Joe Modderman is in his fifth season as an assistant coach for the Lakers. Prior to joining the coaching staff, Modderman had been playing professional basketball overseas since completing his eligibility at Grand Valley State in 1997.

A graduate of Allendale High School, Modderman spent three years at Iowa State. Modderman transferred back to Grand Valley State for his senior season and immediately turned the Laker basketball program around. GVSU went 23-6 during his final year and claimed the GLIAC Tournament title en route to the NCAA DII National Tournament. Modderman averaged 24.2 points and 8.1 rebounds with single-game highs of 40 points and 17 rebounds. Joe was named the 1996-97 GLIAC Player of the Year and earned Basketball Gazette, DII Bulletin and ABCA First-Team All-American honors. Modderman ranks in the top 10 of five different single-season categories for Grand Valley State.

Modderman was a two-time all-state honoree at Allendale and finished third in voting for Michigan's Mr. Basketball. Modderman led the Falcons to a combined record of 70-4 during his career and a berth in the Class D title game.

Modderman and his wife, Melissa, have two daughters: Brooke (10), Grace (6), and one son: JJ (1).