Patty Jansen is the newest head coach of the Saints’ softball program. Jansen brings more than three decades of coaching and teaching experience, along with an impressive track record of success at the high school level.
Jansen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Northern Illinois University before completing a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership at Silver Lake College. She went on to serve the Watertown Unified School District in Wisconsin for 33 years, teaching physical and health education as well as adaptive PE. During her time at Watertown, she also led the varsity softball program for the entirety of her tenure, compiling a remarkable 463–233 overall record.
Her leadership and success on the diamond have been widely recognized. In 2015, Jansen was named Wisconsin Division I Coach of the Year, and in 2021, she was inducted into the Wisconsin Softball Hall of Fame. Her long-standing commitment to her players and her sport has made her one of the most respected figures in Wisconsin high school softball.
Now in Marne, Michigan, Jansen is excited to begin the next chapter of her career at Aquinas. “After visiting Aquinas while interviewing for the head coaching job, I realized how beautiful this campus is—you would never guess that it is located in the heart of Grand Rapids,” she said. “Immediately, the people here were wonderful and answered each question with pride for AQ. It truly has a family atmosphere.”
Away from the field, Jansen enjoys traveling, golf, and spending time with her five granddaughters—Kinley, Murphy, Amelia, Emerson, and Charlee. Family is at the heart of her life, and she is especially proud of her children, Jordyn (and son-in-law Austin Dieter) and Taylor (and daughter-in-law Madeline Jansen).
With her experience, passion, and proven ability to build successful programs, Jansen is poised to make an immediate and lasting impact on Aquinas softball.
