Player of the Year winner found more than baseball at Jackson College

Jakob Hindenach has wrapped up his time at Jackson College having a positive experience as a student-athlete.

“I just couldn’t recommend it enough,” he said.

The Paw Paw, Michigan native spent one year at Kellogg Community College before switching gears. He chose Jackson College after meeting with Head Coach Rick Smith and Assistant Coach Gary Goodwin.

“I like the guys that I got to meet on the team, the coaches they’re very upfront with me. The campus. The campus is beautiful. When I toured it, the area is very nice and the professors that I met were also very good.”

As a student-athlete, Jakob quickly learned that success required balance and discipline.

“Getting homework done first before I go out and do things that I enjoy outside of school,” he said. “I also think when it comes down to road games, practices, all that stuff it’s just a matter of getting it done before we have all this traveling to do, all this time spent on baseball.”

While the season didn’t end exactly as hoped, Jakob’s accomplishments on the field earned statewide recognition. His excellence on the mound led him to receive the Michigan Community College Athletic Association East Player of the Year award.

“I did a lot of work over the summer into the fall. To be awarded player of the year It means a lot to me because I put so much time and effort into the game,” he said.

He credits the baseball program’s culture and coaching staff for helping shape his experience.

“Coach Rick is great on and off the baseball field. On the baseball field he’s very serious and very locked in on the game. Outside of baseball he’s also very enjoyable. Coach Gary lives 10 minutes away from me in Paw Paw. He’s known me since high school. He comes over and checks in on me every now and then. He connects with players very strongly off the field, always shooting phone calls and asking how we are. I couldn’t recommend Coach Gary enough.”

He found support beyond the diamond. Small class sizes and accessible instructors helping him succeed.

“If you’re looking for professors that offer one-on-one time outside of class the professors were great,” he said. “The class sizes weren’t too big. You’re able to ask questions and connect with your fellow classmates as well.”

Jakob graduated with an associate degree in business management. He is transferring to Northwood University where he will continue in that field of study. He plans on playing baseball in the outfield. In the future he would like to start his own business. “I would love to work in the business side of owning a gym,” he said. “I love working with clients and I do baseball training every now and then.”