter also coached various sports at the high school level. He assisted the boys’ basketball, baseball, and football teams at Chicago Christian High School from 2005-09 and was on the basketball coaching staff at Evergreen Park High School from 2011-13.

DeRuiter is a 2009 Trinity graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and history. For the past two years he has served as Director of Alumni Relations at the College, a position he will leave as he transitions to full-time responsibilities in the Athletics Department in August.