After more than a decade on the sidelines, Andes Central/ Dakota Christian girls basketball coach Shane Nieuwenhuis is stepping away from coaching, closing a chapter that has been defined by strong teams, lasting relationships, and a deep commitment to the players in his program.

Nieuwenhuis began his coaching career during the 2010–2011 season as an assistant boys basketball coach at Dakota Christian. The following year, in 2011, he took over as head coach of the Andes Central/Dakota Christian girls basketball program, a role he held for more than a decade.

His path into coaching began with inspiration from his own high school experience. “My coach in high school inspired me,” Nieuwenhuis said. “He loved the game and made me love it also.” That same passion helped keep him on the sidelines for so many seasons, but for Nieuwenhuis, the most rewarding part of coaching went far beyond wins and losses. “Watching players accomplish goals they set,” he said, has been one of the biggest reasons he stayed involved in the game.

Over the years, Nieuwenhuis coached many teams and players, making it difficult to narrow down a single favorite memory. “I can’t write them all down,” he said. “All the girls and their life stories.” Still, one game stands out among the many seasons he coached — the 2024 Sweet 16 matchup against Ethan, a moment that remains especially memorable.

Throughout his career, Nieuwenhuis said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is helping players develop and grow within the program. “Helping average players become strong varsity players,” he said.

For Nieuwenhuis, coaching was about much more than basketball. The many hours spent together in practices, games, and team activities helped build strong connections between coach and players. “This is why I coached,” he said. “You’re together many hours with practice and games, and you get to know each other well. Together we would fix on-the-court problems as well as off-the-court problems. It meant a lot that the girls would ask for advice.”

During his time leading the program, Nieuwenhuis saw the Andes Central/Dakota Christian girls basketball team grow into a consistently competitive program. One of the most notable stretches was a streak of 13 consecutive seasons without a losing record. “It has grown into a very good program,” he said. “Although we struggle with numbers currently, there are a lot of younger classmen that will be good.”

While basketball skills were important, Nieuwenhuis said he hopes his players took away something more meaningful from their time in the program. “I hope they learned that basketball is not everything,” he said. “It’s a chance to step away from the outside world and just be yourself on the court away from all the world’s issues.”

As he steps away from coaching, Nieuwenhuis expressed appreciation for the support he has received throughout his career. “Both the schools for their support as well as the players and parents for the countless hours they put in,” he said. Community support, he added, also played a vital role in the program’s success. “I’ve always felt a ton of support. Without the community behind you, it isn’t possible.”

Looking ahead, Nieuwenhuis said what he will miss most is the relationships built with players over the years. “Getting to know all the players,” he said. As for the future, he plans to remain involved in the game — but from a different vantage point. “I’m looking forward to watching my kids from the stands,” he said.

When asked how he hopes people will remember his time as a coach, Nieuwenhuis’ answer reflected the values that guided his years on the sidelines. “A coach that cared more about his players than just on the court.”