Bill Peterson
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Bill is the founder and owner of Diamonds Sports Training Academy, which he opened in 2003 with a vision of creating a premier training environment where athletes could develop their skills, build confidence, and pursue their baseball goals. With over 30 years of experience training and developing young athletes in the Grand Rapids area, Bill has dedicated his career to the game of baseball and to helping the next generation reach their potential.
While at Bristol University in Tennessee, Bill was a part of back-to-back NSCAA National Championship teams. As a shortstop in 1993, he was named MVP of the College World Series.
Bill later transitioned into coaching. He went back to his alma mater to coach high school baseball for 3 years. In 2000, he joined the Grand Rapids Community College coaching staff, where they won three consecutive national championships (2002, 2003, 2004).
Since 2000, Bill has worked as an MLB scout for various organizations. He currently serves as an Associate Scout for the Colorado Rockies, providing him with a unique perspective on evaluating talent and understanding the qualities professional organizations look for in developing players.
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Andrew Taylor
Andrew is a Caledonia native and accomplished right-handed pitcher whose collegiate and professional career reflects a high level of dedication and achievement in the game of baseball. He played at Central Michigan University, where he earned Freshman All-American honors and established himself as one of the program’s standout young pitchers.
Following his collegiate career, Andrew was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft by the Houston Astros, marking a significant milestone in his baseball career. He now continues to pursue his professional career within the Astros’ minor-league system.
Andrew brings firsthand experience from the collegiate and professional levels to the Diamonds athletes he works with. His knowledge of pitching, competitive experience, and insight into the demands of playing at the highest levels provide valuable perspective for young athletes working to develop their skills and pursue their own baseball goals.
Caden Ritsema
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Caden is a Calvin Christian High School alumnus and collegiate baseball player who brings a versatile playing background and a passion for developing young athletes to the Diamonds coaching staff. He continued his baseball career at Cornerstone University, where he competed as both a pitcher and middle infielder, gaining valuable experience at multiple positions and developing a well-rounded understanding of the game.
Caden is also involved with the Calvin Christian High School varsity baseball program, where he helps coach and mentor the next generation of players.
Through his collegiate playing and coaching experience, Caden brings valuable perspective to the athletes he works with at Diamonds. His versatility, knowledge of the game, and commitment to player development allow him to help young athletes strengthen their skills, build confidence, and continue growing both on and off the field.
Logan Lee
Pitching Coach
Logan is a Rockford native and accomplished collegiate and professional baseball player who brings extensive pitching experience to the Diamonds coaching staff. A talented pitcher, Logan competed at Northwood University and Middle Georgia State University before continuing his playing career at the professional level in independent baseball.
Logan currently serves as the Pitching Coach at Grand Rapids Community College, where he works with collegiate pitchers to develop their skills, mechanics, confidence, and overall performance on the mound.
Through his collegiate, professional, and coaching experience, Logan brings a valuable understanding of the game to the athletes he works with at Diamonds. His passion for pitching and commitment to player development allow him to help young athletes build strong fundamentals while preparing them to compete at the next level.
Brendan Kelly
Brendan is a Grandville High School alum and highly accomplished baseball coach with extensive experience at the collegiate and professional levels. He currently serves as the Pitching Coach at Grand Valley State University, where he works with collegiate pitchers to develop their skills, mechanics, confidence, and overall performance.
Prior to joining Grand Valley State, Brendan served on the coaching staff at Wayne State University and spent three years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. During his time with the Blue Jays, he served as a pitching coach at the Triple-A level, gaining valuable experience working with professional athletes competing at the highest levels of the game.
Brendan brings a wealth of pitching knowledge and professional coaching experience to the athletes he works with at Diamonds. His understanding of player development, preparation, and the demands of advanced-level baseball provides Diamonds athletes with valuable insight as they work toward reaching their own goals on the field.
