Davenport University Athletics

The Davenport University athletic department announced the hiring of Derek Zokoe as head coach of the new men and women's water polo teams prior to the 2018-19 school year.

"I am very excited to be starting both a men's and women's water polo program at Davenport," said Zokoe. "Davenport is incredibly serious about all of their athletic programs, including their non-varsity sports and gives us the respect and attention that our non-varsity athletes deserve."

Zokoe has served as head coach at nearby Hudsonville High School for the varsity girls' water polo team since October of 2016 and led the team to the 2017 Michigan Water Polo Association State Championship. Zokoe also worked at East Grand Rapids High School as varsity boys' water polo coach from 2008-2012. His coaching experience also included two stints at Jenison Junior High School working with boys' swimming from 2009-2010 and 2015-2016.

Zokoe is very familiar with the West Michigan area as a graduate of Jenison High School (2006) and earned his bachelor of science in mathematics from Grand Valley State University in December 2013.

"We are excited about this opportunity to grow our athletic department with the addition of Water Polo on both the men and women's side," said Ryan McCosky, director of non-varsity sports and programming. "Derek brings experience and energy to our program and we look forward to watching these programs grow under his leadership."