Grand Rapids, Mich. — New era, same standard of excellence. Patty Jansen, the 10th head coach in Aquinas Softball history, steps in to aspirations of elevating a proud, tradition-built program.

Aquinas College has named Patty Jansen as its 10th head coach in program history, succeeding Brad Koch. A lifelong teacher-coach, Jansen arrives with 33 years of leadership at Watertown (Wis.) Unified School District, including 33 seasons as varsity head coach, a 463–233 career record, 2015 Division I Coach of the Year honors, and a 2021 induction into the Wisconsin Softball Hall of Fame. A Northern Illinois graduate (B.S., Education) with an M.S. in Teacher Leadership from Silver Lake College, she chose Aquinas after visiting campus and "feeling the family atmosphere right away," adding that "the people here answered every question with pride for AQ."

Jansen's coaching identity is clear: fundamentals first. She describes herself as a "fundamentalist" who builds systems around situational awareness, defensive positioning, and confident execution—"teaching defensive strategies only works if we're in the right place doing the right things." That approach shapes the Saints' on-field blueprint: balanced offense, clean defense, and readiness to "take a chance on making things happen" when momentum presents itself. Just as central is culture: "Teamwork makes the dream work," she says, stressing role acceptance, shared standards, and daily habits that help everyone improve.

Taking over a tradition-rich program, Jansen emphasized deep respect for Koch's tenure and the student-athletes he developed. "I've inherited an amazing group that has been prepared for both softball and life. They juggle the hard stuff—school and sport—while giving back to the community. We'll continue that stewardship and chase the same goals: win and lose with pride, and leave it all on the field." Under Koch (2017–25), Aquinas posted nine consecutive winning seasons highlighted by multiple 40-win campaigns, a 2021 WHAC Tournament title, and an NAIA Opening Round run in 2024—momentum Jansen aims to sustain and evolve.

Her first 90 days are all about relationships and readiness. Hired just as training began, Jansen's immediate priorities are learning her roster—"who we are as athletes, students, and people"—and tightening the daily details that anchor successful programs. The fall slate will serve as a diagnostic window to test systems, evaluate depth, and identify off-season targets before spring. She already credits the senior class and returners for buying in: "Change is hard, but our seniors have been amazing—unselfish, steady, and willing to go the extra mile to keep everyone on the same page."

Recruiting, Jansen notes, starts with the Aquinas profile: academically driven, others-first student-athletes who want to grow as people and players. Selling AQ comes naturally—"a beautiful campus in the heart of Grand Rapids, a true home at Meijer Park, strong indoor facilities, and a community feel that's hard to match." The competitive edge, she says, will come from preparation, layered fundamentals, and a roster built on character. As for challenges, she's candid: implementing a new system and sorting a deep roster take time—but "depth is our strength, and preparation will be our biggest asset."

Success in Year One, Jansen says, is both measurable and cultural: "Yes, winning more than we lose—but also being ALL IN as a group of 24 who are on the same page. Success is being better tomorrow than today, helping someone else get better today for tomorrow. Put that together, and the results follow. Every day is a great day to be a Saint."

Mary Takas, former head coach, recent interim head coach, and current assistant coach:
"I'm thrilled to work alongside Coach Jansen. We're aligned on building a player-first culture that values toughness, preparation, and growth on and off the field. The foundation our women have laid is strong, and with Coach Jansen's vision and energy, the future of AQ Softball is incredibly bright."

Damon Bouwkamp, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics:
"We're thrilled to welcome Coach Patty Jansen to Aquinas. She's the right leader to elevate AQ Softball—someone who develops people first, demands excellence, and builds a culture rooted in accountability and joy. Patty's vision aligns with our mission to shape champions in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. I'm excited to support her and this program as we take the next step forward."

Ashley Kaman, Assistant AD & Senior Woman Leader:
"Coach Jansen brings a clear plan and contagious energy that will elevate every part of our softball experience—from daily standards and player development to how we compete on the biggest stages. She invests in the whole student-athlete and leads with both accountability and care, which aligns perfectly with our values. With Patty at the helm—and strong support across campus—the future of AQ Softball is poised for sustained, championship-level success."

Jansen at a Glance

·         Title: Head Coach, Aquinas College Softball (First Year)

·         Education: B.S., Northern Illinois; M.S., Silver Lake College

·         Career: 33 years as HS head coach (Watertown, Wis.); 463–233 record; 2015 D1 COY; Wisconsin Softball HOF (2021)

·         Residence: Marne, Mich.

·         Family: Two children (Jordyn Dieter, Taylor Jansen), spouses (Austin Dieter, Madeline Jansen), five granddaughters (Kinley, Murphy, Amelia, Emerson, Charlee)

·         Hobbies: Time with granddaughters, travel, the beach, golf

Aquinas College Softball Coaching History (Wins–Losses)

• Patti Tibaldi — 6 years: 74–59 overall.
• Sue Ida — 4 years: 52–50 overall.
• Mary Takas — 6 years: 152–95 overall; 21–7 WHAC.
• Jodi Borowicz — 1 year: 20–25 overall; 11–9 WHAC.
• Missy Haisma — 1 year: 9–27 overall; 1–17 WHAC.
• Ray Sheler — 6 years: 193–116 overall (1 tie noted); 109–47 WHAC.
• Ronda Varnesdeel — 5 years: 168–88 overall; 87–25 WHAC.
• Crystal Laska — 9 years: 243–188 overall; 101–82 WHAC.
• Brad Koch — 9 years: 290–138 overall; 114–58 WHAC.

All-time program record: 1,201–786–3 overall; 470–270–1 conference.

Program Context
Aquinas Softball's coaching lineage and year-by-year performance underscore a proud tradition, from district and regional titles to WHAC championships and national appearances—history Jansen will both honor and build upon.  One thing is for sure, by the end of the 2026 AQ Softball season, the campus and the community will be saying.., "It's a great time to be a Saint."