Western Michigan The Right Fit For Grand Rapids Christian Junior

GRAND RAPIDS - While Jackson Isaacs is looking to help bring Grand Rapids Christian a state championship this season after finishing as Division 2 state runners-up a year ago, the junior standout is no longer looking for a future home in college. A recent commitment to Western Michigan brought a quick end to his recruitment, checking one goal off his list.

“My process started right after Futures when the school year started,” reflected the fourth-rated 2024 outfielder in Michigan in reference to the PBR Future Games at the beginning of August. “I had my first call with Cory Mee, the associate head coach at Western, and after that had multiple calls with him. Then I had a call with (assistant coach) Jordan Keur and set up an unofficial visit with a group of kids to see the campus and what it’s like to be a baseball player at Western Michigan.”

The four-month process culminated in an offer from head coach Billy Gernon.

“I went to a basketball game and had my first contact with coach Gernon,” Isaacs related. “We talked a few weeks later and I went back there and he gave me an offer.”

It was an easy decision for the 6-1 190-pounder, who had interest from Dayton and Fordham along with “a couple D2 schools, particularly Davenport, and a couple D3 schools, particularly Hope College” before Western became the school of choice.

“When I first stepped on campus I knew it was home for me,” Isaacs noted. “We got a tour of the business building, we went through dorms, we had lunch with the coaches and met some players. Then I met with coach Gernon and he gave me an offer. I knew it was the right fit and I called him later and said I’d be honored to be a Bronco.

“In my meeting with coach Gernon he was completely honest and in my mind the right fit for me,” Isaacs added. “The school offers an amazing education and they have a group of guys that are family. I felt coach Gernon is a guy I could call in my 40s. He told me things he likes to bring like unconditional trust and legacy. That really stuck to me. It’s the right spot for me.”

The left-handed hitting outfielder has qualities that attracted the Mid-American Conference coaches at Western Michigan.

“They like my bat, and told me I’m very projectable,” Isaacs said. “I was smoking balls at camp and coach Gernon said afterward he was very impressed. Another thing that stood out to them was that I would fit in very quickly as someone they can trust. That’s why I think they think I can fit in right away.”

The first outfielder to be recruited by Western Michigan out of the 2024 class pointed to a trio of coaches that helped him get to this point.

“I wouldn’t be where I am if not for him,” Isaacs said of Matt Sheets, the head coach and owner of Around the Horn Baseball. “Brent Gates had coached me in elementary school and came back as head coach my freshman year of high school with assistant coach Mike Paul looking for a state championship. Coach Gates played seven years in MLB and coach Paul has been getting people drafted as a pitcher for as long as I can remember.”

A left-handed hurler in addition to outfielder in high school, Isaacs is appreciative to have the chance to play D-I baseball an hour from home.

“I want to say I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity Western gave me,” the 29th-ranked 2023 outfielder in Michigan said. “I want to be the greatest leader I can possibly be on and off the field. I’m a competitor. My goal is to help the team in the MAC. I feel I can help us win a MAC championship.”

Recent improvement brings a lot of confidence to the 17-year-old.

“The biggest improvement I’ve made is I’ve grown in my mental side of the game,” Isaacs explained. “It’s gotten to the point where I'm not afraid of any pitcher. I’m stepping into the box and it’s getting barrelled. My bat is topping out now at 100 exit. I’ve also focused on growing arm strength. I’ve gained a lot there with the program they have at USA Prime.”

A commitment to the university located in Kalamazoo brought plenty of satisfaction to Isaacs, who carries a 3.5 GPA and will most likely enter the field of finance in college.

“Everybody was super proud of me,” Isaacs said. “They know it was well deserved. I’m proud, too. It’s an honor. But the work starts now. My goal is to get as big and strong and fast as players currently on the Western Michigan roster and to just grow as a person.”

It has Isaacs ready to make an impact once his high school days conclude and the time comes to play at the next level.

“I’m looking forward to being with the guys, winning a bunch of games, grinding in the weight room at practice and in games and collaborating to win those close games,” Isaacs concluded. “Those are things I’m looking forward to.”