A West Michigan native, Coach Jamie Bristol brings a deep passion for player development, leadership, and Christ-centered mentorship to the Grace Christian University baseball program. Coach Bristol was part of Grace’s inaugural baseball season, helping lay the foundation for a competitive and values-driven program. Jamie spent three years with Grace as an Assistant Coach before stepping into the role of Associate Head Coach in the 2026 season, where he will continue to shape the culture, strategy, and growth of the program. His coaching responsibilities include player development, defensive coordination, and team programming.
As a student-athlete, Jamie was a standout pitcher at Calvin Christian High School, where he helped lead his team to the State Finals and earned All-Region honors. He went on to play collegiate baseball at Taylor University, where he logged the third-most innings pitched as a freshman, became a Crossroads League Champion, and helped the team earn NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll votes and a National Tournament berth.
Jamie later transferred to Calvin University in 2016, where he played under then-team captain (now Grace Head Coach) Colton Wolfe. Jamie became a key contributor in the starting rotation and served as team captain during both his junior and senior years. Despite an arm injury that ended his pitching career early, he remained a core leader in the clubhouse. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology.
Following graduation, Jamie worked as a Recreational Therapist on a behavioral unit for adolescent males facing trauma and addiction. He also gained experience in sales and served as the full-time Recruiting and Showcase Manager at a baseball academy in New Jersey before moving back to Michigan and working full-time at Grace.
In addition to coaching, Jamie serves full-time on campus in the Business and Financial Aid Department and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Leadership at Grace Christian University. He also serves on the NextGen Board of Directors for Wedgwood Christian Services, supporting initiatives that care for and empower youth through faith, healing, and hope. Jamie and his wife Erin live in Grand Rapids, where they are active in their church and community.
