Across most of Baker Athletics, graduate assistants and young coaches have become more prevalent. Jaelle Hamman, assistant men’s and women’s bowling coach, is no exception. Graduating from Mount Mercy last year, Hamman joins Casey Suchor, second-year head coach, and Tanner Eckerle, graduate assistant, in a youthful coaching staff. 

Hamman covers a wide range of duties and roles. On tournament days, “My main role is to coach our women’s team.” On the day-to-day side, Hamman helps “brainstorm practices, assignments, rosters, recruiting, and team bonding with Casey Suchor.” The assistant coach role also includes individual lessons and equipment managing.

“I know it’s hard to trust a new coach, but the experience and advice I bring to the team will, overtime, help our relationships and morale grow.” Hamman brings more than enough experience to the position. Hamman earned Second Team All-American honors for the 24/25 season at Mount Mercy and made it through 3 out of 4 rounds during the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open over the summer. Narrowly missing the 24 player cut for match play during the 4th and final qualifier.

Like Baker, Mount Mercy is in the Heart of America Conference, meaning Hamman will be coaching against the school she used to play for. “In all reality I do want to win but coming from a strong program determines me to help make this program nationally competitive as well.” Baker Men’s and Women’s teams finished last season with an RPI of 0.49 and 0.495 respectively, settling around the middle of the NAIA rankings. The RPI represents winning percentage as well as opponents strength of schedule. With a strong influx of freshman recruits, the teams expect to see a new wave of improvement and a nationally competitive team.