Hans de Lannoy
July 17, 1952-Feb. 5, 2025
San Ramon, California USA
Hans de Lannoy - A Life of Inspiration
Hans (Henri) Louis de Lannoy, the legendary California High School basketball coach and beloved mentor who touched countless lives across multiple generations and schools, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his San Ramon home. He was 72.
Hans (Henri) Louis de Lannoy was born on July 17, 1952, in The Hague, the Netherlands, to Ferdinand George de Lannoy and Frona Elisabeth Munnich. Hans’s parents met in a transition camp following three and a half years of brutal incarceration in a prisoner of war camp during WWII in Indonesia (the former Dutch East Indies).
Hans and his family immigrated to the United States in 1957, settling in Palo Alto, CA. Despite arriving without speaking English, he quickly adapted and excelled, particularly in athletics, at Cubberley High School, where he became a first-team all-league basketball player. Over his illustrious 40-year coaching career, de Lannoy amassed 512 wins as a varsity head coach at Cubberley, Gunn, Cal High, and San Ramon Valley High Schools. Hans spent his final decade as a San Ramon Valley High varsity boys' Assistant Coach. Known affectionately as 'D,' 'Del,' or simply 'Coach,' he was more than just a basketball coach; he was a transformative figure who shaped the lives of thousands of students and athletes. Even while battling cancer in recent years, Coach continued to inspire, returning to the bench to help guide San Ramon Valley High School to its third Northern California championship in 2023.
His impact extended far beyond the basketball court. De Lannoy was renowned for his inspirational speeches at school rallies, his ability to remember every student's name and story, and his unwavering commitment to making everyone feel special and important. He coined the phrase "Home of Champions" at San Ramon Valley High, emphasizing that true championship wasn't just about trophies but about character, resilience, and heart. Steve Ohlmeyer, head coach at Cal High in San Ramon, described him as the ‘Pied Piper’ of all coaches," noting, "Hans just made everyone feel so special, so important. We called it the Hans effect." Cal Berkeley head coach Mark Madsen remembered him as "a beautiful soul" who "left an impact on thousands upon thousands upon thousands of lives."
He is survived by his sister Monique, brother Marcel, cousin Therese Horsting, and Godsons Nick and Brady Meredith. His legacy lives on through the countless friends, former players, acquaintances, and admirers whose lives were forever changed by his extraordinary gift for teaching, coaching, and inspiring. The enduring spirit he fostered at San Ramon Valley High will continue to inspire future generations at the #HomeOfChampions.
Plans are underway to celebrate Hans in TWO locations - his beloved Danville (May 17), as well as his hometown of Palo Alto (July 26). Share memories and stories of Hans, and stay updated on both of his celebration events at www.Celebrating-CoachDel.com
Tags: teacher/educator
