Jake VanAlten joined the Kalamazoo College staff prior to the 2014 season. He currently serves as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. VanAlten helped the Hornets improve their record and qualify for the postseason in each of his first four seasons. 

Highlighting his time at Kalamazoo was the program set a school record for overall wins in a regular season (31) in 2017, marking the third consecutive year the program has reached the 20-win plateau. It was the first 30 win season in school history. In charge of the outfielders, VanAlten was pivotal in the Hornets garnering one of their first All-American’s in program history (centerfielder Ian Kobernick). In 2016, Kalamazoo earned a trip to the school’s first NCAA Regional.

VanAlten has played a pivotal role in the construction and day to day running of the Kalamazoo baseball program serving as recruiting coordinator over his tenure. His work has allowed the Hornets to bring in strong classes each year that has enabled the program’s growing success on the field. These classes have included the Prep Baseball Report Michigan Player of the Year, the MHSBCA East-West All-Star Baseball Classic Game MVP and also players ranging from nine states.

VanAlten graduated from Calvin College in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a minor in business. He was a four-year starter for the Knights and played the majority of his career in left field where he finished in the top ten in several school career offensive records. He works primarily with the outfielders and hitters at Kalamazoo and also coaches first base.

A graduate of Holland Christian High School, VanAlten played under Kalamazoo head coach, Mike Ott, for three years and helped lead Holland Christian to the school’s first regional title in 2006 as he started three seasons in centerfield. He also played under Coach Ott, who helped assist Calvin College in 2012, for his senior season.

VanAlten, who also spent a summer working in the front office and in gameday operations with the Kalamazoo Growlers (Northwoods League), earned his master’s degree in sports management from Western Michigan University. Jake currently resides in Wyoming, Mich. with his wife, Megan.