NOTE: Join us this week as we celebrate NCAA Division III Week and highlight what it means to be a student-athlete at Hope College. On Friday, we profile volleyball player Jayne Kessel.
By Caroline Hannema
Attending Hope College was no where on the radar for junior baseball player Jake Chipka, until halfway through his senior year of high school. He was seriously considering a Division I school where he could play baseball as a walk-on, but through a few key individuals, God orchestrated a different plan for his college career.
A native of Ohio, Chipka learned about Hope College through a college teammate of his older brother. Chipka had been in contact with head baseball coach, Stu Fritz and after his final high school game, he made the decision to come to Hope. He chose to attend without having stepped foot on campus and believes that his faith led him here.
Throughout various experiences during his time at Hope, Chipka knows this is where he was supposed to be all along. As a freshman, Chipka thought he wanted to pursue a career in engineering, but after an introductory class, it was clear that this career path was not meant for him. After seeking advice from his coach, Chipka enrolled in an exercise science class, and this is where he found his calling.
It was shortly after this class that Chipka knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and experiences outside of the classroom have continued to shape his path. This past summer, Chipka had the opportunity to play baseball for the Rochester Ridgemen, a team through Athletes in Action that competes in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. While this experience allowed Chipka to continue to play baseball in the summer, being a part of this team was about so much more for him.
During the summer, Chipka played in 50 games with his team and they held free baseball clinics on the weekend. Before each game and at the end of the clinics, Chipka and his teammates were intentional about sharing their testimonies with the other athletes. It was through these opportunities that Chipka continued to cultivate his heart for ministry. He recalls, "We could just help people, be ourselves, and change lives. It was as simple as that."
Now, being back at Hope, Chipka has been able to take some of the lessons he learned this past summer to continue to inspire others. He says the most valuable thing he learned was to be vulnerable. In opening up to teammates and to others, he recognizes that it helps build camaraderie and team community.
As his experiences at Hope continue to come together, Chipka is excited about the opportunity to pursue a career in medical missions. He agrees that being at a liberal arts school and taking classes outside of his comfort zone has played a big part in challenging him to think outside the box. "Hope is very good at giving room to grow and learn."
In addition to opportunities through academics and athletics, Chipka stays involved with Campus Ministry events, Habitat for Humanity, and Mortar Board, all with the goal of being stretched and challenged.
Chipka is grateful for the opportunity to participate in athletics at the Division III level because it allows him to stay competitive in the sport while experiencing a wide array of opportunities that shape his perspective. He comments that the Hope College community is something truly unique. "Everyone is on your side and supportive of your career goals. From the professors who are willing to meet with you, to the coaches who mentor, to the fans who come to games, it all makes a difference," remarks Chipka. And for that, he can't imagine himself anywhere else.
DIVISION III WEEK PROFILES
Monday: Men's soccer student-athlete Toby Blom
Tuesday: Women's basketball student-athlete Angelique Gaddy
Wednesday: Track & field student-athlete Boone Marois
Thursday: Baseball student-athlete Jake Chipka
Friday: Volleyball student-athlete Jayne Kessel
