The Holland Chess Academy is always seeking to add to their volunteer coaching staff. Coaches for the beginning students need not be USCF rated. This means, parents who enjoy chess are welcome to join our team. All coaches will receive a gold "COACH" shirt to wear at all events.
Our policy is to permit HCA high school students who have earned a 1500 or greater USCF rating to serve as assistant coaches. They also will receive a gold "COACH" shirt to wear at all events. However, they must be supervised by an adult coach. No coach is ever permitted to be alone with any student.
If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, please select "Apply Now".
LEAD COACH: WAYNE GRADL, Chess Master, USCF 2308
PROFESSION: LAWYER
Played Chess since age 10 by watching his father play. Self-taught by studying chess from books, many of which he still has in his Chess library. Started playing in USCF rated tournaments at age 12. Played First Board for Bishop Turner High School all four years in the Buffalo City High School League, winning All-High First Board
ASSISTANT LEAD COACH: ANDREW SCHREMSER, USCF 2047
PROFESSION: BUSINESS OWNER
Served 2011 to Present
Andrew was a long time HCA student who graduated first to a student who was an assistant coach to serving as the Lead Assistant Coach first for Dr. Tony Palmer, and now for Wayne Gradl. Andrew served as the Interim Lead Coach from 2020 to 2024.
BEGINNER COACH: DAVID KOMLINE
PROFESSION: PROFESSOR, Graduate School
Dr. David Komline a BA from Wheaton College, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Komline’s scholarship emphasizes international exchange, which he has been able to participate in firsthand through teaching and research. After college he taught English for a year at Yantai U
ASSISTANT COACH: Mark Servensky, USCF 1542
PROFESSION: ENGINEER
Served 2010-2023
ASSISTANT COACH: Graham Peasley
PROFESSION: PHYSICS PROFESSOR
Served 2010-2019
LEAD COACH: Dr Tony Palmer, Chess Expert, USCF 2058
PROFESSION: Medical Doctor
Served 2007 to 2020
It is with heartfelt sorrow, that we have to announce the passing of our beloved Coach Dr. Tony, who passed away on Saturday August 22, 2020. HCA w
ASSISTANT COACH: Derick Baker
PROFESSION: Parts Manager
Served: 2005-2015
Derick Baker co-founded the Holland Chess Academy in partnership with David and Tamara Posthuma (First 5013c Officers). Originally called the Holland Heritage Chess Academy, later the name was officially shortened to the Holland Chess Academy as a 5013c non-profit school of chess. We will always be grateful to Derick for his ke
ASSISTANT COACH: JOSHUA POSTHUMA, USCF 2528, FIDE 2452
PROFESSION: PROFESSIONAL CHESS PLAYER & COACH
Served: 2015-2020
Joshua was both an HCA student who proved to also be a gifted chess coach. Today Joshua is 4-time State of Michigan Champion, International Master, and professional chess coach in Detroit.
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