Joel Schipper

Head Baseball Coach at Calvin University

Joel Schipper has been a winner with every team he has been associated with. Beyond winning on the field he recognizes that a winning attitude extends beyond athletics.

A Grand Rapids native, Schipper is looking forward to returning to Calvin and taking over the program from his mentor and former boss. 

"Six years ago, Coach Van Duyn hired me as one of his assistant coaches and I am grateful for all he taught me," Schipper said. "Returning to Grand Rapids, my hometown, is very special to me. Calvin University's rich athletic tradition and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics deeply resonate with my coaching philosophy. The opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Calvin's baseball program, while reconnecting with the community and high school coaches I've long admired, is incredibly exciting."

Schipper was hired following a national search in which he separated himself from others with his energy and enthusiasm for baseball and Calvin's culture.

“I am thrilled that Coach Schipper has agreed to become our next head baseball coach, “ Calvin Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Timmer said. “His passion and enthusiasm for baseball, building player relationships and Christian higher education make him a great fit at Calvin.”

Education

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

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

Coaching Experience

  • July 2024 - Present

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

    • 2025 record was 23-18

  • 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.