Amanda Jones selected as Grace Softball head coach

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Amanda Jones as the school's next head softball coach.

Jones comes to Grace after a successful run at Messiah University (Pa.). She served as an assistant coach at Messiah for four years, helping the Falcons to an NCAA Div. III regional championship game appearance this spring to go along with a 35-13 record.

During her time as an assistant, the Falcons averaged 30 wins per season. Messiah improved in conference play each year under Jones, including a 13-1 record in league games in 2025.

"I'd like to thank Chad Briscoe, the search committee and the administration at Grace College for providing this opportunity and for believing in my abilities to lead this program," Jones said. "I look forward to building a program that is highly competitive and glorifies God through excellent play. I'm excited to get to know the players and staff and to help guide discipleship and mentorship within our program. Our goal is to make Grace a destination spot for softball recruits. Grace is a growing institution, and I'm excited to be part of a college that deeply values athletics while holding true to the belief that you can develop Christian character while also competing at a high level. Go Lancers!"

Prior to coaching at Messiah, Jones also served as an assistant coach at Covenant College (Ga.) for three years and also coached for a year at Dallastown Area High School.

Jones graduated from Messiah in 2017 where she was a standout shortstop. She was a four-time All-Conference performer who hit .380 for her career. She racked up 218 hits with 12 homers, 124 RBIs and 62 stolen bases.

During her playing career from 2014-17, Messiah reached new heights. The team won over 80 percent of its games (142-36). The Falcons qualified for NCAA Regionals three times, including a magical run as the NCAA Div. III national runners-up in 2016 during Jones's junior campaign. Messiah posted a staggering 60-4 record in conference play during her four years (.938 winning percentage).

Jones ranks in the top-10 for the program in games started, hits, doubles, triples, homers, RBIs, runs and steals. Defensively, she leads the program in career assists and is third in double plays turned.

Upon her graduation, Jones had the chance to play in the American Softball Association (ASBA) in Alabama in 2019 as well as playing for the California Commotion in 2020 in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF).

"We are thrilled to have Amanda take the helm of our softball program at Grace College," said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. "Amanda brings a servant-leader mindset and has a strong track record of success both playing and coaching softball at a high level. Most importantly, she has a deep desire to change lives for Christ through softball. Amanda is a fantastic fit for us at Grace, and we could not be more excited to have her join our team."

Jones obtained a Bachelor's degree in health/physical education in 2017 and a Master's degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership in 2021.