Pitching Coach
Tate Peterson
Tate is a Grandville native and accomplished collegiate baseball player with a strong background in player development and competitive athletics. A standout outfielder, Tate earned All-American honors during his time at Kellogg Community College, where his team advanced to the Junior College World Series and finished third nationally.
He continued his collegiate baseball career at Ohio University, competing at a high level and further developing his skills and knowledge of the game.
Tate brings his firsthand experience as a high-level collegiate athlete to the players he works with. His athleticism, competitive mindset, and passion for the game allow him to connect with young athletes and provide valuable insight both on and off the field.
Fielding Coach
Joel Schipper
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Joel is a Grand Rapids Christian graduate and accomplished two-sport collegiate athlete who competed in both baseball and football at Grand Valley State University. His diverse athletic background and years of experience in competitive sports have provided him with a strong foundation in player development and coaching.
A longtime coach with Diamonds, Joel has dedicated years to developing young athletes and helping them reach their potential. In 2017, he led his 18U team to the Connie Mack World Series in New Mexico, an achievement that reflects his leadership, preparation, and commitment to player development.
Joel has held several coaching positions throughout his career, gaining valuable experience at multiple levels of the game before being named Head Baseball Coach at Calvin University in 2024.
Through his work here at Diamonds and at the collegiate level, Joel brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the athletes he works with. His passion for the game, leadership, and commitment to developing well-rounded players make him an integral part of the Diamonds coaching staff.
Keegan Batka
Keegan is a Grand Rapids Christian alum and accomplished right-handed pitcher with a strong collegiate and professional baseball background. He continued his playing career at Central Michigan University, where he competed at the collegiate level and further developed his skills as a pitcher.
Keegan currently pitches within the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor-league system, gaining valuable experience and competing at one of the highest levels of professional baseball.
Through his collegiate and professional experience, Keegan brings firsthand knowledge of the game, a strong competitive mindset, and valuable insight to the athletes he works with at Diamonds. His experience provides young players with a unique perspective on the preparation, discipline, and dedication required to continue developing and pursue baseball at the next level.
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Aiden Friess
Aiden is a Williamston High School alum and versatile collegiate baseball player with experience both on the mound and in the infield. During his four years at Williamston, Aiden competed as a pitcher and at both corner infield positions, developing a well-rounded understanding of the game.
He continued his collegiate baseball career at Grand Rapids Community College for two years before transferring to Calvin University, where he continued competing at the collegiate level.
Aiden is an integral part of the Diamonds coaching staff, serving as a coach for one of the organization’s 12U teams while also working as an instructor and trainer. His playing experience, versatility, and passion for player development allow him to connect with young athletes and help them build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a love for the game.
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Seth Bischoff
Catching | Hitting | Fielding
Seth is a Forest Hills Northern alum and longtime member of the Diamonds organization, having been part of Diamonds throughout his entire travel baseball career. His experience growing within the program gives him a unique perspective on the development and opportunities Diamonds provides to young athletes.
Seth currently plays catcher for Grand Rapids Community College and continues his baseball career during the summer in the Perfect Game Collegiate League, competing alongside and against talented collegiate players from across the country.
As a current collegiate athlete and longtime member of the Diamonds family, Seth brings firsthand experience, energy, and a strong understanding of the game to the athletes he works with. His journey through the Diamonds program serves as a great example of the development and progression that can come from dedication, hard work, and a passion for baseball.
Brett Chesla
Bret is a Grandville native and former collegiate baseball player who brings a strong understanding of the game and a passion for player development to the Diamonds coaching staff. A right-handed pitcher, Bret continued his baseball career at Albion College, where he competed at the collegiate level and further developed his skills and knowledge of the game.
Bret currently serves as the JV Head Coach at Grandville High School, where he works with young athletes and helps them develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game.
Through his playing and coaching experience, Bret brings valuable insight and a commitment to developing the next generation of baseball players at Diamonds.
