WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The Grace College baseball program is primed to take on the 2025 season, making consistent strides under the direction of seventh-year head coach Ryan Roth.
"I am excited to see what this team can accomplish,” Roth said. “We put in a lot of work in the offseason and are ready to get out on the diamond.”
The Lancers return a core group of veterans from last year’s roster in key positions; the team will rely on their leadership to guide the incoming class of freshmen and exciting transfer student-athletes.
Roth expects the team to be competitive in all facets of the game. The batting order has a good mix of power bats, contact hitters and speed on the basepaths. “We have added depth to the pitching rotation and have put together a competitive lineup from top to bottom.”
Transfers Parker Newby (LHP), Dalton Cody (INF), Jose Ayala (OF) and Gabriel Maldonado (INF) each bring a wealth of collegiate experience from multiple levels of collegiate baseball. Freshmen Joey Diaz, Mason Wire, Alex Rudolph and Ethan Girton join the program looking to gain experience. Along with the newcomers, a few key contributors are returning from injury, giving an added boost as well.
Maximo De Leon returns after another impressive season in which he garnered First Team All-Conference honors. He led the team in multiple offensive categories while batting .339 with 59 hits on the year. His speed translated into 24 stolen bases and 52 runs. He became the career leader in stolen bases (53) and ranks second in career runs (105).
Matt Friesema and Cayden Calloway were staples in the lineup a year ago. The duo held things down in the infield with both batting above the .300 mark on the year.
Grant Hartley brings power to the lineup, belting a single-season record 12 home runs a year ago. Twenty four of his hits went for extra bases.
Hunter Schumacher returns to the relief corps after missing last season due to injury. The two-time All-League honoree will look to extend his career saves record. He made it difficult for opposing teams to score with a stingy 2.81 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 19 appearances in 2023.
Evan Etchison continues his role as the frontline starter on the mound for the Lancers. He became the career leader in strikeouts (243), ranks second in career wins (15) and sits third in career innings pitched (223.2). He went 6-3 a year ago with five complete games and one shutout.
Steven Hernandez and Kyle Reinartz fill out the starting rotation with newcomers Newby, who spent the last two seasons at the University of Toledo, and Diaz poised to make an impact.
Newcomers Cody, Maldonado and Ayala will look to play a significant role in the lineup for Grace. Cody brings versatility in the field and the ability to make things happen on the base paths.
“One of our goals is to continue to grow as a program and build on our recent success,” said Roth. “Our team's expectations have never been higher. I believe that this team is capable of accomplishing more than any team in the history of our program.”
The Lancers will start the season with three road trips before their home opener March 1 at Tom Roy - UPI Park. The season opener from the Sunshine State will take place on Thursday against Keiser at 2 p.m.

Grace To Hold Kelly Sharp Day On Saturday To Honor Retiring Office Manager
WINONA LAKE, Ind. - This Saturday, Grace College’s athletic department is excited to celebrate Kelly Sharp in the final year of her tenure.
Sharp has served as Grace’s athletic office manager since 2007. She is set to retire at the end of the school year.
Grace is holding Kelly Sharp Day on Saturday to recognize Sharp for her years of care, excellence and service to the Lancers. She will be honored with a special ceremony during halftime of the men’s basketball game, which tips off at 3 p.m.
Additionally, 100 Kelly Sharp bobbleheads will be given away to the first 100 fans to the arena. The doors will open at 12 p.m. ahead of Grace’s women’s game.
“Kelly Sharp has left a significant, lasting impact on the Grace College athletic department,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. “Kelly has been a joyful, welcoming presence to thousands of student-athletes during her time at Grace. She has served faithfully, doing her work with excellence, but also daily encouraging and ministering to the people that God placed in front of her. We will miss Kelly tremendously, but we are excited for her well-deserved retirement.”
Megan Lindsey has been hired to replace Sharp; Lindsey, a 2017 Grace graduate, began in January to aid in the transition.
“We’re excited for Megan to move into this role. Her years of working in college athletics prior to Grace will serve her well,” Briscoe added. “We look forward to Megan leading in this important role.”