District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- A Grand Rapids native is returning to his roots to lead the Bengals on the court. Grand Rapids Public Schools has named Dominic Shannon to the position of Head Coach for the Ottawa Hills High School Boys Varsity Basketball team.

"What excites me is the ability to coach and work in the community in which I grew up in," Shannon said. As a child, Shannon attended Dickinson Elementary, Iroquois Middle School, and Ottawa Hills High School before graduating from East Kentwood High School.

"Coming from the same streets and playing in the same parks, growing up in the same neighborhoods, as many as these young men do, hopefully I'm a reflection of them," Shannon said. "Giving them the idea that anything is possible if you put your mind to it."

This isn't Shannon's first coaching role. He has coached previously at Wyoming Lee High School, Saranac High School, Forest Hills Central High School, and Salem University in West Virginia.

Shannon is excited to help restore the roar at Ottawa Hills, a school with a history that includes multiple MHSAA state basketball titles.

"I'm looking to restore the storied history," Shannon said. "I would love to have a conference championship within the first year. We do have our expectations set very, very high."

Shannon says he will strive for excellence both on and off the court.

"We want to make sure that we're growing their character because all the young men aren't going to play college ball. My job is to set them up for success. All the things that I've learned throughout my experience of life will definitely be poured into these young men here at Ottawa."