Originally from Nebraska, Mark Duitsman earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 2003 from Concordia University, NE, with an emphasis in Theology and Physical Education. Following his time at Concordia, where he also played college basketball, he took his first teaching and coaching position at Faith Lutheran MS/HS in Las Vegas, NV. The next year Mark had an opportunity to accept a position at Lutheran High School in Parker, CO, near his wife’s hometown of Denver, where he served in a variety of roles over the course of 17 years, including teacher, coach, Dean of Students, and Athletic Director. He earned his Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University, CA, in 2011. During his tenure at Lutheran, the school grew from an enrollment of 80 students to more than 800, and Mark directed the high school athletic department’s successful transition through the many stages of that growth, focusing on the ministry and culture of the athletic programs while pursuing competitive excellence and opportunity for student-athletes.
As the Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach for 16 years at Lutheran, Coach Duitsman’s teams earned 8 State Tournament appearances, 6 State Final Four appearances, 8 League Championships, and two State Championships. He was named the NFHS Colorado Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in 2016 and the CHSAA Colorado Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2016. Mark was inducted into the Metropolitan League Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
Mark has been married to Abbie since 2004 and they are blessed with five children. As a family, they enjoy being active and attending each other’s many activities. Mark joined the Gilbert Christian Schools family in the role of District Athletic Director in the 2021-22 school year.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
