Curt De Haan’s coaching career spanned an extraordinary 38 years at Lynden Christian High School, where he also taught vocational agriculture and managed his family farm. After graduating from Washington State University in 1975, De Haan quickly established himself as a dedicated educator and coach.

He began coaching in 1976 as the JV girls basketball coach, compiling a remarkable 71-1 record through 1980, before being promoted to head varsity coach. As an assistant, he was part of two state championship teams in 1979 and 1980. At the varsity level, De Haan’s teams amassed an unparalleled 772-149 record, the most wins in Washington state history for a high school girls varsity coach. His teams made 31 state appearances, reached 23 state semifinals, and claimed eight state championships. Curt never experienced a losing season, recorded 20 or more wins in 30 campaigns, and led undefeated teams in 1996 and 2008.

De Haan emphasized fundamentals, discipline, and teamwork above all else. “The process has always been more important than the end result,” he says. More than 10 of his former players have continued his legacy as coaches. Recognized for his extraordinary career, De Haan was runner-up for The Seattle Times Girls Basketball Coach of the Century in 2000 and earned League Coach of the Year honors more than 10 times.

Curt and his wife Sandy, married since 1976, raised three children—Heidi, Chad, and Jason—while Curt built a legacy that continues to inspire athletes, coaches, and the community alike.