Joshua Stempien '25 Recruiting Profile

My passion for baseball began for me when I was five. My dad took me to my first major league baseball game (the Detroit Tigers) when I was six and I had the thrill to run the bases. It was one of my favorite experiences. I decided then that I wanted to play baseball for as long as I possibly could. Through Little League, JV Baseball, and now Varsity Baseball, I have continued to sharpen my skills and also have made lifelong friends. College is the next challenge and hopefully the next chapter will also include baseball for me. I love being in the field, making the important plays, and helping my team. I love being part of a team that supports each other.

Success on and off the field comes with hard work. When I am on the field, practicing or playing a game, I give my all. I do the same in the classroom to keep my grades at a 3.5 or higher, despite my dyslexia and dysgraphia. I listen to my teachers and my coaches, and I am a leader on my team as well as in the classroom, providing help and encouragement when needed. I will do the same in college. 

NCAA Registration #2310131428

Here is a recommendation statement from one of my Plainwell High School baseball coaches, David Hepinstall.

It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for a student athlete I have coached in baseball for the last two spring seasons. Joshua Stempien is a hardworking and positive player; someone who you are genuinely happy to have on your team. He is a good teammate who is consistently doing the right thing in practices.

Josh earned a starting role early in the season during his freshman year for a couple of reasons. He was a solid first baseman, but his spot there was blocked by a standout sophomore first baseman who was hitting extremely well. When Josh got chances to play in the outfield, his route running and quickness stood out. He was running down fly balls his teammates were not getting to. Beyond that, it became apparent in the chances he was getting that his on base percentage was several points higher than other guys trying to earn a spot. Josh’s knowledge of the strike zone combined with his decision making was earning him several more walks. He was showing an ability to turn the lineup back to the top with runners on base.

Throughout the last 2 years of coaching Josh it has been a joy to watch his progress. He developed significantly from his freshman year to his sophomore year as an athlete. As a pitcher he added velocity to his fastball. As a hitter, he increased his contact rate. He has shown a work ethic that transcends his peers’ rate of growth from one season to the next. I am very excited to see what he contributes to the varsity team this upcoming season.

Please feel free to contact me with any follow up conversation you may regarding Joshua. You can reach me by email at david.hepinstall@plainwellschools.org or by phone at (616)218-5344. You do not want to miss the opportunity to have Josh join your team. He is an outstanding athlete and person.

Best regards,

David Hepinstall, Plainwell High School, JV Baseball Coach