Jesse Vanabel enters his fifth year on the Kalamazoo College men’s basketball staff, and his second season as the top assistant.  Coach Vanabel serves as the recruiting coordinator and works with the team’s post players.  

Vanabel graduated with a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 2003, where he studied physical education with an emphasis on coaching. While at WMU, Coach Vanabel gained valuable coaching experience as a manager for the men's basketball program under current WMU Head Coach Steve Hawkins. 

He resides in Vicksburg with his wife, Jessica, and daughter, Naya.