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Davenport University Athletics

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
Mike

Mike Gruppen

Mike Gruppen joined the DU staff in July of 2025.

He joins the DU coaching staff after spending the 2025 season as an assistant coach at Grandville Calvin Christian high school. Prior to Grandville Calvin Christian, Gruppen spent his 2024 season as the head coach at Jenison High. 

From 2021 through 2023, Gruppen served as an assistant coach at Cornerstone University, working primarily with hitters while also assisting with pitchers and catchers. During his three seasons, the offense saw year-over-year increases in home runs, runs scored, and RBIs. In 2023, the pitching staff lowered its ERA by more than a full run per game from the previous season. He also played a key role in recruiting, scouting, and game planning helping guide the program to three consecutive conference tournament appearances.

Gruppen began his coaching career in 2010 as an assistant at Grandville Calvin Christian High School. In 2012, he was elevated to head varsity coach, a role he held until departing for Cornerstone in 2021. During his tenure, he led the program to 8 conference titles, 6 district championships, 3 regional crowns, and a state runner-up finish and developed over 10 all-state players and numerous academic all-state honorees while also coaching in the 2016 MHSSCA All-Star Game receiving District and Regional Coach of the Year multiple times.

Gruppen also played men's fast pitch for over 25 years, appearing in over 20 national tournaments. During his playing career he also collected two North American Fastpitch Association “All World Team” awards.

After graduating from Holland Christian High in 1993, Gruppen attended Michigan State University, where he earned his associates degree in Agricultural Crop Production in 1995.

In his spare time, Mike can be found hunting, golfing, or watching one of his 19 nieces and nephews play sports. Mike grew up in Borculo, Michigan where he still lives and works today.