Joel Schipper

Head Baseball Coach, Calvin University

Joel Schipper (pronounced SKIP-per) is the head baseball coach at Calvin University, beginning his tenure in 2024. In his first season, he led the Knights to a winning record and a second-place finish in the MIAA, setting new program marks for triples and stolen bases.

Biography

Before returning to Calvin, Joel served as head coach at Hastings College (Nebraska), where his teams improved their win totals each season and produced multiple all-conference and academic award winners. He has also coached at Davenport University and as an assistant at Calvin, where he emphasized both player development and faith-based team culture.

A Grand Rapids native, Joel is a proud alum of Grand Rapids Christian High School, Grand Valley State University and Ohio University. At GVSU, he excelled in both baseball and football, graduating as one of the top scorers in Laker football history and helping his teams to multiple postseason runs. He later earned his master’s degree in recreation and sport sciences from Ohio University.

Beyond his coaching résumé, Joel is passionate about integrating faith, leadership, and character development into the game of baseball. He sees coaching as a calling to mentor young athletes both on and offthe field. 

Education

OHIO UNIVERSITY - ATHENS, OH
Master of Science | Recreation and Sports Sciences, 05/2021

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY - ALLENDALE, MI
Bachelor of Arts | Physical Education, Sport Leadership
Minor in Business Administration, 04/2017

Coaching Experience

  • July 2024 - Present

    • Finished second in the MIAA (15-6) - Participated in MIAA Tourney

    • 2025 record was 23-18

  • Independence League (2023 - 2024)

    • Spent two seasons coaching in the Independence League with the Hastings Sodbusters.

    • Worked with collegiate athletes from programs across the country.

    • In 2024, the team posted a 32-20 record - competing at a high level throughout the summer.

    • Helped players refine their skills, develop their mental approach and prepare for the next stage of their baseball careers.

    • Many of my players went on to return to their college programs more confident, better prepared and equipped to contribute immediately.

  • August 2021 - June 2024

    • Hired in 2021 with a directive to revitalize the Hastings College baseball program

    • Lead and manage every facet of the baseball program, including both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams.

    • Produced 18 Dean’s List student-athletes and maintained a team GPA of 3.17 among a roster of 70 players.

    • Established a Bible Study in collaboration with an aspiring pastor to meet the spiritual needs for players of faith.

    • Successfully recruited 65 highly talented players to Hastings College over a three-year time period, drawing from diverse locations including NE, CO, IA, AZ, CA, OR and international players.

    • Recruited and hired one full-time assistant coach and three graduate assistant coaches.

    • Successfully fundraised over $250,000 for the operation of the baseball program through a series of events including a First Pitch dinner, an alumni golf outing, a phone-a-thon and youth/prospect camps.

    • Manage and organize all day-to-day program operations including both Varsity and Junior Varsity Fall/Spring schedules, all travel arrangements, hotel accommodations, umpire scheduling, scouting reports, and implementation of strength and conditioning programs.

    • Conduct mental health workshops tailored specifically to our student-athletes.

    • Promote team bonding and engagement within the campus community while also providing support for our other athletic teams and campus events.

    • Introduced and integrated new technology including Flight Scope, Rapsodo, Blast Motion and Pitch Logic to elevate the skill development of our players.

    • Foster a positive, team-oriented atmosphere that has led to more wins each season.

    • Effectively grew Hastings College social media following by 1,000 followers on all platforms through the implementation of strategic social media marketing content aimed at enhancing fan engagement.

      Proactively engage with the community through various initiatives, nurturing positive relationships, and promoting the program’s visibility.

    • Provide mentorship, guidance, support to all players and coaches.

  • December 2020 - June 2021

    • Assisted in recruiting, game plan preparation, and created scouting reports on opposing teams.

    • Provided hitting, infield/outfield, and Driveline arm care training to players.

    • Integrated athletes’ body mobility and stability into training and performance strategies.

    • Contributed to the team’s historic achievements, including winning the conference regular season title, conference tournament championship, and advancing to the regional tournament.

  • September 2018 - December 2020

    • Contributed to the administration and coaching of the baseball team.

    • Coached third base during games, provided outfield and baserunning instruction during practice, and offered guidance in strength and conditioning programs.

    • Collaborated with the head coach to develop practice plans and strategize for in-game situations.

    • Incorporated a faith-based program into team activities, fostering spiritual and personal growth and cohesion among players.

  • June 2014 - August 2021

    • Organized Midwest summer baseball tournament logistics and conducted individual hitting and fielding lessons.

    • Coached Diamonds 18U team at the 2017 Connie Mack World Series.

    • Coached the 2017 North Central Region Champion, Diamond Sports Academy.

Philosophy

For Coach Schipper, baseball is more than a game—it’s a place to grow as an athlete and as a person. He believes in playing with passion, competing with energy, and leading with character. Every practice and game is built around pushing players to reach their full potential, while also building trust, accountability, and lifelong friendships.

Faith is at the heart of his coaching, guiding how he teaches teamwork, resilience, and integrity. Coach Schipper challenges his players to not only chase excellence on the field but also to carry those same values into the classroom, their communities, and their future careers. 

When you step onto the field with Coach Schipper, you’re not just joining a baseball team—you’re joining a family that grows together, wins together, and lives out its faith together.