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Pat Clark
Pat is a Grandville native and accomplished collegiate baseball player who brings a strong background in pitching and player development to the Diamonds coaching staff. A former right-handed pitcher at Davenport University, Pat developed his skills at the collegiate level before transitioning into coaching soon after completing his playing career.
Pat currently serves as the Pitching Coach at Calvin University, where he works with collegiate athletes to develop their pitching mechanics, confidence, and overall performance on the mound.
Through his work at both the collegiate and youth levels, Pat brings valuable firsthand experience and a passion for helping athletes reach their potential. His knowledge of the game, commitment to development, and experience as both a player and coach make him a valuable member of the Diamonds team.
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Heidi Walburg
Pitching | Hitting
Heidi is a Wayland native and accomplished collegiate softball player who brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the Diamonds team. A former All-American pitcher at Cornerstone University, Heidi established herself as a standout athlete while competing at the collegiate level.
Heidi now serves as an Assistant Coach at Cornerstone University, continuing to contribute to the development of the Golden Eagles’ softball program while sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes.
At Diamonds, Heidi specializes in softball pitching and hitting instruction, helping athletes develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and the skills necessary to compete at a higher level. Her collegiate experience, passion for the game, and commitment to player development make her a valuable resource for athletes looking to grow both on and off the field.
Brendan Bender
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Brendan is a former Diamonds player who has returned to the organization with a passion for helping develop the next generation of athletes. A Grandville High School alumnus, Brendan began playing for Diamonds as a teenager, primarily competing as a left-handed pitcher while also contributing at first base.
Following high school, Brendan continued his collegiate baseball career at Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to Davenport University. During his time at Davenport, he was known for being a standout player, earning WHAC Player of the Year honors and All-American recognition.
Brendan brings valuable firsthand experience as both a Diamonds athlete and collegiate player to his coaching role. His coaching philosophy centers on skill development, teamwork, confidence, accountability, and creating an environment where athletes enjoy competing, learning, and improving.
Having experienced the Diamonds program as a young player himself, Brendan understands the impact quality coaching and mentorship can have on an athlete’s development. He is committed to providing today’s players with the same opportunity to grow, compete, and pursue their goals both on and off the field.
Josh Russell
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Josh is a Clare native and Grand Rapids Community College alum who brings a strong background in collegiate baseball and player development to the Diamonds coaching staff. A versatile athlete, Josh excelled as both a pitcher and catcher during his collegiate career, helping lead the GRCC program to a National Runner-Up finish.
Following his playing career, Josh continued his commitment to baseball by creating opportunities for collegiate athletes to compete and develop throughout the summer. He currently runs the Shoreline League, a summer collegiate baseball league that provides players with the opportunity to continue competing and developing their skills in West Michigan.
Josh brings a deep understanding of the game, leadership experience, and a passion for growing baseball in the West Michigan community. His commitment to providing opportunities for athletes and helping develop the next generation of players makes him a valuable part of the Diamonds team.
Adam Sokolove
Pitching | Hitting | Fielding
Adam has been part of Diamonds Baseball for over two decades and is entering his 18th year of coaching. Throughout his time with the organization, he has had the opportunity to work with athletes across all age groups, from the youngest levels through 18U, including coaching both of his sons.
His years with Diamonds have been defined by meaningful relationships, player development, and the opportunity to positively impact the next generation of athletes. Adam is entering his second year as an assistant coach at Grand Rapids Community College, fulfilling a lifelong dream and allowing him to give back to the game that has given him so much.
As a player, Adam competed at Grand Rapids Community College under Doug Wabeke, where he helped win a Junior College National Championship before continuing his career at Grand Valley State University.
Adam is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, sharpen their skills, and take their game to the next level. His primary areas of focus are infield development and hitting, with an emphasis on fundamentals, consistency, and competing with confidence.
“The goal isn’t just to develop better baseball players. It’s to help build better teammates, competitors, and young men through the game we love.” ⚾ ~Adam Sokolove~